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Freshwater turtles are often used as terrarium pets, especially juveniles of exotic species. At the adult stage they are often released by their owners into the wild despite their high invasion potential. In Europe these thermophilic potentially invasive alien species occupy the habitats of the native European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758), with new records from the wild being made specifically in Eastern Europe (Latvia and Ukraine) during recent decades. Assessing the potential of alien freshwater turtles to establish in new territories is of great concern for preventing invasion risks while preserving native biodiversity in the present context of climate change. We explored this issue by identifying the present and future (by 2050) suitable habitats of the European pond turtle and several potentially invasive alien species of freshwater turtle already settled in Europe, using a geographic information system (GIS) modelling approach based on datasets from CliMond for climate, Near-global environmental information (NGEI) for freshwater ecosystems (EarthEnv) and Maxent modelling using open-access databases, data from the literature and original field data. Modelling was performed for seven species of alien freshwater turtles occurring from the extreme northern to southern borders of the European range of E. orbicularis: the pond slider Trachemys scripta (Thunberg and Schoepff, 1792), the river cooter Pseudemys concinna (Le Conte, 1830), the Florida red-bellied cooter Pseudemys nelsoni (Carr, 1938), the false map turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica (Gray, 1831), the Chinese softshell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis (Wiegmann, 1835), the Caspian turtle Mauremys caspica (Gmelin, 1774) and the Balkan terrapin Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833). In Ukraine, the most Eastern limit of E. orbicularis distribution, were previously reported northern American originated T. scripta, M. rivulata, M. caspica, whereas in Latvia, Emys' most northern limit, were additionally reported P. concinna, P. nelsoni, G. pseudogeographica and Asia originated P. sinensis. The resulting Species Distribution Models (SDM) were of excellent performance (AUC > 0.8). Of these alien species, the most potentially successful in terms of range expansion throughout Europe were T. scripta (34.3% of potential range expansion), G. pseudogeographica (24.1%), and M. caspica (8.9%) and M. rivulata (4.3%) mainly in Eastern Europe, especially in the south of Ukraine (Odesa, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia regions, and Crimean Peninsula). Correlation between the built SDMs for the native E. orbicularis and the invasive alien T. scripta was reliably high, confirming the highly likely competition between these two species in places they cooccur. Moreover, a Multiple Regression Analysis revealed that by 2050, in most of Europe (from the western countries to Ukraine), the territory overlap between E. orbicularis and potentially invasive alien species of freshwater turtles will increase by 1.2 times, confirming higher competition in the future. Importantly, by 2050, Eastern Europe and Ukraine are predicted to be the areas with most suitable habitats for the European pond turtle yet with most limited overlap with the invasive alien species. We conclude that Eastern Europe and Ukraine are the most relevant priority conservation areas for the European pond turtle where it is now necessary to take protective measures to ensure safe habitat for this native species on the long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite suffering dramatic declines due to habitat loss and overexploitation, tortoises and freshwater turtles in Southeast Asia remain understudied. Sustainable forest management offers a promising approach for advancing the conservation of threatened turtle populations. This study examines the effect of reduced impact logging (RIL), a sustainable forestry method, on 2 freshwater turtle species. We examined detectability patterns and habitat relationships for the threatened Malayan flat‐shelled turtle (Notochelys platynota) and the non‐threatened Malayan soft‐shelled turtle (Dogania subplana) in 8 streams within a commercial forest reserve between March and July 2019, in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Using single‐species occupancy models, we identified covariates associated with the detection and occupancy probabilities of these species across a post‐harvest recovery gradient (1–21 years since logging). Covariates used in the models were obtained directly from the field or from open‐source remote sensing data. Results for soft‐shelled turtles were inconclusive. In contrast, we found a negative association between monthly rainfall and flat‐shelled turtle detectability. The occupancy probability of flat‐shelled turtles was positively associated with greater distance from logging roads and higher stream flow accumulation. Occupancy probability for flat‐shelled turtles and soft‐shelled turtles was relatively high throughout the reserve (0.79 ± 0.1 [SD] and 0.57 ± 0.22, respectively). These results, suggest that appropriately managed forests, could serve as invaluable conservation areas for imperiled freshwater turtle species in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation decisions are often based on population models that rely on underlying assumptions made about species' demographic parameters. The Rio Grande Cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi) is a conservation-dependent riverine turtle, but our understanding of its population dynamics has been limited due to the absence of long-term surveys. We used mark-recapture data collected between 2016 and 2022 from the Black River, New Mexico, USA, to evaluate P. gorzugi somatic growth parameters. Females reached larger maximum size than males but exhibited a slower growth rate. We observed only a slight difference in maximum length and Brody growth coefficient of turtles from different locations, but the growth coefficients were overall significantly lower than any other Pseudemys species. Turtles on the Black River represent the northernmost robust population of P. gorzugi. In light of the intense human use of the river and riparian areas coupled with the impacts of climate change, it is imperative to maintain commitment to conservation efforts to resist population declines given the slow somatic growth rate of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turtle species in the Family Podocnemididae, including the Colombian endemic and critically endangered Magdalena River Turtle Podocnemis lewyana, characteristically present low recapture rates that preclude estimation of population parameters using maximum likelihood modeling. In our 12-year monitoring project with this species, we evaluated changes in relative abundances, proportions of sex/size classes, and individual body sizes and body conditions in a population in four channels in the middle Magdalena River drainage. We also inspected for associations between trends in changes in these variables and differences in hunting pressure and habitat degradation. To inspect for temporal and spatial demographic dynamics, we estimated variation in relative abundances using the Catch Per Unit Effort index, the total number of turtles captured over an entire 5-day sampling period using ten baited funnel traps. Relative abundances and the proportions of sex/size classes were different between sites and years. We found a significant decline in the proportion of females and juveniles over time, along with evidence that the females still present were smaller in body size. Our results support the hypothesis that hunting eliminates adult females from these sites, perhaps also translating into a reduction in recruitment. The lack of evidence of generalized declines in body condition of all size classes suggests that habitat degradation might contribute less to the population declines in this region. Our results also illustrate that even when recapture rates are low, monitoring turtles via standardized trapping may yield insights into the population's conservation status that other relative abundance indices cannot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species are one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss. During demographic monitoring of native turtle species in northeast Spain, we captured several alien species of semi-aquatic turtles, including Mauremys mutica. Among them, four individuals of this latter species showed external characteristics that were not fully consistent with the diagnosis of this species. These individuals showed a smaller postocular stripe and 2-3 lateral cervical lines and the typical plastral pattern observed in Mauremys leprosa. The analysis of mitochondrial DNA indicated that the maternal lineage was unequivocally M. mutica (pure or hybrid), but nuclear DNA revealed a heterozygote position at the C-mos gene, matching sequences for this gene in GenBank from both M. leprosa and M. mutica. These results highlight the negative impact of alien turtles, which can genetically contaminate vulnerable native turtle populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a debilitating tumoral disease affecting sea turtles worldwide. While mainly afflicting immature individuals and potentially altering vital functions, the precise impact of this panzootic on turtle health and survival remains unclear. Moreover, the etiological factors implicated in the FP emergence, development and transmission are not yet definitively identified. Among them, an infection by a spreading herpesvirus and the contamination by pollutants (either organic pollutants and trace elements) are suspected. Here, we provide an overview of discoveries, knowledge and propose hypotheses related to FP within five key FP research areas, i.e., virology studies, transmission studies, contamination studies, host genomic studies, and veterinary treatment assays. Moreover, we recommend urgent research avenues to develop at the interface of virology, epidemiology, ecotoxicology, oncology, physiology, immunology, cellular and evolutionary biology, in order to characterize the dynamics of FP and to predict its consequences on sea turtle populations. Importantly, extending the implementation and development of strong collaborations between rehabilitation centers, field biologists and research laboratories at large geographical scale is required to rapidly increase our knowledge on FP and work towards its effective management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization is a significant driver of the global biodiversity crisis. Turtles are particularly impacted by urbanization because of the vulnerability of riparian habitats to habitat loss and road mortality. Behaviour plays a crucial role in determining the success of urban animals. Behavioural responses to urbanization, however, are rarely studied in turtles even though many turtles are at‐risk and sometimes live in urban areas. Therefore, we evaluated behavioural changes in painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) living in wetlands surrounded by a gradient of urbanization. We tested the consistency of painted turtle behaviour in the laboratory and examined the behaviour of painted turtles from 24 wetland sites across an urbanization gradient in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We assessed: (i) aggression by measuring the number of active defensive behaviours the turtles performed in response to handling, (ii) boldness by measuring the amount of time the turtles took to emerge from their shells and move from their initial locations in a circular arena and (iii) activity by measuring the amount of time the turtles spent moving in the same circular arena. We found that all behaviours were consistent in the laboratory. We also found that as the level of urbanization increased, turtles were more aggressive and bolder. Urbanization affects painted turtle behaviour, but further research is required to understand the mechanisms responsible and the conservation implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many freshwater turtles in the United States are considered species of greatest conservation need in the states in which they occur, including turtles in the genus Graptemys (map turtles and sawbacks). However, basic life-history information is still lacking for many Graptemys species, particularly details about their movements, home range, and habitat use. The objective of this study was to describe linear activity area (LAA) and basking-site fidelity for 2 federally threatened Graptemys species in Mississippi (Graptemysflavimaculata, Graptemys oculifera) via capture–mark–recapture events. For G. flavimaculata, 97 individuals (30 female, 67 male) were recaptured during the study at 3 sites. Mean LAA for females (138 ± 293 m; 0–1489 m) and males (308 ± 637 m; 0–3773 m) was statistically similar, but turtle LAAs from 2 upstream sites were longer than LAAs from a downstream site. The maximum single movement was 2877 m by a male; alternatively, many males and females were recaptured at the same basking log across multiple years. For G. oculifera, 28 individuals (14 female, 14 male) were recaptured during the study at 1 site and mean LAAs were statistically similar for females (130 ± 206 m; 4.6–747 m) and males (231 ± 357 m; 0–1310 m). Differences in LAAs among sites for G.flavimaculata may be associated with habitat differences observed among the sites (i.e., river size, hydrology, position on river continuum) or associated with different turtle densities. Basking-site fidelity appears to be strong in both species and is likely driven by deadwood persistence time and/or sexually divergent preferences in basking sites. Additional movement ecology studies are needed for Graptemys species to determine how differences in habitat, turtle densities, and deadwood interact to influence linear home ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first range-wide population viability model for the northwestern and southwestern pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata and Actinemys pallida, respectively), a stage-based population projection matrix was assembled with 3 life stages: hatchling, juvenile, and adult. Vital rates were defined using biologically appropriate statistical distributions, with additional parametric uncertainty included for the adult survival parameter. A triple-loop stochastic simulation model was built around a population viability analysis to project pond turtle populations into the future. Initial abundance was calculated using available historical presence data and remotely sensed landscape condition metrics. A negative binomial regression was used to predict the relationship between abundance, habitat area, and human modification. Populations of pond turtles are dominated by adult individuals, so we applied a nonstable stage distribution to initial abundance values. Initial abundances of analysis units were variable across the species' ranges, but all populations declined precipitously in the population projections. By the end of the century, the mean range-wide probability of extinction was 44.3% for the northwestern species and 57.8% for the southwestern species. Consistent with other long-lived chelonian species, population growth rate was most sensitive to adult survival, indicating that where possible, conservation efforts focusing on increasing or maintaining adult survival would benefit the species. Elasticity analysis indicated a bet-hedging life history strategy where long-term reproductive output is maximized through longevity, small clutches, and frequent reproductive bouts in the face of highly variable juvenile survival. The population dynamics presented here indicate that efforts to bolster adult survival would be most beneficial in terms of long-term population viability, which can inform targeted research and management. The feasibility of such efforts is an important consideration in conservation management for these long-lived species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding which factors make an individual susceptible to parasitism provides insight on how a parasite infects a host. Numerous factors such as habitat characteristics, body size, and sex have shown differential impacts on parasitism rates. Trends in parasitism rate often exist for similar taxonomic groups, so expanding research to new species helps test the robustness of such trends. A chelonian-specific ectoparasite, Cistudinomyia cistudinis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), has been documented in case studies dating back a century. Almost all reports of infection by this flesh fly are of a single or few turtles, so there is a lack of information regarding the population dynamics of infection. This lack of information means little is known about which factors make a turtle more or less likely to be parasitized. In this work, we compared the occurrences of parasitism in ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) populations across multiple seasons from 2 different habitats in northeastern Kansas (North Topeka and Lawrence). At the population level, we found a significantly higher number of parasitized turtles in the Lawrence population. Within the Lawrence population, we found females were more likely to be parasitized. This study sets baseline infection rates for a long-lived vertebrate host that can help better understand the reasons for parasitism both among and within populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Euphrates soft-shell turtle Rafetus euphraticus is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and is thought to have recently undergone large population declines. Species information in Iraq is limited to a few rapid surveys with little detailed information on its breeding and distribution. Turtles have been recorded inside the water by setting nets in certain areas in the Central Marshes. Morphometric measurements were recorded in Euphrates soft-shelled turtles Rafetus euphraticus, sampled in the Central Marshes. According to nine morphometric ratios, the populations of R. euphraticus in the Central Marshes are smaller in size than previous specimens that have been recorded in neighboring countries. The carapaces length (CL) rang for current study was 70 to 560 mm, whereas it was 187 to 680 mm according to a previous study. The carapaces width (CW) rang for the current study was 63 to 420 mm, while in a previous study it was recorded to be 152 to 465 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in personality among conspecific animals can be found both among and within populations. Spatially varying ecological factors can lead to differences in average behaviors among populations, but can also influence the amount of variation that occurs among individuals within populations. Few studies have evaluated how the amount of variation among individuals differs among populations, and studies of interpopulation variation in personality in general often use only a low number of study populations. We tested for variation in the mean and variance in boldness across ten widely dispersed populations of Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), a declining species with high repeatability for boldness. Using standardized assays conducted in the field, we found that mean boldness did not vary significantly across populations. At the individual level, temperature, sex, and potentially the amount of human-developed land near turtles influenced mean boldness. In contrast, after correcting for covariates that influence individual boldness levels, we found that populations differed significantly in the amount of variation in boldness among individuals. These findings add to our understanding of spatial variation in personality in general and suggest future directions to evaluate the importance of this diversity within T. c. carolina and similar model systems. Significance: Animal personality is a rapidly growing focus of behavioral ecology and increasingly is found to play a significant role in ecological processes. This study builds upon a growing body of literature on the declining reptile species Terrapene carolina carolina (the eastern box turtle) that shows highly consistent personality traits with probable fitness effects. We used this productive study system to show that spatial variation in ecological interactions has not led to divergence among populations in their average boldness, but that some populations have higher levels of variability among individuals. Furthermore, we highlight sex differences in boldness and a potential role for anthropogenic land use change in shaping boldness of T. c. carolina populations. These findings add to the growing body of literature on animal personality and explore the less commonly discussed phenomena of the absence of among-population variation in personality and the potential importance of levels of behavioral diversity within populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted through semi-structured interviews, involving 38 local fishermen of three villages in the Gangani region along Shilabati River in West Bengal, India. The survey revealed that three threatened species of turtles--Nilssonia gangetica, Nilssonia hurum, and Lissemys punctata--were clandestinely harvested by the riverine communities. These species are also being documented for the first time from this area, popularly called Jangal Mahal. N. gangetica was the most commonly harvested species, followed by L. punctata and N. hurum, mostly for consumption, local sale, and as traditional medicine. The most frequently used method for capturing turtles was the 'multiple hook bait'; exclusively practiced by adult males of the fisher community, usually belonging to the age group 21-40 years, between February and June. The study indicated that the respondents knew that harvesting of turtles was clandestine, yet they continued to do so as their traditional right, as they believed minor catches will not harm local turtle populations. It is assumed that N. hurum, which is an endangered species, is already rare and on the brink of local extinction, whereas other two species are coping with the harvest in the specialized riparian habitat and adjacent ponds. In this study the harvesting of threatened turtle species was ardently associated with the socio-cultural customs rather than an economic compulsion but to check rising threat to these species, the uncontrolled harvest needs to be addressed urgently as a high priority conservation issue. This requires further explorations on the ecology of turtles, initiatives by enforcement agencies, and utilizing the inherent knowledge of indigenous people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to report the morphometric and hematological indices and genotoxicity of a free-life population of D'Orbigny's slider turtles (Trachemys dorbigni) living in an urban area in Southern Brazil. For that, 16 specimens were randomly captured in an urban canal that receives irregular releases of wastewater. Biometrics and external visual changes were analyzed, such as turtle shell deformities, and the presence of parasites. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the hematological profile and the presence of micronuclei and other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities as potential mutagenic and genotoxic effects. Water physicochemical parameters were also measured. Organisms with ectoparasites (31.25%) and small carapace deformations (56.25%) were observed, but maximum carapace length and weight were considered normal for the species according to the literature. The blood profile indicated low hemoglobin and hematocrit and a high number of total leukocytes, particularly eosinophils which characterize parasitic infections. A frequency of 0.12% for the micronucleus was considered basal, but the frequency of other erythrocyte abnormalities was evident, mainly of blebbed nuclei (63.79%), indicating chromosomal damage in the early stage. The results of this study suggest that natural populations of chelonian inhabiting urbanized areas are impacted by anthropogenic activities in the surrounding environment. Furthermore, it provides comprehensive data which can serve as a comparative model for environmental monitoring studies involving turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Chengyuchelys latimarginalis (Xinjiangchelyidae) specimen is reported based on a well-preserved, nearly complete shell from the upper part of the Upper Jurassic Shangshaximiao Formation of Qijiang District, Chongqing Municipality, China. The Xinjiangchelyidae were widely distributed in Asia during the Jurassic and were the dominant turtle group in Asian freshwater ecosystems during the Late Jurassic. The Qijiang specimen adds a new element to the yet poorly known freshwater vertebrate fauna and extends the geographical distribution of C. latimarginalis. This paper discusses the intraspecific variation in C. latimarginalis for the first time. It provides a new insight for studying the evolution, habitat, and diversity of xinjiangchelyids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Microbiome composition is increasingly considered in species reintroduction efforts and may influence survival and reproductive success. Many turtle species are threatened by anthropogenic pressures and are frequently raised in captivity for reintroduction efforts, yet little is known about turtle microbiome composition in either wild or captive settings. Here, we investigated trends in microbiome composition of captive and wild IUCN-endangered Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii). Methods and results We amplified and sequenced the V4 region of the 16S rDNA locus from plastron, cloaca, and water samples of wild E. blandingii adults and two populations of captive E. blandingii juveniles being raised for headstarting. Plastron, cloaca, and water-associated microbiomes differed strongly from each other and were highly variable among captive sites and between captive and wild sites. Across plastron, cloaca, and water-associated microbial communities, microbial diversity changed over time, but not in a predictable direction between captive sites. Plastron beta diversity correlated with growth rate in captive samples, indicating that external microbiomes may correlate with individual fitness. Conclusions Our results indicate that external and internal microbiomes vary between captive and wild turtles and may reflect differences in fitness of captive-raised individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Critically Endangered Cantor's giant softshell turtle Pelochelys cantorii is a freshwater turtle found in South and Southeast Asia. Its population is declining because of habitat destruction and alteration, and hunting for its meat. Data on the species' ecology, behaviour, population size, distribution and threats are limited, and previous surveys undertaken in India have failed to detect individuals in the wild. This lack of data hinders strategic conservation planning. Ecologists and conservationists increasingly utilize local ecological knowledge to determine the status and gain insights into the ecology of threatened and rare species that are difficult to detect in field studies. To examine the historical and current occurrence of Cantor's giant softshell turtle, we conducted community interviews along the Chandragiri River in Kerala, India. With data from these interviews, we identified multiple sites where the species continues to occur. Older respondents and those that used the river for fishing and irrigation were more likely to report sightings of the species. Our findings also improved knowledge about the turtles' seasonal and diel activity patterns. A network of key informants identified through the interviews provided information on turtle bycatch, sightings and nesting. This network is being utilized for the continued monitoring of the species and could help in devising evidence-based management strategies for softshell turtles in India. These methods can also be adopted more widely for other threatened species of freshwater turtles globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable population estimates are important for making informed management decisions about wildlife species. Standardized survey protocols have been developed for monitoring population trends of the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle species of conservation concern throughout its distribution in east-central North America. The protocols use repeated active search surveys of defined areas, allowing for estimation of survey-specific detection probability (p) and site-specific abundance. These protocols assume population closure within the survey area during the survey period, which is unlikely to be met as wood turtles are a highly mobile species. Additionally, current protocols use a single-pass design that does not allow for separation of availability (pa) and detectability (pd). If there are systematic influences on pa or pd that are not accounted for in the survey design or data analysis, then resulting abundance estimates could be biased. The objectives of this study were to determine if pa is a random process and if pa and pd are influenced by demographic characteristics. We modified the wood turtle survey protocol used in the upper Midwest to include a double-pass design, allowing us to estimate pa and pd using a robust design capture-recapture model. The modified protocol was implemented at 14 wood turtle monitoring sites in Minnesota and Wisconsin between 2017 and 2022. Our results indicated that pa was non-random and that pd increased with turtle carapace length. Our study suggests that model assumptions for current wood turtle population models may be violated, likely resulting in an overestimation of abundance. We discuss possible protocol and modeling modifications that could result in more accurate wood turtle abundance estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vital rates for small, non-breeding individuals are important components of population dynamics for many species, but often individuals of these sizes are difficult to locate, capture, and track. As such, biologists frequently lack reliable estimates of juvenile survival because sample sizes and recapture rates for this life stage are low. Long-lived animals often take many years to reach sexual maturity and spend much of this time in the smaller size classes, making them sensitive to changes in survival rates. We estimated the survival rates of all size classes for the northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica) using a mark-recapture dataset with >3,500 captures from 2019-2021 and 210 nests from 2018-2021. As turtle size increased, annual survival probability increased regardless of sex. Estimated annual survival probability for turtles >18 cm long (i.e., adult females >15 years) was about 0.95, over 4 times higher than turtles that were 3 cm long (i.e., hatchlings <1 year; 0.22 annual survival probability). Although we did not observe a difference in survival probability between sexes of any size class, adult females are nearly twice the size of adult males, leading to an increased annual survival probability for females of 0.95, compared to 0.80 for males. Changes in adult survival had the greatest influence on population estimates over time, with temporary decreases, such as those due to poaching or an environmental disaster, potentially leading to unrecoverable decreases in the overall population size. Our study provides detailed survival rates for all size classes in a long-lived turtle, which are necessary to assess population stability and can be used to determine the most effective conservation or management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balancing urban development with environmental sustainability is a major challenge that is increasingly recognized in planning decisions. Urban development proposals are often approved with the expectation that deleterious impacts on native species will be constrained, but this assumption is rarely tested over sufficient timelines to confirm its validity for long‐lived, at‐risk species. We tracked changes in Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) habitat availability and demography over 10 years near Ottawa, ON, Canada, to determine whether urban development and associated mitigation measures were sufficient to ensure long‐term population persistence. Suitable turtle habitat declined by 10% during the study, and wetland corridors were essentially lost. Habitat loss coincided with a marked reduction in adult turtle apparent survival, resulting in a 70% decline in population size. Adult females experienced the greatest decline, and despite wildlife fencing and culvert placement as conditions of project approval, turtle road mortality likely was the primary cause of the decline. Deterministic population viability analysis revealed that ~4 adult female road mortalities (of an initial 56 females) per year produced a comparable decline to that observed in our population estimates; at this rate, the population will likely breach its quasi‐extinction threshold (4 females) in under a decade. Accordingly, we infer that in our study area, approved urban development was not compatible with at‐risk turtle population viability. Our findings imply that urban development approval conditions, even when conducted in the context of seemingly robust species‐at‐risk protection, can be inadequate to ensure sustainability. We contend that if environmental sustainability is to be prioritized, urban development projects in areas occupied by at‐risk species must be subject to more stringent oversight during the planning, approval and implementation phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bellinger River virus (BRV) is a serpentovirus (nidovirus) that was likely responsible for the catastrophic mortality of the Australian freshwater turtle Myuchelys georgesi in February 2015. From November 2015 to November 2020, swabs were collected from turtles during repeated river surveys to estimate the prevalence of BRV RNA, identify risk factors associated with BRV infection, and refine sample collection. BRV RNA prevalence at first capture was significantly higher in M. georgesi (10.8%) than in a coexisting turtle, Emydura macquarii (1.0%). For M. georgesi, various risk factors were identified depending on the analysis method, but a positive BRV result was consistently associated with a larger body size. All turtles were asymptomatic when sampled and conjunctival swabs were inferred to be optimal for ongoing monitoring. Although the absence of disease and recent BRV detections suggests a reduced ongoing threat, the potential for the virus to persist in an endemic focus or resurge in cyclical epidemics cannot be excluded. Therefore, BRV is an ongoing potential threat to the conservation of M. georgesi, and strict adherence to biosecurity principles is essential to minimise the risk of reintroduction or spread of BRV or other pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Observing juvenile sea turtles at sea is challenging due to their small sizes and cryptic behaviors and is compounded by the vastness of the ocean. The first phases of sea turtle life history, commonly known as the "Lost Years", remain enigmatic and poorly understood, despite significant advances in animal ad ocean observation technologies. Our study focused on testing new prototypes of microsatellite tags and analyzing their performance on 160 juvenile sea turtles of four species in the North Atlantic. The results demonstrated that, despite challenges brought by miniaturization, the tags proved effective. However, the tracking periods were shorter than expected, limiting our ability to deeply study and understand the turtles' dispersal features. We found that tracking durations varied among species, indicating some limitations due to certain behaviors such as neritic interactions or diving activity by young sea turtles, and revealing that some of their behaviors may be too strenuous for small tags. Our findings have important implications for the bio-logging community, especially those studying marine animals such as sea turtles. Our study showcases recent technological advances and contributes to improving the effectiveness and durability of miniaturized satellite tags deployed within the marine environment. Our methodologies and findings have improved our understanding of the "Lost Years", promise to inform ongoing future technological advances and contribute to increasing the effectiveness of conservation efforts. After hatching, sea turtles leave the nest and disperse into the ocean. Many years later, they return to their natal coastlines. The period between their leaving and their returning to natal areas, known as the "Lost Years", is poorly understood. Satellite tracking studies aimed at studying the "Lost Years" are challenging due to the small size and prolonged dispersal phases of young individuals. Here, we summarize preliminary findings about the performance of prototype microsatellite tags deployed over a three-year period on 160 neonate to small juvenile sea turtles from four species released in the North Atlantic Ocean. We provide an overview of results analyzing tag performance with metrics to investigate transmission characteristics and causes of tag failure. Our results reveal that, despite certain unfavorable transmission features, overall tag performance was satisfactory. However, most track durations were shorter than those observed on individuals of similar size in other studies and did not allow for detailed analyses of trajectories and turtle behavior. Our study further suggests that tracking durations are correlated with the targeted species, highlighting a lack of robustness against some neritic behaviors. Unprecedented diving data obtained for neonate sea turtles in this study suggest that the vertical behaviors of early juveniles are already too strenuous for these miniaturized tags. Our findings will help to inform the biologging research community, showcasing recent technological advances for the species and life stages within our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater turtles comprise 81% of all chelonian species despite freshwater systems only occupying 1% of the earth's surface, and they are commonly exploited as pets and food resources. This contact between humans and turtles may put both sides at risk of disease transmission. Additionally, human impact on ecosystems can cause disease outbreaks in turtle populations. In this review, we focused on disease agents affecting freshwater turtles, intending to contribute to conservation and public health efforts. We analysed 423 articles and noted a post-SARS-COVID-19 peak, with most research originating from Asia, North America, and Europe. Emydidae was the most frequently studied family, and there was also a bias towards adults, live specimens, and native species. Since most of the studied turtles were wild-caught, we recommend that captive turtles should also be thoroughly studied since they can transmit diseases to other turtles and humans. We registered 2104 potential disease-causing agents, with Platyhelminthes dominating within Animalia, while Proteobacteria dominated bacterial agents. Viruses' representation was low, highlighting gaps in reptile virology. Fungi, Chromista, and Protozoa were also underrepresented, but this is changing with the development of molecular tools. This synthesis serves as a foundation for targeted health assessments, conservation strategies, and future research, essential to mitigate ecosystem and public health threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotic and abiotic factors play a crucial role in determining the distribution of species. These factors dictate the conditions that must be met for a species to thrive in a particular area. Sister species that present some degree of niche overlap can shed light on how they are distributed and coexist in their environment. This study aims to investigate the geographical distribution and ecological niche of the sister species of snake-necked turtles Hydromedusa maximiliani and H. tectifera. By analyzing their niche overlap, we aim to obtain a better understanding of how these two species coexist and which variables are determining their occurences. We applied species distribution modeling and compared the niches using the niche equivalence and similarity tests. Our findings show that the distribution of H. maximiliani is most influenced by temperature seasonality and isothermality, while H. tectifera is most affected by the temperature seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter and mean diurnal range. In addition, our results suggest that the niche expressed by H. maximiliani retained ecological characteristics that can accurately predict the H. tectifera distribution, but the inverse is not true. In this sense, differences are not solely due to the geographic availability of environmental conditions but can reflect niche restrictions, such as competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated and compared the effects of different environmental pollutants on haematological, microbiological and genotoxic characteristics of populations of the freshwater turtle Emys orbicularis from the Kavak Delta and Dardanos in Çanakkale (NW Türkiye). The haematocrit values of samples of E. orbicularis differed considerably between the two localities: they were higher in the Kavak Delta samples. The mean cell haemoglobin concentration was also significantly different between the two localities (higher in the samples of the Dardanos). The water samples of the two localities were within the limit (Class I-II) for all parameters, except Dardanos temperature (Class III). Although it was not statistically significant, the nuclear abnormality formation in the erythrocytes of the sample from Dardanos was numerically higher than that from the Kavak Delta. The study assessed the impact of pollutants on populations of Emys orbicularis and conducted on-site evaluations and monitoring of genotoxic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater turtles are one of the most endangered vertebrate groups with >60% of species threatened globally. Terrestrial nesting habitat degradation is a major threat to freshwater turtles, but the characteristics of nesting habitat remain poorly understood. This study investigated the nest site selection of the southwestern snake‐necked turtle (Chelodina oblonga) to improve the conservation prospects for this species in an urbanized wetland area.In total, 235 depredated and 86 non‐depredated nest sites and 320 non‐nest locations were surveyed at Bibra Lake, Western Australia, during the Austral spring–summer, 2018–2023. A suite of environmental variables was measured at nest sites and non‐nest locations. Analysis of similarities was used to determine whether nest sites and non‐nest locations differed in their environmental characteristics. Generalized linear mixed models were used to identify environmental variables that best explained the nesting preferences.The environmental characteristics of nest sites differed from those of non‐nest locations, with turtles nesting mainly in remnant natural habitat with greater canopy cover. Turtles generally avoided nesting in modified environments such as lawns and impervious surfaces.Factors influencing nest site selection are probably associated with the conditions necessary for regulating incubation temperatures and ease of nest excavation.This study suggests that modification of terrestrial vegetation around wetlands is adversely affecting freshwater turtle recruitment by removing or altering preferred nesting habitat. Protection and restoration of natural habitats fringing urban wetlands is important for the conservation of remnant freshwater turtle populations, and local partnership projects can help to achieve this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outdoor recreation brings countless benefits to humans. Understanding the inevitable human interactions with nature is essential for conserving the outdoors for years to come. Water‐based recreation in freshwater ecosystems is increasing in popularity, but freshwater biodiversity is in global decline.The aim of this review is to explore the interactions between water users and freshwater turtles during inland water‐based recreation.Thirty articles (most based in North America) were found to study human–turtle interactions during water‐based recreation, 29 of which reported water‐based recreational activities posing negative effects on freshwater turtle populations. Negative, direct effect interactions included boat collisions with turtles and accidental hooking of turtles with fishhooks. Negative, indirect effect interactions included human presence near habitats used by turtles and wake action with subsequent shoreline erosion. One article reported a positive interaction between humans and freshwater turtles when installing a non‐disruptive turtle observation deck.Eleven articles discussed conservation measures to mitigate turtle risks during water‐based recreation, but none evaluated their efficacy. Conservation measures included regulating boat types, sizes and access points, protecting habitats used by turtles, designating 'no wake' boating zones, restricting fishing permits, installing turtle basking perches, promoting public awareness and outreach and implementing participatory science and stewardship programmes.Future research on human–freshwater turtle interactions during inland water‐based recreation could explore the efficacy of conservation measures, potential interactions outside of regularly studied boating and fishing activities and recreation‐induced turtle habitat alterations. Also, future research could explore the human dimension side of human–turtle interactions, including perceptions and knowledge from water users on the interactions they experience, and their awareness and actions of pro‐environmental behaviours to protect turtles during water‐based recreation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marking or tagging of turtles is a widely used to facilitate the monitoring of population demography, structure, and conservation of species. Even though they are used in many studies of turtle demography, the available methods are not very efficient, except for microchips (Passive Intergraded Transponder/PIT tags); however, the latter is too expensive to be used on a large scale. Here we present a viable, cost-effective tagging alternative that uses a durable plastic cattle tag and pin. Turtles in the genus Podocnemis were tagged in the Lower-Amazon region, west of the state of Para, Amazon, Brazil. This method is highly recommended for future work on monitoring and population structure of large species of freshwater turtles. In addition to feasibility, it can be used in the form of citizen science, as the information can be obtained by laypeople and taken to researchers and conservationists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maladaptive movement behavior is a leading cause of failure for reptile reintroductions, thus characterizing movement for translocated populations is important to project success. From 2014–2016 we radio‐tracked 183 immature reintroduced alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) using very high frequency telemetry in a stream in southern Illinois, USA. We assessed environmental, temporal, morphometric, and microhabitat factors influencing movement, including post‐release dispersal from reintroduction sites, movement probability, and step length. We used directional statistics to investigate the effects of precipitation and age on directional movement in the stream. Numerous factors influenced active movement, including ambient temperatures, time since release, use of log jams, turtle size, and age. Precipitation had an age‐biased effect on movement. Directional analyses suggested that movement was largely passive as turtles were swept downstream with increased discharge. Overall, the behavior of reintroduced alligator snapping turtles was similar to that reported in wild populations. Passive downstream transport has implications for reintroduced and natural populations as a force for unintentional emigration in channelized streams under current conditions and future high flow regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire is a vital management tool for maintaining prairie ecosystems. Prescribed burns control invasive species, regulate succession, stimulate plant growth, and are a cheap and effective method for removing excess biomass; however, fire can also inadvertently cause wildlife mortality, placing land managers in a challenging situation. Turtles are especially at risk of mortality from fire because of their low mobility and population sensitivity to reductions in adult survival. We studied ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata) at 3 sites in Illinois, USA, from 2019–2022 to determine the best predictors of above‐ground activity so land managers can conduct prescribed burns when turtles are underground. We used turtle shell temperature, air temperature, soil temperature, and precipitation data to develop a predictive model of above‐ground activity. The best model for predicting above‐ground activity included an interaction between day of year and current air temperature. Earlier in spring and later in fall, above‐ground activity is more likely at higher air temperatures compared to later in spring and earlier in fall when the same likelihood of above‐ground activity is predicted at lower air temperatures. In spring, we recommend burning in Illinois ornate box turtle habitat before 1 April when air temperature is <10°C and in fall after 1 November when air temperature is <15°C. Above these temperature thresholds, there is a >5% likelihood that turtles in northern populations are above ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Headstarting involves ex situ rearing of vulnerable life stages, then releasing individuals into the wild once they are larger and less vulnerable to predation. Sometimes, headstarted animals display underdeveloped behaviors that may lead to an acclimation period of reduced survival and growth after release. Using data from a 6‐year headstarting program, we tested whether the early release condition affected survival, body condition, and somatic growth rate in 2 groups of headstarted Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) released into Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The first group included turtles released directly into the wild (i.e., hard release). The second group included turtles released into an in situ enclosure in which individuals remained for a week without food supplementation before being fully released into the wild (i.e., delayed release). Release condition did not affect survival or growth rate. In the delayed‐release group, body condition initially declined rapidly and remained low for up to 1 year after release. Given the lack of wild juveniles in RNUP, we compared body condition of headstarted turtles at various time points since release to similar‐sized wild juveniles from 2 other Ontario populations, one from Algonquin Provincial Park (APP) and one near Lake Erie (LE). Body condition of headstarted turtles was similar to those of wild APP turtles regardless of release method, and higher than those of wild LE turtles. Our results indicate that delayed release did not improve post‐release outcomes for headstarted turtles in an urban landscape and headstarted turtles sustain similar health metrics as wild turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endangered Zambezi flapshell turtle, Cycloderma frenatum Peters, 1854, is endemic to southern and eastern Africa. Habitat ecology and usage are not well known for the Zambezi flapshell turtle, although its population has been reported to have undergone massive declines in recent years. This review examined the i) population trends, ii) habitat range shifts, and iii) threats and conservation options for the Zambezi flapshell turtle in its range states. The species is data deficient because of a lack of assessments of trends in population size and distribution. Trafficking, overfishing, poaching, habitat degradation, and infrastructural developments in riparian zones affect the distribution of the Zambezi flapshell turtle. Conservation options such as deterrent punishments and protection of aquatic habitats are important, although they need to be consistently implemented. Carefully managed harvest plans supported by captive breeding, highly controlled incubation of eggs, hatching of larvae, and remotely sensed tracing of specimens to curb trafficking are potentially effective conservation options for the Zambezi flapshell turtle. Inclusion in international wildlife trade regulations, integration of local ecological knowledge into management, and development of connectivity conservation strategies are priority actions for sustaining the Zambezi flapshell turtle populations across the shared basins where it is endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife trade is driving species extinctions globally, and the Asian Turtle Crisis is posing a threat in China as turtle species are collected from the wild and sold at high prices. Local ecological knowledge is increasingly used to determine the status of threatened taxa, but there is little understanding of wider relationships between indices of ecological knowledge and other conservation‐relevant factors such as market values of traded species. To assess whether local people's awareness of potentially traded turtles might indicate direct interaction with trade in these species, we conducted 185 interviews in rural villages around Bawangling National Nature Reserve, Hainan, China. Interviewees were asked to free‐list native turtles to determine species salience and then were shown photographs of the species to assess recognition and knowledge. We investigated relationships between species' salience, whether species were recognized, named and/or perceived to be traded by more people, and independently obtained market prices. Indices of species awareness varied among interviewees, but all species were reported to be traded by at least some people. There was no correlation between indices of awareness and market value, indicating that more valuable species were no more likely to be well known. However, the perception that turtles are traded irrespective of species is a concern for conservation because all species are then vulnerable to exploitation. Our results highlight that local communities should not be assumed to have accurate knowledge of traded species, with implications for the management of wildlife trade and conservation at the community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal wildlife trade can threaten biodiversity and economic development. Criminal enterprises may add wildlife products to their list of illicit goods by using established trade routes, networks, and individuals. On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, killing of sea turtles and removal of their eggs is commonplace. However, beyond conservation NGOs reporting evidence of illegal take, little is known about this activity. Through semi-structured interviews with law enforcement, community members, NGOs, and illegal harvesters, alongside anecdotal information and observations, we aimed to understand the motivations for illegal take. To cross-reference these findings, we assessed sensitivities surrounding illegal harvesting by asking the general public sensitive questions using the randomized response technique; a method used to elicit sensitive information whilst insuring the anonymity of respondents. We included a questionnaire to establish if differences in demographics affected the probability respondents would admit to a turtle-related crime. Our findings identified a rare example of illegal extraction of a wildlife product driven by motivations that were not exclusively livelihood based. We found the majority of illegal take was undertaken by relatively few individuals, dependent on narcotics. The most cited reason for illegal take was that turtle eggs could be used to procure drugs. Law enforcement was under resourced, and informants reported that prosecutions were rare. Local people preferred to purchase rather than harvest eggs suggesting the trade is supply-driven. Those interviewed did not generally regard the subject of illegal harvest as sensitive. Low education levels, high unemployment rates, and marginalization of certain groups may increase susceptibility to narcotics. Although substance misuse and addiction appear to drive illegal trade, associated poverty and marginalization may explain why drug dependency is so prevalent in Caribbean Costa Rica. Increased work opportunities and drug rehabilitation programs may assist in reducing illegal take of turtle eggs on nesting beaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With populations declining across their geographic range, the spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is currently a species of conservation concern. Though broadly distributed, the species is particularly enigmatic at its southern periphery, and many aspects of its ecology and population biology in this portion of the range have either just recently been described or are currently unknown. One of the current knowledge gaps is a robust assessment of the population genetics of the southern populations. We collected tissue samples from 204 spotted turtles from 5 sites across South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and used 11 microsatellite loci to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure in these populations. We found that southern populations exhibited low, but significant, population differentiation (mean FST = 0.062) and each site clustered as its own genetic group. Genetic diversity across sites was comparable to estimates reported for northern populations. Net effective population sizes were generally robust and no populations showed indication of recent bottlenecks. Our results suggest that populations inhabiting relatively intact environments do not appear to face immediate threats from past loss of genetic diversity. However, continued monitoring, both demographic and genetic, of this long-lived species is an important management goal to insure that continued global changes do not threaten population viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina) are becoming increasingly threatened by the rate of urbanization and habitat fragmentation. The high population density and heavy urbanization of Long Island, New York, provide an ideal system to examine possible drivers of differences in eastern box turtle shell damage and health in an urban landscape, as well as possible differences in sex and stage ratios. Over the course of our 2-yr study, we captured a total of 189 unique individual eastern box turtles across 20 sites on Long Island. Shell damage was evaluated according to a 5-level ranking system based on the amount and type of damage an individual turtle exhibited. To study eastern box turtle health, we calculated a body condition index using each turtle's body weight and straight-line carapace width. All damage and health data were compared by site, sex, and life stage using generalized linear models. These relationships were also analyzed against a set of land cover and land use variables. Across all comparative analyses performed, only the US Geological Survey land cover variable Dryland Cropland and Pasture showed a significant relationship to shell damage. Additionally, Long Island's eastern box turtles appear to exhibit greater rates of shell damage when compared with turtles in more rural parts of their range. We found male-biased sex ratios across the island; however, no definitive driver was identified. Our study underscores the need for future work on the long-term viability of eastern box turtle populations, specifically those inhabiting areas of high human population density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersal has major impacts on population dynamics, population genetics and evolution, and also is critical for population management and conservation. Dispersal is frequently sex‐ and age‐specific, but current knowledge is strongly taxonomically biased toward birds and mammals.Here, we provide estimates of dispersal in a threatened freshwater turtle species, the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis. Based on 15 years of capture‐mark‐recapture (CMR) monitoring and DNA samples from 194 individuals, we quantified both demographic and genetic dispersal between three sites separated by 1.5–3.5 km. We also investigated the effect of age and sex on dispersal.Direct (CMR) and indirect (genetic) approaches provided consistent results, showing that the studied sites are connected with a flow of about one to three dozen migrants per generation. Dispersal was both age‐ and sex‐biased in this species, with frequent dispersal of adult males and a strong philopatry of juveniles (of both sexes) and adult females.The network of canals and marshes allow effective dispersal to occur among the three study sites despite the relatively large distance separating them (≤3.5 km).The strong philopatry of juveniles contrasts with the frequently higher dispersal rate in young birds and mammals and shows the relevance of investigating dispersal in various taxonomic groups. Our results provide useful information for the conservation of European pond turtle populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater turtles are important consumers in Australian freshwater ecosystems. They serve as scavengers, nutrient regulators, and as food sources and Totems for Traditional Owners throughout Australia. Despite their importance, most Australian freshwater turtle species are declining. The impact of winter wetland drying on turtle populations remains unknown, and winter exposure of hibernating turtles may be an important additional source of mortality. We aimed to examine turtle responses to seasonal and episodic wetland drying in wetlands using acoustic telemetry and active trapping. Wetlands were chosen that spanned a range of hydrological connectivity to the adjacent Edward/Kolety‐Wakool River. We found that tagged Emydura macquarii typically exit wetlands disconnected from the adjacent permanent river prior to winter, and overwinter in the river. Female E. macquarii rapidly re‐entered 'home' wetlands (wetlands in which they were initially tagged) the following spring, whereas males tended to leave the study area, returning occasionally. Although we were not able to evaluate a winter drying event, one of the wetlands experienced partial summer drying. All three local turtle species (E. macquarii, Chelodina expansa, C. longicollis) exited the wetland long before winter drying would have become a potential threat. Our results suggest that turtles in this system may be protected from winter wetland drying because they move to the adjacent permanent river prior to winter. Spending the winter in the river channel reduces the risks of being trapped in a drying wetland as temperatures drop in winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooper Creek is one of Australia's largest unregulated river systems and one of the world's most variable large river systems. It is a dynamic environment that oscillates between booms and busts; yet, many species thrive in it. One of these species, the Cooper Creek turtle (Emydura macquarii emmotti) has received little attention, despite being one of Australia's largest freshwater turtles and living further inland than any other Australian turtle. We conducted surveys for E. m. emmotti in 2001–2004, 2019, and 2022, focussing predominantly on the Waterloo waterhole. Waterloo had a large population of E. m. emmotti (508 estimated individuals; 95% CI = 447–596) with an estimated density of 64.8 turtles/ha (95% CI = 57.0–76.2) and estimate biomass of 74.4 kg/ha (95% CI = 57.6–100.3 kg/ha). Juveniles were highly abundant in all years, representing up to 63.6% of captured individuals. It was slightly (but not significantly) male‐biased in 2001–2004 and significantly female‐biased in 2019. All sizes and sexes used the floodplain during a flooding event in 2022, but more males than females were captured on the floodplain, and there was evidence of male‐biased dispersal across the years. Compared to Murray River turtles (Emydura macquarii macquarii), E. m. emmotti exhibited megacephaly across all ages and sexes, with particularly pronounced megacephaly in adult females. Algae were present on many individuals (including on the skin and plastron) but was relatively more abundant on juveniles. Leeches were not detected on any of the 66 turtles that were examined for them. The following injuries/malformations were noted: missing or injured limbs (3.2%), missing or injured eyes (1.3%), damaged shells (8.0%), scute/shell anomalies and malformations (10.6%), and marginal scute seams extending into the costals (67.4% of adults, 1.2% of juveniles). This paper presents some of the first work on this unusual turtle and makes recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extreme longevity of turtles and tortoises can make it difficult to determine the conservation status of their populations because high annual adult survival may mask gradual attrition due to low levels of recruitment. When long‐term demographic trends are unknown and available data are insufficient for population modelling, it may be assumed that a scarcity of juveniles indicates low recruitment that will result in population ageing and numerical decline. However, the reliability with which the proportion of juveniles foreshadows demographic change is uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that a low proportion of juveniles in a turtle population presages its ageing by analysing over 20 years of survey data for five discrete populations of the Australian western saw‐shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii: Chelidae), a listed threatened species. The analysis tested whether the initial proportion of juvenile turtles in each population was related to its temporal trend in average body size. The five populations had varied structure and trends, with the initial proportion of juvenile turtles ranging from 10% to 39% and average body size increasing over time in some populations and decreasing in others. Contrary to expectation, the initial proportion of juveniles was unrelated to the trend in average body size and, by inference, average age, indicating that effective trend forecasting requires more detailed demographic information than merely population structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many freshwater turtle species are threatened with extinction, but the implementation of effective conservation measures may be hindered by ignorance of their biology and ecology. We analysed the available monitoring data for a listed Endangered but poorly known species, the Manning River helmeted turtle (Myuchelys purvisi: Chelidae), to elucidate its geographic distribution and evaluate its relationships to broad‐scale environmental factors. We found M. purvisi to be common and widely distributed in the Manning River system, with a balanced population structure including a wide mix of size classes and a substantial juvenile component. The occurrence of the species was significantly positively associated with a larger stream size, which probably confers greater habitat availability and lower vulnerability to drying during drought. Mean carapace length was significantly lower in stream segments with higher average annual air temperature, suggesting that warmer conditions favour recruitment. However, occurrence and mean carapace length were not related to the proportion of conservation land in the immediate stream environs, suggesting that persistence of the species is not favoured simply by occurrence in protected areas, and threats may need active management. We provide some suggestions for further investigation of the species' ecology and vulnerability to potential threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New and innovative techniques utilizing underwater cameras have the potential to track changes in turtle populations whilst being less invasive and time intensive than traditional trapping surveys. In this study, we trialled the use of Baited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUVs) in five upland streams to test if BRUVs could be used for abundance, size and sex estimates of freshwater turtles. We also compared BRUVs to cathedral traps and identified key considerations for future use of this method, such as whether the time of day influenced results. Our study successfully detected 83 turtles from 52 h of footage and identified all species known to occur in the study area. The deployment time did not significantly influence relative abundance. BRUVs also produced statistically similar catch per unit effort estimates to cathedral trapping techniques. No small turtles (i.e. juveniles) were detected, and difficulties with visibility, sex accuracy and carapace measurements are discussed for future BRUV use. Our study shows that BRUVs are a useful, time effective, non‐invasive technique to collect relative abundance and species richness estimates for freshwater turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive mammalian predators are efficient at driving native animal declines. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) kills millions of endemic reptiles in Australia each year. In areas of south‐eastern Australia, the eastern long‐necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) and Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii) have declined by more than 50%. High rates of nest predation by foxes limit the recruitment of young turtles in these populations, but previous methods of fox control have been ineffective at protecting turtle nests. Here, we tested the effectiveness of plastic mesh for protecting artificial turtle nests from predation by foxes, in the mid‐Murray catchment, Victoria. We also tested whether protecting a large number of artificial nests in a given area encourages foxes to give up foraging following predictions from giving‐up density theory. We made a series of plots, each containing 32 artificial turtle nests. In each plot, we covered a percentage (0%, 25%, 50%, 81% or 100%) of the nests with either 1 or 2 sheets of plastic mesh. We used remote cameras to photograph and identify any predator that attacked nests in the plots. The cameras also allowed us to estimate the amount of time a fox was visible on each plot, as a metric of how much effort foxes expended on protected nests. Nest survival rate was not increased by either 1 or 2 sheets of mesh, and increasing the number of protected nests on a plot did not reveal a giving‐up density (GUD) value for fox foraging behaviour. Our study demonstrates that plastic mesh is not effective for protecting artificial turtle nests from foxes in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tourism sector is one of the largest and strongest sectors in the world economy and is one of the main drivers of the world economy which is able to provide quite a large amount of foreign exchange for the country. One of the fastest growing tourism sectors in the tourism industry is special interest tourism which shows that tourists are starting to demand more varied and stimulating holiday experiences. The aim of this research is to develop special interest tourism in the form of Hatchlings Babel Sea Turtle Conservation in Bangka Belitung which is a conservation site to maintain and minimize the decline in turtle populations, especially in Bangka Belitung waters. The method used in this research is a qualitative method where the data obtained is by conducting direct observations and interviews at the Babel Tukik Conservation. Hatchlings Babel Sea Turtle Conservation is also used as a special interest tourism facility as well as an educational place so that local people and foreign tourists can get to know more about sea turtles and it is hoped that awareness will arise to preserve sea turtles from the threat of extinction and damage to the marine ecosystem due to sea tin mining and illegal hunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term monitoring of sea turtle aggregations is critical for understanding the impacts of environmental changes on their population health and habitat suitability. Brunei Bay is a significant foraging ground for green turtles in the South China Sea. We analyzed the body size, hematology and body condition of green turtles for their health status in their foraging ground in Brunei Bay over a period of nine years (2011–2019). Additionally, we used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to evaluate changes in the size and genetic composition of green turtle aggregations. Our findings revealed that the size composition of the green turtle population varied seasonally, but there were no significant temporal changes in genetic and size compositions. Hematology parameters and Fulton's body condition index were consistent with those reported for apparently healthy green turtles. Furthermore, we found that blood reference intervals indicated the turtles were healthy. These results provide valuable baseline data for future comparisons with other foraging aggregations and for long-term monitoring of green turtles in Brunei Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even with the increasing global threat, reptiles have not been a preferential group for animal conservation due to a set of factors affecting attitudes and emotions. This research extends the current knowledge of crocodiles and turtles to stereotypes and emotional dispositions people have. Through the Stereotype Content Model, crocodiles were found to belong to the threatening-awe stereotype, generating feelings of respect and fear but also holding our attention and admiration. This stereotype is also associated with passive facilitation and active harm. Even though participants showed mild positive attitudes toward crocodile conservation and expressed intent to help a crocodile conservation trust, crocodiles ranked last in the donation preference. Turtles, on the other hand, were found to fit the protective stereotype, represented as affectionate and competent and were viewed as belonging to the in-group. These emotions reflected the participants' predisposition for active and passive facilitation with regard to conservation attitudes and intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater turtles are among the least studied faunas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Here, we report the presence of freshwater turtles (Cuora amboinensis) from Car Nicobar, a small remote island in the Nicobar archipelago comprising the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the people belonging to Nicobarese tribes (n = 233) to gather their local ecological knowledge as supportive information to obtain a better understanding of the status of turtles in Car Nicobar. Most interviewees (90%) opined that freshwater turtles are found to be rare or very rare on the Island. All the respondents (100%) expressed willingness to contribute to future conservation projects. Community-level awareness emerged as a prominent issue for future conservation using the Garrett ranking method. A stream network map was prepared using the digital elevation model to visualize streams and potential habitats of turtles. This report on the freshwater turtles is essential from an ecological perspective since information is scarce on the freshwater turtles in Car Nicobar. This study emphasizes the importance of the engagement of stakeholders in conservation projects and recommends providing adequate attention to the conservation and protection of freshwater turtle diversity in Car Nicobar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the microhabitat requirements of an animal is vital for ensuring the success of targeted conservation and microhabitat restoration measures. The big‐headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is a freshwater species that is distributed across Southeast Asia. Owing to the human threats posed by illegal pet trade and overharvesting for food and medicinal purposes, the species has undergone rapid decline. However, in Hainan, their microhabitat characteristics are still unknown, which is neither conducive to the conservation of the species nor to the establishment of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. This study examined the microhabitat characteristics of P. megacephalum using sample plot methods in the Diaoluo Mountain area of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. Our results indicated that P. megacephalum prefers stream microhabitats with rocky substrates, several caves, and a high diversity of food sources. Microhabitat characteristics did not differ significantly between adults and juveniles. Our results suggest that protecting microhabitats and main food sources is important for the conservation of P. megacephalum. Our findings provide a reference for the protection of this species in Jianfeng Ridge, Yingge Ridge, and other areas in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. This study examined the microhabitat characteristics of P. megacephalum using cage and sample plot methods in the Diaoluo Mountain area of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. Our results indicated that big‐headed turtles prefer stream microhabitats at higher altitudes, in proximity to rocky substrates, several caves, and high diversity of food sources. Microhabitat characteristics did not differ significantly between adults and juveniles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Berlin's waters, the turtle species Graptemys pseudogeographica, Pseudemys concinna, and Trachemys scripta are frequently seen basking on tree trunks. This behavior was observed during a systematic survey of water turtles. Most turtles were found in public park waters, where suitable basking spots are limited. The basking behavior of the turtles was identified as part of their natural behavior. The study examines the behavior of water turtles basking on tree trunks in Berlin's waters. It was found that the turtles leave the basking spot when it becomes unattractive due to cloud cover or shade. In some cases, they were also displaced by birds, especially coots. It was observed that the turtles were displaced by other turtles in an aggressive manner. There were also cases where turtles attempted to drive away other turtles by biting. The study shows that there is competition for basking spots and that aggressive behavior can occur between turtles. The present investigation deals with the behavior of water turtles basking in Berlin's waters. It was found that aggressive interactions between the turtles are rare and only in a few cases do they end the basking. In some cases, the turtles end the basking without any apparent external cause and simply slide into the water. Slipping off the basking spot seems to depend on the size of the turtle species. It was also observed that the turtles feel disturbed by the rapid approach of humans and flee into the water. [Extracted from the article]