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We describe and discuss the population structure and activity pattern of the poorly known species Phrynops tuberosus, the Cotinga River Toad-headed Turtle, in the Banabuiú River in the semi-arid Caatinga, Ceará. Animals were captured by snorkelling between December 2011 and November 2012. We captured 134 animals (94 males, 24 females and 16 juveniles), a sex ratio of 3.92:1 males/females was found, and the population of P. tuberosus consisted mainly of medium to large sized adults. Air temperature and monthly precipitation did not influence the number of captured individuals, which was similar throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caatinga has a semiarid climate with strong seasonality and long periods of drought, which should require adaptations in the species in the region. Hence, we studied how the freshwater turtle species Phrynops tuberosus, a very water dependent animal, deals with these adversities. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of seasonality on nesting sites, hatching period and to report and discuss the use of secretive habitat by hatchlings for the freshwater turtle species P. tuberosus, from central hinterland of the state of Ceará. Data collection occurred in the Cedro water reservoir, located in Quixadá-CE, Brazil, between October 2011 and September 2012. We measured nests (n = 30) and hatchlings (n = 24) of the studied species. Nests were always found in shaded areas. Hatchlings were more abundant in the rainy season and showed cryptic behaviour. We observed that the life history traits of these animals were related to the rainy season in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]