One of ours always digs a really deep burrow and we often have trouble finding her eggs! Men have shorter torsos than women, with the upper half of the body growing to 1519 cm wide. To hatch tortoise eggs naturally, you will need to create a warm and humid environment for the eggs. Due to habitat destruction within their range, they are also found in habitats such as dry, hilly grasslands or farmland. The Hermann's tortoise is a yellow-brown, thick-scaled tortoise native to Mediterranean Europe. A Aldabra tortoise is an endemic species to the Aldabra Atoll, located in the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles. What happens to tortoise eggs if they hatch at the same time as other eggs? The number of eggs that a hermann tortoise lays can be influenced by factors such as her age, her health, and the conditions under which she is laying her eggs. Nest digging is a behavior that most species adhere to. Hermanns tortoises are almost completely herbivore (folivores), eating a variety plants, which includes dandelions, clover, strawberries, and many other plants and herbs. Turtles and Tortoises for Dummies. . 1997. The pet trade, in addition to contributing to the tortoises decline, provides a ready market for wild-caught tortoises. For tortoise pens that use lids, 2 by 3s are the best frames. Todling the egg, a candle or beam of light can be used to determine whether the egg is chalking. International Congress on Testudo Genus: 1-14. Because of its appealing appearance and adaptability, the Hermanns tortoise is a prized pet. Females in wild populations typically lay 4-8 eggs, but pet tortoises can lay up to 12 eggs. 2006. Hermann's tortoises are unique due to their divided supracaudal scute, which is a scale-like plate located on the tail end of their shell. Home range area in the tortoise Testudo hermanni in relation to habitat complexity: implications for conservation of biodiversity. whilst the Hermanns How many eggs do small turtles lay in a . In the wild, Hermann's tortoises wake up from their winter rest anywhere from March through May (depending on region) and nesting occurs from May through July. Females use a variety of visual and olfactory cues to select suitable mates, including high-pitched calls. When the temperature is between 31.5 and 33.5C, more males than females are born (85 to 90% males at 33C). Mark the top of the eggs with a soft pencil so that they are not accidentally turned later. Because turtles only lay eggs once in a year, you can expect a fairly short supply of tortoise eggs. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 36/4: 661-672. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Turtles of the World. Before you do this, however, you should attend to your tortoise. The temperature at which you incubate your eggs will affect the gender of the tortoise. Tortoises typically lay more than 1 clutch of eggs in a year, and the number of eggs laid varies by species; however, as a general rule, Mediterranean tortoises have a clutch size of two to twelve eggs on average. After laying their eggs, females leave them on their own. She will leave the nesting site very tired, and with legs shaking from the effort. At what age do Hermann tortoises breed? Olfactory cues seem to also be used in mate selection, though exactly how this works is still unknown. If you need to make an emergency supply, the Tortoise Egg Incubator is an excellent choice. This tortoise, which is one of the worlds most common captive species, is the most commonly kept tortoise. Tortoises in the wild typically live between fifty and one hundred years, but some have lived to be hundreds of years old. There is, however, no set breeding season for the majority of tortoises in captivity and egg production can take place at any time of year. A substance that provides both nutrients and energy to a living thing. The coloration of the shell varies - the western subspecies is very colorful, while the eastern subspecies is relatively dull. Hermann's tortoises are small to medium-sized tortoises from southern Europe. This tortoise, with a yellow and brown carapace, thick scales, and enormous legs, is popular for its gentle temperament and sheer beauty. Scientific name: Testudo hermanni Other names: Hermann's turtle Adult Male Size: 6 to 7.5 inches Adult Female Size: 6 to 8 inches Average Lifespan: 50 to 100 years Average Price Range: $240 to $500 Where to buy? "Testudo hermanni" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. active during the day, 2. lasting for one day. Tortoise Club members get a special banner on their posts, unlimited gallery storage space, special offers from our sponsors, upload videos, and more! Disclaimer: Many people consider eggs to be a delicacy worldwide, and they are frequently associated with wealth or power. Hermann's Tortoise on The IUCN Red List site -, Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann%27s_tortoise, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/21648/0. Similarly, tortoises that are in poor health or that are experiencing stress may also lay fewer eggs. (Burke, et al., 1989; Mazzotti, 2004; Rugiero and Luiselli, 2006), Hermann's tortoises range in size from 120 to 230 mm total length and weigh 2 to 2.5 kg. The hatchlings usually stay close by the nest until they are 4 to 5 years old, to allow for the complete development of their carapace. When she is ready, she will begin to pass the eggs. It has nothing to do with your tortoise, and you can get a new tortoise in 8 to 10 weeks. The hatching process began once the temperature was lowered and the eggs were completely dry. Ecological modelling of habitat use and the annual activity patterns in an urban population of the tortoise, Testudo hermanni. red footed tortoise yellow foot tortoise leopard tortoise for sale Sulcate tortoise for sale Baby Hermann's tortoise Indian star tortoises Burmese star tortoise Insects, worms, and other small invertebrates are their primary source of nutrition. A tortoise can only survive on a diet of vegetation and food supplements, according to information provided. If you have a tortoise that is not laying eggs, the first step is to make sure it has access to a nesting area. You can do this by using a incubator, or by making a makeshift incubator using a large container, some water, and a heat source. The smaller subspecies mature at a smaller age. Its difficult to imagine how much shock its caused when you find eggs in your enclosure. In fact, just like a chicken or a duck does - if a female tortoise doesn't find a mate and get fertilized, her eggs will appear anyway. The eggs should not be rotated, but if they happened to be turned gently in the process of retrieval, this will not adversely affect them. Galeotti, P., R. Sacchi, D. Rosa, M. Fasola. Males should be kept apart from females for mating purposes, and females should be kept together for breeding purposes only. You should make certain that your tortoise has the best possible diet if you want it to live a long time. Sulcata tortoises reach sexual maturity at approximately 5 years of age, when they reach 11-18 kg (25-40 lb). When hatching tortoise eggs, it is critical to monitor the incubation process. . Prey can attack young turtles until their shell hardens and becomes fully developed at the age of 6-8 years old. To make sure that the pencils top is completely enclosed, make an even line along its entire length. They prefer to lay their eggs on a slope, rather than a sandy substrate. They are an endemic species in southern Europe and are members of the Testudo genus. I had provided a lot of calcium to this tortoise over the few months I had her. Make certain that your pet is fed an excellent tortoise food high in calcium and vitamin D3. Temperature. With dry, mild temperatures, the Balearic climate is ideal for sunbathing on Mallorca, which was the warmest month in August. living in landscapes dominated by human agriculture. Contributor Galleries They are generally friendly and easy to care for, and they can live for up to 50 years. The Angonoka tortoise is a rare species that is only found in a few hundred specimens in the wild. Tortoises are a great pet for people of all ages. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Sex can be identified in juveniles by the combination of a number of subtle differences in the shapes of the tail, carapace, plastron and anal scutes. Please see the TPG article on setting up the incubator and hopefully in a few months time you will have some new healthy tortoise hatchlings. Bonin, F., B. Devaux, A. Dupre. They can mix easily with humans and it is easy to learn about their habits. (Burke, et al., 1989; Eendebak, 2001; Galeotti, et al., 2007; Girling, 2002; Mafli, et al., 2011), For Hermann's tortoise eggs to be able to develop and hatch successfully, the temperature must stay in the range of 23 to 34C, and mortalty rates are still quite high at the extreme ends of this range. Others lay up to 30. However, it is generally recommended that Hermann tortoises be at least 5-10 years old before breeding, as this gives them a better chance of producing healthy offspring. what age do hermann tortoises lay eggsadvanced clinical glassdoor. For egg incubation of tortoises, the temperature should ideally be 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Reptile City is the perfect place for reptile enthusiasts of all levels of interest and expertise. You can buy a baby tortoise for an average of 50. Fire and grazing are important in the long-term maintenance of grasslands. In the early stages, the offspring may require care because the parents do not take care of them. If a female accepts the male's call, the male will be allowed to mount the female and mate. When captive breeding occurs in a country where the animals are not indigenous, it appears to be a conflict of interests. Overall, potential hermann tortoise owners should not be too concerned about the exact number of eggs their tortoise will lay. Soil temperature directly determines the sex of the hatchling. During the winter, Hermann's tortoises hibernate, returning to activity in late February. There are no known adverse effects of Hermann's tortoises on humans. A pretty decent indicator of impending sexual maturity is carapace length. It has also made its home on several islands in the Mediterranean, the Balearics, Sardinia, Sicily and Corsica among them. You are using an out of date browser. Populations have declined due to construction, poaching, wildfires, and herbicides. A database of vertebrate longevity records and their relation to other life-history traits.. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 22/8: 1770-1774. A tortoises average life expectancy is 60-70 years, but some have lived to be more than 100 years old. You will then need to maintain the temperature and humidity levels inside the incubator, and wait for the eggs to hatch. Make sure to collect your eggs as soon as possible so that they do not become prey to predators. If you are thinking of selling them, please give some thought as to how you will find a suitable new owner who can meet the captive tortoise's needs for long-term care, and think about the advice and support you will need to offer. How can you tell if a Hermann tortoise is male or female? Mafli, A., K. Wakamatsu, A. Roulin. The conditions under which the tortoise is laying her eggs can also impact the number of eggs she produces. If a tortoise is suffering from severe calcium deficiency, she may eat her own eggs at times. However, adult Hermann's tortoises are prey to very few natural predators. Two longitudinal black stripes separated by a line along the middle line of the plastron. Female birds cover eggs with their hind legs after laying them. When hatchlings are not fed by their father, they will struggle to grow. Others have the ability to lay down up to 30kg. This species has an average adult size of six to eight inches. peoria, il crime rate 2021; business drivers goals, objectives In contrast, tropical tortoises such as Leopard tortoises can produce on average between 6-20 eggs or more each month for up to approximately 7 months of the year. When hatching, a tortoises rate of success is directly related to the temperature at which it incubated. The eggs of T. h. hermanni, also known as Majorca, are more sensitive to heat and dampness than those of other western Hermanns tortoise strains. A tortoise has good all-round vision as well as an excellent sense of smell. Generally speaking, younger hermann tortoises will lay fewer eggs than older tortoises. Such signals are also used in reproduction. I am Romero Esposito, and I am passionate about reptiles. A large, thick scute is visible on these gentle giants yellow to brown shells. Hermanns tortoises typically have between 2 and 12 babies at a time. By continuously monitoring and inspecting tortoises, you can keep them safe from injuries and isolate them. It is possible for them to do so. If a tortoise is about to lay eggs, it is also showing the same signs of labor as a woman. RANCHOFEOXTICPETS PROUDLY BREEDS OVER 25 TYPES OF TORTOISE. The Pancake tortoise is an endemic species in East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania. Female tortoises lay a clutch of eggs during this time period, without getting into a sexual relationship with a male tortoise. The eggs of Testudo hermanni boettgeri (the eastern or balkan turtle) are typically 6-10 inches long, though it is possible that some species can lay between 10 and 15 eggs. They are also required to survive in addition to a tortoises diet. See also Tropical savanna and grassland biome. Here are some suggestions for caring for tortoise hatchlings. According to some old wives stories, the growth rings around scutes do not measure a persons age. Female tortoises lay their eggs without mating in general, but there is much debate over whether or not this happens in many cases. Animal Conservation, 10/3: 360-368. In otherwords, Europe and Asia and northern Africa. Female tortoises often have more than one clutch of eggs, so will use different burrows for each clutch. Hermann's Tortoise Wikipedia article -, 2. The average clutch size of hermann tortoises is six eggs, but this number can vary greatly depending on the individual. Q/86614733CapilanoGPACapilano University, Q/86614733UFVGPAUniversity of the Fraser Valley. The Marginated Tortoise is distinguished by its distinct oblong shells with yellow markings. The dimensions of the clutch are listed below. The nest is a carefully constructed bell-shaped chamber, several inches deep. The size of the home ranges may be limited due to habitat loss. 2011. Some of their predators are magpies, wild . It is possible for them to do so. As a tortoise matures and its shell hardens, the risk of predation decreases. If the eggs are successfully fertilized by the male tortoise, it is estimated that the eggs will hatch within 70-100 days. Females and males both have multiple mates. As a result, tortoises like to stay safely grounded and not be handled. There are a number of reasons why people might want to breed tortoises in captivity. What is the age of sexual maturity in tortoises? Lavender, L. 2012. For maximum success, the top soil should be clean, with coconut coir or peat moss mixed in, and a layer of cypress mulch on top. chemicals released into air or water that are detected by and responded to by other animals of the same species. In captivity sexual maturity can be achieved from approximately 4 or 5 years of age in some tortoises. The tortoise will cut through the egg before sitting inside for the duration of its hatch. Females of both subspecies have been observed raising their nests in triple clutch situations during the same season. Can turtles lay eggs without fertilization? They also eat smaller amounts of snails, earthworms, slugs and insects, and sometimes carrion from rabbits, lizards and amphibians, or even feces. (de Magalhaes and Costa, 2009), Hermann's tortoises hibernate during the winter and become active again in late February. Tortoise Protection Group 2008. It is critical to understand that the first steps toward a healthy egg are those of a healthy parent. Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni ) is a species of tortoise. Tortoises require a variety of climates. It has been proven that it may take up to three weeks for a hatchling from the same clutch to emerge safely, and that turtles do not hatch at the same time. The mind of the eastern race is yellowish behind the eyes, and divided, faded markings are scattered throughout the underbelly. Place these temperatures inside an enclosure. Males also compete to mate with females by biting the female's legs, but are not as aggressive as other species of tortoises. They are active in the daytime, and may, if necessary, be dormant for long periods in summer months. at http://www.amasquefa.com/uploads/105624.pdf. These simple guidelines can aid in the reproduction of healthy tortoise eggs, as well as the development of hatchlings that can reproduce successfully. Males can typically grow to be about 5 inches tall, and females can grow to be about 6 inches tall in the Western subspecies. by Romero Esposito | Nov 25, 2022 | Turtles. It is most likely that a tortoise lays eggs in the late summer. The first is to make sure that both the male and female are healthy and of good size. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 83/10: 1306-1313. Around midday, when the sun is too hot for them, they return to their shelters. The female tortoise laid two clutches of eggs between early May and mid-July, and the incubation period is between 90 and 120 days, depending on the temperature of the nest. Given the number of babies that may hatch, have you thought about what their long term future will be? Eggs, unlike most fruits and vegetables, are hard-shelled, oblong, dull white, and have ping-pong-sized shells. Adult males are larger and have more pronounced gulars than females. A Hermann's tortoise communicates through a range of visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory signals. She has been through several hours of hard labour, and should be bathed to encourage her to drink and replace lost fluids, kept warm, and offered food. The possibility of captive species living to 100 years old is quite remote, but tracking and dating have not yet been completed. Bartlett, R., P. Bartlett, M. Earle-Bridges. In terms of reproducing, male sulcata tortoises reach sexual maturity at around 5-7 years old and females at 8-10 years old. Melanin-based coloration predicts aggressiveness and boldness in captive eastern Hermann's tortoises. chernobyl 1986 deaths; 2014 honda accord rim size; edexcel results day january 2021; interjection powerpoint; noodle bowl with chopsticks walmart; lca seating chart for concerts; what does sea anemone taste like Reintroduction programs have been implemented in an attempt to stabilize existing populations. The incubation period is usually 90 days, and eggs hatch in mid-August or September. Hermann's tortoises breed in February after the winter hibernation. The head is sleek and has a pointed snout, and each eye has a yellow spot behind it. When it comes to where their eggs are laid, tortoises are extremely picky. A double membrane surrounding the egg shells inner surface is formed by the wall of the allantois, and the blood vessels that line the inner surface act as lungs. Tortoises often prefer to dig their nests in the afternoon or early evening. Secondly, do sulcata tortoises lay eggs? Tortois with hinge-back shells have a 90 degree hinged section in the back to help protect their legs from being broken. There is no one answer to this question as different tortoise species have different breeding requirements. But it appears that it may be a cross between a Northern Mediterranean Ibera and one of the Middle Eastern Greek subspecies. The best habitat for the Hermanns tortoise, like that of many other tortoise species, is in the open. Breeding tortoises can take a long time, and success is not guaranteed. Additional support has come from the Marisla Foundation, UM College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Museum of Zoology, and Information and Technology Services. April 24, 2012 The 7 yr old female then had her first clutch of eggs ever about 4-6 weeks later. While it seems to prefer evergreen Mediterranean oak forest, this forest in great part has disappeared, so it now also inhabits dry meadows, rocky slopes, arid hillsides, and farmland. The number of eggs in a single "clutch" is variable both within and between species. the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic. (Bartlett, et al., 2006; Bonin, et al., 2006; Eendebak, 2001), There is no parental investment in this species once eggs have been laid. Tortoises in the wild have increased mating activity in the spring, after hibernation, but they do not do so until the end of summer. . Galeotti, P., R. Sacchi, M. Fasola, D. Rosa, M. Marchesi, D. Ballasina. . In the same way that a chicken or duck lays eggs if they dont find a mate, a female tortoise will lay eggs if she cant find a mate. Hermann's tortoises are also used for food in some Asian countries. Longepierre, S., A. Hailey, C. Grenot. It is then forced into the urogenital sinus and the CLOACA before being flushed out through the vent. 91,683. For Hermann's tortoise eggs to be able to develop and hatch successfully, the temperature must stay in the range of 23 to 34C, and mortalty rates are still quite high at the extreme ends of this range. When your tortoises are between 15 and 20 months old, provide them with a healthy diet, calcium, and UVB lighting, and make sure they mate when they are. As a result, the tortoises natural predator, the hawk, devours its young. If your tortoise unexpectedly laid eggs, the first thing you should do is ensure they are fertile before embarking on incubation. As long as the tortoise is healthy and is laid under good conditions, she will likely produce a good number of eggs. The eggs should be incubated at a temperature of 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Become a supporting member today! Mazzotti, S., A. Pisapia, M. Fasola. A high number of eggs appear to cause infertility in an extremely high percentage of cases. The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. The female will usually lay her eggs within a few weeks. Here some pictures of my Hermanns and some of the Greek one!!! Tortoise eggs have enough yolk to nourish their developing embryo during its development. Today, there is a very rare genetic pure western Hermanns tortoise. In addition to being taller than the western subspecies, the eastern subspecies can grow to be 11 inches long at 28 centimeters in length. It begins in earnest in the autumn for African spurred tortoises. Because of tortoises slow metabolism, they do not consume as much food as other animals, allowing them to consume more energy. Hermanns tortoises, are found along the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in western Europe, ranging from Romania and Greece to southern Spain. The female may dig several trial nests and finally will deposit on average between 5- 10 oval or round-shaped eggs. The Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides! having markings, coloration, shapes, or other features that cause an animal to be camouflaged in its natural environment; being difficult to see or otherwise detect. A male will also compete to mate by biting the kegs of the female, but not so aggressively as other tortoise species. Hatching tortoise eggs are usually whitish in color, with a small white spot gradually becoming larger as the eggs are chalked. Burmas star tortoise, a species endemic to Myanmar, is on the verge of extinction. Neiffer, D., D. Lydick, K. Burks, D. Doherty. There are two subspecies, the eastern Hermanns tortoise and the western Hermanns tortoise. Taxon Information Our website offers a wealth of information on all things reptilian, from care and husbandry tips to in-depth articles on the natural history of these amazing creatures. The male adult reaches a height of about 7 inches, and the female reaches an adult height of about 7 inches or two inches. She will normally choose a sunny location situated on a well drained slope of soft soil and will position herself with her back to the sun to ensure she gains maximum exposure to the heat, with her head uppermost, and her front legs securely anchored so that she doesnt slip backwards. Females with 4 claws on their front limbs are 4 times as likely to have offspring with the same number of claws. Burke, R., IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, P. Harpel-Burke. After about 2-3 months, the baby tortoises will hatch. Males reach a peak in sexual activity immediately following emergence from their hibernaculums and again several weeks prior to cooling down for the winter ahead of them. Another unique feature of Hermann's tortoises is a horny scale located on the tail. Some species only lay a single egg. Make certain that they have a safe, secure environment and that enough light and heat are provided. American tortoises are the official reptile of four states, as well as the slow-moving, plodding land animal. The even larger Sulcata tortoise can lay between 15-30 eggs per clutch 2-5 times per year. Why or why not? The average Hermann's tortoise size actually varies based on the subspecies. They can be kept in a terrarium or vivarium until they are old enough to be put in their own enclosure. (Jacobson, 1994). Do sulcata tortoises lay eggs without mating? Please note that tropical tortoises do grow very large, and as they need heat throughout the year they are expensive to maintain. and across multiple seasons (or other periods hospitable to reproduction). Tortoises kept as pets, on the other hand, have much shorter lives due to the lack of predators and parasites as well as the availability of food and water. 2020 Regents of the University of Michigan. I have been keeping reptiles as pets for over 20 years, and I have also worked with reptiles in zoos and nature centers. Once the gravid tortoise is happy with the nest she has dug, she will rest briefly, suspended over the hole, with her hind legs extended. Some tortoises can reach sexual maturity between the ages of four and five in captivity. Can tortoises and turtles lay eggs without mating? These tortoises are native to parts of Europe and North Africa, and they get their name from the German zoologist Johann Hermann. This includes regular vet check-ups and quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of disease. However, this does not necessarily mean that they will begin laying eggs at this age. (Bonin, et al., 2006; Palika, 2006), Hermann's tortoises prey on small mollusks and insects, and newly hatched young are preyed on by a number of different species. Once you have done this, you can then proceed to recover the eggs. There are a few things to consider before breeding hermann tortoises. April 24, 2012 In the long run, women perform better than men in general. In this case, they may need to be moved to another location if they do not have an adequate place to lay their eggs. Tortoises of the gogo family have dark brown to gray shells and are frequently not clearly distinguished. After all of the eggs are laid, the female tortoise returns to the nest briefly before refilling it. If you want to learn more about each type of tortoise, click on the image or title below. Typically, the male bobs his head at the female and nips at her front legs and the front edges of her shell. A female tortoise will usually lay two to 12 eggs at a time. A small breeding group will live in an outdoor enclosure that measures at least 16 by 8 feet and 2 feet tall. If you are unsure about what specific requirements your tortoise species has for breeding, it is best to consult with a reptile veterinarian or breeder. Tortoises in a pet setting generally live for about 25 years on average. During the nesting season, a female Hermanns tortoise lays two to twelve eggs and incubates them for 90 days. Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni): Current distribution in Italy and ecological data on a population from the north Adriatic coast (Reptilia, Testudinidae). In the tortoises case, she will dig a four-inch-deep shoe-shaped hole with her hind legs. Please note that if a suitable nesting site isnt naturally available, then the tortoise keeper must ensure that a suitable one is constructed, otherwise there is the possibility that if the tortoise cannot find anywhere suitable to lay her eggsshe may retain them - a potentially dangerous life threatening condition. It is possible to construct a retaining wall for the pen with a variety of materials. (Mazzotti, et al., 2002), Hermann's tortoises communicate through a variety of visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile signals. Once she is in position, she will commence digging with her hind legs, using large circular movements in an outwards direction. Even if a female tortoise does not find a mate or becomes fertilized, her eggs will hatch. There are a few things to keep in mind when breeding tortoises in captivity. Biological Conservation, 79/2-3: 251-256. Females in my collection may become aggressive toward you or another tortoise around their nests in varying degrees if they are approached by you or another tortoise. She will do this once again using her hind legs, but this time using circular inwards motions, replacing the soil she has previously excavated. One of the most common questions that potential tortoise owners have is how many eggs do hermann tortoises lay? The answer to this question can vary somewhat, as hermann tortoises can lay anywhere from 1-20 eggs per clutch (with the average being around 6-8 eggs). It is a good idea to get it up and running as soon as you suspect your tortoise is gravid, but if your tortoise takes you by surprise, a slightly lower temperature for the first couple of days of incubation is unlikely to do any harm.

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