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The cyclopropane technique was validated, and it accurately estimated the lipid mass of six pond turtles (Trachemys scripta). This technique provided more accurate estimates of lipid mass and lipid-free mass (by difference) than other nonfatal techniques. This technique was accurate despite the turtles' low lipid contents (0.71-3.5% of body mass), variable water contents (65-74% of body mass), and variable body temperatures (approximately 23-31 degrees C). A computer model of the cyclopropane technique revealed that an analytical error of 1% in variables measured (e.g., body water content and body temperature) may cause errors of less than 1-6% in lipid estimates.