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Background. The Aegean Sea coast of Turkey hosts one of the most important nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean Sea. Previous studies have revealed that the sea turtle carapace provides favourable conditions for various epibiontic organisms. Epibionts occurring on the carapace have been examined from different locations in the oceans. Methods. This is the first time such a high number (39) of samples collected from nesting turtles during such a long time period (extending from 2011 to 2018) has been used for the study of the diatom component of the microbiome on the turtle carapaces. A total of 33 samples were investigated in terms of light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Six unprocessed biofilm fragments were subject to SEM observations. Results. A total of 457 epizoic diatom taxa belonging to 86 genera were identified. Epizoic forms, e.g., Achnanthes spp., Chelonicola spp. or Tripterion spp. (also identified by SEM observations of the undisturbed pieces of the microbiome) dominated in terms of relative abundance, but the highest numbers of taxa were ubiquitously represented by Navicula (79), Nitzschia (45), Amphora (40), Cocconeis (32), Diploneis (25) and Mastogloia (23). Navicula perminuta and Delphineis australis were the most frequent taxa, present in 65% of the samples, both with an average relative abundance of 10%. The results of our study revealed that diatoms are an essential component of the loggerhead sea turtles' microbiome, in terms of high biodiversity and abundance. Although strict epibionts provide a signature of the turtle microbiome, the carapace as a solid substrate attracts numerous benthic diatom species which are considered opportunistic forms and can be found in the surrounding benthic habitats of the vast ocean littoral space. C1 [Kaleli, Aydin] Istanbul Univ, Fac Aquat Sci, Dept Marine & Freshwater Resources Management, Istanbul, Turkey. [Car, Ana] Univ Dubrovnik, Inst Marine & Coastal Res, Dubrovnik, Croatia. [Andrzej, Witkowski; Krzywda, Marta] Univ Szczecin, Inst Marine & Environm Sci, Szczecin, Poland. [Riaux-Gobin, Catherine] PSL Res Univ, CRIOBE, CNRS, EPHE,UPVD, Perpignan, France. [Riaux-Gobin, Catherine] Univ Perpignan, Lab Excellence CORAIL, Perpignan, France. [Solak, Cuneyt Nadir] Kutahya Dumlupinar Univ, Fac Sci & Arts, Dept Biol, Kutahya, Turkey. [Kaska, Yakup] Pamukkale Univ, Fac Sci & Arts, Dept Biol, Denizli, Turkey. [Zglobicka, Izabela; Kurzydlowski, Krzysztof] Bialystok Tech Univ, Fac Mech Engn, Bialystok, Poland. [Plocinski, Tomasz; Kurzydlowski, Krzysztof] Warsaw Univ Technol, Fac Mat Sci & Engn, Warsaw, Poland. [Wrobel, Rafal J.] West Pomeranian Univ Technol, Fac Chem Technol & Engn, Szczecin, Poland.

Phenological shifts, by initiating reproductive events earlier, in response to advanced seasonal warming is one of the most striking effects currently observed in wild populations. For sea turtles, phenological adjustment to warming conditions could be the most effective short-term adaptation option against climate change. We calculated future phenological changes required in seven important loggerhead (Caretta caretta) nesting populations to continue achieving a high hatching success and a sex ratio that lies within current ranges. Considering temperature-mediated phenological changes, we found that most populations (six out of seven) will not be able to keep pace with a warming climate. Under an optimistic climate warming scenario (RCP4.5), these populations will face a climatic debt, that is, a difference between required and expected phenological changes, and warming will substantially reduce hatching success and induce a feminization of hatchlings, which may jeopardize their reproductive sustainability. Our approach offers the possibility to quantify the efficiency of phenological shifts in oviparous reptiles by considering physiological, developmental and phenological processes. C1 [Monsinjon, Jonathan R.; Guillon, Jean-Michel; Girondot, Marc] Univ Paris Saclay, Univ Paris Sud, Lab Ecol Systemat Evolut, CNRS,AgroParisTech, F-91405 Orsay, France. [Wyneken, Jeanette] Florida Atlantic Univ, Dept Biol Sci, Boca Raton, FL 33431 USA. [Rusenko, Kirt] Gumbo Limbo Nat Ctr, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432 USA. [Lopez-Mendilaharsu, Milagros; Lara, Paulo; Santos, Alexsandro; dei Marcovaldi, Maria A. G.] Fundacao Pro Tamar, Rua Rubens Guelli,134 Sala 307, Salvador, BA, Brazil. [Fuentes, Mariana M. P. B.] Florida State Univ, Dept Earth Ocean & Atmospher Sci, Marine Turtle Res Ecol & Conservat Grp, North Woodward Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306 USA. [Kaska, Yakup] Pamukkale Univ, Sea Turtle Res Ctr DEKAMER, Denizli, Turkey. [Tucek, Jenny; Nel, Ronel] Nelson Mandela Univ, Dept Zool, ZA-6031 Port Elizabeth, South Africa. [William, Kristina L.] Caretta Res Project, POB 9841, Savannah, GA 31412 USA. [LeBlanc, Anne-Marie; Rostal, David] Georgia Southern Univ, Dept Biol, Statesboro, GA 30460 USA.

Skeletochronology is a reliable tool for assessing several parameters in amphibian populations. We used skeletochronology to determine the age structure, growth rate, age at first reproduction, and longevity of Levantine frog Pelophylax bedriagae populations from different localities in Denizli, Turkey. All examined individuals (N = 161) exhibited Lines of Arrested Growth in the bone cross-sections. Age structure and age at first reproduction were similar among localities and sexes, while longevity and growth rates showed significant variation among localities. Obtained results were compared with literature data on age-related and grow parameters in Pelophylax bedriagae and cognate species., Acta Herpetologica, Vol 13 No 2 (2018)

The Fethiye-Gocek Specially Protected Area (SPA) is an important protected area in Turkey that includes important loggerhead turtle nesting beaches and marine habitats for sea turtles. Here, we analysed the number of stranded loggerhead and green sea turtles in the Fethiye-Gocek SPA, Turkey. A total of 139 dead sea turtles (102 loggerhead and 37 green turtles) were found between the years 2000 and 2016. The majority of stranded loggerheads were considered to be adults (77.45%), while the majority of stranded green turtles were immature individuals (86.49%). Mean annual strandings were 6.0 individuals for loggerhead turtles and 2.2 individuals for green turtles. The main cause of strandings was determined as incidental catch in fishing gear (51% for loggerhead turtle, 41% for green turtle) and marine vehicle collisions (23% for loggerhead turtle and 27% for green turtles). Strandings were encountered all year round. These results suggest that the Fethiye-Gocek SPA should not be only considered as a seasonal nesting ground for loggerhead turtles, but also a year-round feeding ground for both species. An increase in the number of stranded turtles in the study area suggests that negative anthropogenic effects on sea turtle populations are relatively high and that conservation and monitoring efforts on the nesting beaches are not sufficient to protect sea turtle populations. Research is required to identify the fisheries' segments and metiers responsible for sea turtle mortality in order to develop bycatch mitigation, prioritising the marine habitats of the Fethiye-Gocek SPA.

1. The assessment of the composition and dynamics of endangered populations is crucial for management and conservation, and appropriate genetic markers are critical. 2. The genetic structuring of the Mediterranean green turtle ( Chelonia mydas) populations and the origin of the stranded animals found along the Israeli coast was investigated using new highly polymorphic short tandem repeat ( STR) markers. 3. The structuring of nesting populations was studied using pairwise genetic distances and a principal coordinates analysis ( PCoA). 4. The contribution of the different nesting populations to the stranded sample was assessed by using a mixed- stock analysis. 5. A clear population genetic structure, not detected before, has been revealed. The four nesting populations are genetically well differentiated, and thus should be considered as different management units. The populations from Turkey and Israel showed higher resemblance, despite residing at opposite ends of the Mediterranean distribution. TheTurkish nesting population is the main source of the stranded turtles sampled along the Israeli shore, confirming that individuals from this population migrate from north to south along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, as previously shown by telemetry studies. 6. The use of a highly polymorphic haplotyping method enabled the detection of a clear genetic structuring of the green turtle populations in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that was not revealed in previous studies, demonstrating the importance of marker selection in population genetics. 7. The analysis of the genetic composition of the stranded turtles allowed us to investigate the migration patterns from nesting to foraging areas, supporting previous satellite- tracking and stable- isotope results. 8. These results will help to delineate conservation management units for the species in the Mediterranean, and reveal connectivity among beaches and mixed aggregations.

The available information regarding the 2 sea turtle species breeding in the Mediterranean (loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta and green turtle Chelonia mydas) is reviewed, including biometrics and morphology, identification of breeding and foraging areas, ecology and behaviour, abundance and trends, population structure and dynamics, anthropogenic threats and conservation measures. Although a large body of knowledge has been generated, research efforts have been inconsistently allocated across geographic areas, species and topics. Significant gaps still exist, ranging from the most fundamental aspects, such as the distribution of major nesting sites and the total number of clutches laid annually in the region, to more specific topics like age at maturity, survival rates and behavioural ecology, especially for certain areas (e.g. south-eastern Mediterranean). These gaps are particularly marked for the green turtle. The recent positive trends of nest counts at some nesting sites may be the result of the cessation of past exploitation and decades of conservation measures on land, both in the form of national regulations and of continued active protection of clutches. Therefore, the current status should be considered as dependent on such ongoing conservation efforts. Mitigation of incidental catch in fisheries, the main anthropogenic threat at sea, is still in its infancy. From the analysis of the present status a comprehensive list of re search and conservation priorities is proposed.

The marine diatom Olifantiella Riaux-Gobin et Compere predominantly occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific coral reef environments. The genus has about a dozen validly published taxa and is characterized by transapically elongate striae composed of a macroareola, broad perforated girdle, and tubular buciniportula process of trumpet-shape. The valve mantle of taxa related to the generitype, O. mascarenica, have a canal- shaped structure around the valve at the face / mantle junction, while those to O. gorandiana have a simple mantle or strongly narrow canal and complex buciniportula composed of hollow processes. The geographic distribution of Olifantiella is expanded in this study to include species observed in loggerhead sea turtles scrapes from the Aegean Turkish coast and samples from the Turkish Black Sea and Adriatic Sea coasts. Olifantiella has also been identified in Martinique Island, Caribbean Sea. A transfer of Navicula infirmitata is proposed due to the areola and buciniportula structure, as Olifantiella infirmitata. Further, an application of the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) to a sequential cutting of frustules allows resolution of Olifantiella mascarenica valve ultrastructure.

Skeletochronology is a reliable tool for assessing several parameters in amphibian populations. We used skeletochronology to determine the age structure, growth rate, age at first reproduction, and longevity of Levantine frog Pelophylax bedriagae populations from different localities in Denizli, Turkey. All examined individuals (N = 161) exhibited Lines of Arrested Growth in the bone cross-sections. Age structure and age at first reproduction were similar among localities and sexes, while longevity and growth rates showed significant variation among localities. Obtained results were compared with literature data on age-related and grow parameters in Pelophylax bedriagae and cognate species.

The biochemical blood parameters of 22 (7 foraging, 7 nesting, and 8 injured) loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the southwest coast of Turkey were investigated. A total of 27 blood variables were analyzed in three groups (plasma enzymes, plasma metabolites, and plasma ions), and 4 steroid hormones: testosterone (T) estradiol (E-2), progesterone (Pro), and corticosterone (B). Triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, magnesium, and phosphorus were higher in nesting females; urea was high in foraging individuals; and sodium, potassium, and chloride were lower while estradiol levels were higher in injured individuals. In addition, plasma steroid hormone levels T, Pro, and B were assessed in healthy and stranded individuals. The results of the present study provide valuable blood parameters for the medical care of the species in rescue centers and help us to understand the physiological response of loggerhead sea turtles to different conditions.

The biochemical blood parameters of 22 (7 foraging, 7 nesting, and 8 injured) loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the southwest coast of Turkey were investigated. A total of 27 blood variables were analyzed in three groups (plasma enzymes, plasma metabolites, and plasma ions), and 4 steroid hormones: testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), progesterone (Pro), and corticosterone (B). Triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, magnesium, and phosphorus were higher in nestingfemales; urea was high in foraging individuals; and sodium, potassium, and chloride were lower while estradiol levels were higher in injured individuals. In addition, plasma steroid hormone levels T, Pro, and B were assessed in healthy and stranded individuals. The results of the present study provide valuable blood parameters for the medical care of the species in rescue centers and help us to understand the physiological response of loggerhead sea turtles to different conditions.

Sea turtles suffer from numerous threats such as predation, tidal inundation, and coastal building. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of hatchery technique on Goksu Delta beach, Turkey during the nesting season of 2010. For this purpose, eggs of loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests under the risk of tidal inundation were transferred into two protected hatchery sites that were constructed on Goksu Delta beach, in which there were no risk of predation and inundation, and the other nests were left to remain in situ. Hatching success of hatchery and natural nests were calculated. In addition, temperatures of both hatchery and natural nests (5 and 6 nests, respectively) were recorded, and sex ratios were determined using these nest temperatures and incubation periods. It was determined that hatching success increased with increasing distance from the sea (until 31 m) (r(2) = 0.98), increasing incubation period (up to 60 days) (r(2) = 0.68), and decreasing clutch size (r(2) = 0.93), implying that the production of male hatchling is high in a nest if hatching success of that nest is high (or vice versa). Mean hatching success, incubation period, and nest temperature for hatchery nests were found to be 72.8%, 51.1 days, and 30.2 degrees C, respectively, while the corresponding values for natural nests were found to be 40.5%, 49.9 days, and 31.1 degrees C, respectively. It was also detected that hatchery nests produced higher proportion of male hatchlings (25.2%) compared with natural nests (13.5%). Based on all these results, it can be concluded that hatchery management on this beach is not a completely effective conservation technique. Nest relocation and/or hatchery management enable the conservationists to increase hatching success rate, but they cause sex ratio alteration. In this respect, we can only partially support nest relocation and/or hatchery management. They should be considered as a last option due to sex ratio alteration. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ectothermic species are strongly affected by thermal changes. To assess the viability of these species under climate change constraints, we need to quantify the sensitivity of their life history traits to temperature. The loggerhead marine turtle (Caretta caretta) nests regularly in the Oriental Basin of the Mediterranean Sea. The different populations are separated because of time (< 12,000 yrs) and very different thermal habitats; it is hotter on the southern coast (Libya) than on the northern ones (Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey). Patterns of embryo growth response to incubation temperatures have been searched for these 2 populations. We found that both populations have similar thermal reaction norms for embryonic growth rate. This highlights that 12,000 yrs is not enough time for this species to adapt to specific thermal habitats and raises the question of the persistence of these populations in the context of rapid climate change.

Sea turtles are promiscuous breeders with both males and females mating multiply. Due to this mating system, multiple paternity (MP) occurs in sea turtle clutches, and the frequency of MP varies greatly within and among species. In this study, the paternity of a population of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting on Dalyan Beach in Turkey was investigated using two highly polymorphic microsatellite markers (CcP2F11 and CcP7C06). Tissue samples collected from randomly selected hatchlings (a total of 522 hatchlings) from two to three successive clutches (a total of 25 clutches) of 10 nesting females were used for paternity analysis with an average sampling effort of 28.2% of offspring per clutch. Evidence of MP in seven out of 10 females (70%) was found, and it was detected that four out of these seven females mated with at least two males, whereas the remaining three females with at least three males. By analysing the successive clutches of females, it was detected that both the number and genotype of contributing sires was same in all clutches of a given female, possibly due to the lack of successful inter-nesting mating in this population. The high frequency of MP implies the possible high genetic diversity within this population. This study indicates that the density of individuals may be the reason of the high frequency of MP in this relatively small population because mating takes place mainly in a narrow area in Dalyan. The possible mating behaviours of the sea turtles and their population structures were discussed in light of the high frequency of MP within this population reported for the first time. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The small-sized marine diatom genus Olifantiella was originally described from the tropical waters of Réunion Island as Olifantiella mascarenica C. Riaux-Gobin & Compère. Later, more species were found from the South Pacific and Indo-Pacific and from Port of Antwerp, Belgium expanding the biogeopraphy. Genus Olifantiella have some distinct characters ; single row of areola (macroareola), trumpet like structure “buciniportula” in internal valve and broad perforated girdle. It is easily overlooked, according to Giffen after ultrastructure examination of Navicula species, some were found to share the same characters. Navicula infirmitata was described from South Africa by Giffen and Navicula supralitoralis described by Aleem & Hustedt from southern England. These two taxa were also reported from the Baltic Sea under the genus name “Navicula”. These species are proposed for transfer into Olifantiella in terms of possessing macroareola and buciniportula. In addition, LM and SEM studies revealed new Olifantiella taxa in scrapes from loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758) carapaces sampled from the Turkish coast nesting grounds. Here, we introduce two epizoic species new to science. More Olifantiella species have been recorded with ultrastructure examination and Ion beam fabrication. O. pseudobiremis is recorded from Black Sea coasts, whilst O. mascarenica is recorded in Aegean Sea and Adriatic Sea for the first time. These results expand the distribution of Olifantiella from tropical to temperate waters. This research has been funded by Polish Research Centre in Cracow by the research grant no. 2012/04/A/ ST10/00544 (MK, AW), 2012/07/N/NZ8/02359 (AC).

In 2010, an international group of 35 sea turtle researchers refined an initial list of more than 200 research questions into 20 metaquestions that were considered key for management and conservation of sea turtles. These were classified under 5 categories: reproductive biology, biogeography, population ecology, threats and conservation strategies. To obtain a picture of how research is being focused towards these key questions, we undertook a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature (2014 and 2015) attributing papers to the original 20 questions. In total, we reviewed 605 articles in full and from these 355 (59%) were judged to substantively address the 20 key questions, with others focusing on basic science and monitoring. Progress to answering the 20 questions was not uniform, and there were biases regarding focal turtle species, geographic scope and publication outlet. Whilst it offers some meaningful indications as to effort, quantifying peer-reviewed literature output is ob viously not the only, and possibly not the best, metric for understanding progress towards informing key conservation and management goals. Along with the literature review, an international group based on the original project consortium was assigned to critically summarise recent progress towards answering each of the 20 questions. We found that significant research is being expended towards global priorities for management and conservation of sea turtles. Although highly variable, there has been significant progress in all the key questions identified in 2010. Undertaking this critical review has highlighted that it may be timely to undertake one or more new prioritizing exercises. For this to have maximal benefit we make a range of recommendations for its execution. These include a far greater engagement with social sciences, widening the pool of contributors and focussing the questions, perhaps disaggregating ecology and conservation.

Samandag Beach, an important nesting location for endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas), is located at the most eastern part of the Mediterranean in Turkey. Hatchling sex ratio can be one of the key factors for green turtle protection, which is under the threat of global climate change. In this study, sex ratios of hatchlings were estimated by histological examination of dead hatchlings (n = 190) and by nest temperatures (n = 14) at Samandag Beach between the 2003 and 2007 nesting seasons. The histological examination of dead C. mydas hatchlings and temperature-recorded nests indicated a female-biased sex ratio on Samandag Beach. By histological examination, top and bottom levels of nests were recorded as 94% and 64% of females. Sex ratios during the middle third of the incubation period ranged from 39% to 97% for females with a mean of 74%. Distance from the sea was correlated with the middle third of incubation temperature (r = -0.604, P = 0.022) and female ratio (r = -0.573, P = 0.032). While nest temperatures and nest parameters such as hatching success, clutch size, nest distance from the sea and from vegetation, nest depth, and the day of emergence were not found significantly different among years (P > 0.05), incubation duration was found significantly different among years (P < 0.05). The results showed a female-dominated sex ratio by both histology and nest temperature. The knowledge of hatchling sex ratios provides information on demographic parameters, and coupled with appropriate conservation measures this can make important contributions to studies of climate change effects on green sea turtle populations.

The sex of neonatal sea turtles is difficult to determine, because neonates lack heteromorphic sex chromosomes and dimorphic external characteristics; internal dimorphic morphology is defined at hatching. We used histochemical staining and made measurements in the gonads and paramesonephric ducts (PD) of both sexes to determine structural differences in female and male loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) hatchlings. We detected differences in the gonads and PD between the sexes including the amounts of mucopolysaccharides, collagen and elastic fibers. We determined that the thickness of the gonadal cortex and the diameter of the PD lumen are reliable sex-specific characteristics. We also assessed immunolocalization of aromatase, an enzyme complex that converts androgens to estrogens, and found differences in the localization and intensity of aromatase immunostaining in the gonads and PD of female and male hatchlings. Comprehensive studies of the sexual differences of sea turtles are important for conservation programs.

While climate change is now fully recognised as a reality, its impact on biodiversity is still not completely understood. To predict its impact, proxies coherent with the studied ecosystem or species are thus required. Marine turtles are threatened worldwide (though some populations are recovering) as they are particularly sensitive to temperature throughout their entire life cycle. This is especially true at the embryo stage when temperature affects both growth rates and sex determination. Nest temperature is thus of prime importance to understand the persistence of populations in the context of climate change. We analysed the nest temperature of 21 loggerheads (Caretta caretta) originating from Dalyan Beach in Turkey using day-lagged generalised mixed models with autocorrelation. Surprisingly, the selected model for nest temperature includes an effect for sea surface temperature 4-times higher than for air temperature. We also detected a very significant effect of metabolic heating during development compatible with what is already known about marine turtle nests. Our new methodology allows the prediction of marine turtle nest temperatures with good precision based on a combination of air temperature measured at beach level and sea surface temperature in front of the beach. These data are available in public databases for most of the beaches worldwide. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

While climate change is now fully recognised as a reality, its impact on biodiversity is still not completely understood. To predict its impact, proxies coherent with the studied ecosystem or species are thus required. Marine turtles are threatened worldwide (though some populations are recovering) as they are particularly sensitive to temperature throughout their entire life cycle. This is especially true at the embryo stage when temperature affects both growth rates and sex determination. Nest temperature is thus of prime importance to understand the persistence of populations in the context of climate change. We analysed the nest temperature of 21 loggerheads (Caretta caretta) originating from Dalyan Beach in Turkey using day-lagged generalised mixed models with autocorrelation. Surprisingly, the selected model for nest temperature includes an effect for sea surface temperature 4-times higher than for air temperature. We also detected a very significant effect of metabolic heating during development compatible with what is already known about marine turtle nests. Our new methodology allows the prediction of marine turtle nest temperatures with good precision based on a combination of air temperature measured at beach level and sea surface temperature in front of the beach. These data are available in public databases for most of the beaches worldwide.

Hatchling sex ratios of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) were estimated on two main nesting beaches (Dalyan Beach and Goksu Delta) in Turkey using three methods: nest temperature, incubation period and gonad histology. The electronic temperature recorders were placed in 35 selected nests. The mean nest temperature in the middle third of the incubation period was calculated as 29.5 degrees C on Dalyan Beach and as 31 degrees C on Goksu Delta. Incubation periods on Dalyan Beach and Goksu Delta were found as 52.9 days and 50.4 days, respectively. Gonad histology method was used only on Dalyan Beach and it was determined that 235 (55.6%) hatchlings were female out of 423 histologically examined hatchlings. Using nest temperatures and incubation periods, sex ratios on Dalyan Beach were estimated as 61% and 69.3%, and on Goksu Delta as 81% and 73.1%, respectively. In light of our sex ratio results, Dalyan Beach has a relatively high proportion of male hatchlings possibly due to its relatively western location. Our findings indicate that Dalyan Beach is an important nesting beach for loggerhead sea turtles in the eastern Mediterranean not only in terms of nest numbers and hatching success but also for its high proportion of male hatchlings. As for the methods used in this study, for further studies, we can suggest that nest temperature method provides the most accurate sex ratio result compared with incubation period and gonad histology methods, if temperature-recorded nests are selected in a manner of representing temporal distribution of the total nests on study beach.

The incubation of eggs is strongly influenced by temperature as observed in all species studied to date. For example, incubation duration, sexual phenotype, growth, and performances in many vertebrate hatchlings are affected by incubation temperature. Yet it is very difficult to predict temperature effect based on the temperature within a field nest, as temperature varies throughout incubation. Previous works used egg incubation at constant temperatures in the laboratory to evaluate the dependency of growtProd. Type: FTPh rate on temperature. However, generating such data is time consuming and not always feasible due to logistical and legislative constraints. This paper therefore presents a methodology to extract the thermal reaction norm for the embryo growth rate directly from a time series of incubation temperatures recorded within natural nests. This methodology was successfully applied to the nests of the marine turtle Caretta caretta incubated on Dalyan Beach in Turkey, although it can also be used for any egg-laying species, with some of its limitations being discussed in the paper. Knowledge about embryo growth patterns is also important when determining the thermosensitive period for species with temperature-dependent sex determination. Indeed, in this case, sexual phenotype is sensitive to temperature only during this window of embryonic development.

The incubation of eggs is strongly influenced by temperature as observed in all species studied to date. For example, incubation duration, sexual phenotype, growth, and performances in many vertebrate hatchlings are affected by incubation temperature. Yet it is very difficult to predict temperature effect based on the temperature within a field nest, as temperature varies throughout incubation. Previous works used egg incubation at constant temperatures in the laboratory to evaluate the dependency of growt Prod. Type: FTPh rate on temperature. However, generating such data is time consuming and not always feasible due to logistical and legislative constraints. This paper therefore presents a methodology to extract the thermal reaction norm for the embryo growth rate directly from a time series of incubation temperatures recorded within natural nests. This methodology was successfully applied to the nests of the marine turtle Caretta caretta incubated on Dalyan Beach in Turkey, although it can also be used for any egg-laying species, with some of its limitations being discussed in the paper. Knowledge about embryo growth patterns is also important when determining the thermosensitive period for species with temperature-dependent sex determination. Indeed, in this case, sexual phenotype is sensitive to temperature only during this window of embryonic development. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Whereas the Nile Soft-shelled Turtle, Trionyx triunguis, used to be found in most of the east Mediterranean rivers, today only three major subpopulations remain: two in Turkey and one in Israel. The management of small subpopulations should rely on their genetic relatedness, and so this study examined the AFLP and cytochrome b genetic diversity of 58 T. triunguis specimens from the Alexander River in Israel and from Dalaman's Lake Kukurtlu in southwestern Turkey. The four selective primer pairs for AFLPs yielded 339 distinct loci. We found the populations to be highly polymorphic (>88%) and the level of gene diversity (He) relatively low (0.11). Indeed, using our methods, the two populations were found to be genetically identical (I=1.0). Our study further demonstrates a high identity of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b DNA sequence with a Liberian (West Africa) specimen of T. triunguis. These results support previous preliminary genetic studies and observations which showed that this species travels around in the Mediterranean Sea. However, we suggest that the results are evidence of previous large populations and of past connections with the African populations, and that the dams on the Nile are probably preventing this gene flow today.

We sequenced 20 new, field-collected individuals for up to seven genes to explore the phylogeography and conservation genetics of the threatened Nile softshell turtle Trionyx triunguis, including the first known-locality specimen from sub-Saharan Africa. Samples from Cameroon (West Africa), the Mediterranean and Nile River differed by at most a single nucleotide per gene, indicating the potential for a recent connection between these currently disjunct populations via the Nile-Congo River systems. Recently reported mitochondrial diversity between Mediterranean and "sub-Saharan" samples of the Nile softshell indicate that significant divergence exists across the species' range, but that variation cannot be fully incorporated into our analysis since those samples lack specific locality data.

The study, conducted from May 2002 to December 2004, aimed to provide scientific baseline data about avifaunal richness, species of breeding birds, and threats that affect both bird species and ecosystems, and to support attempts to get official protection status for the Dalaman (Mugla, Turkey) wetlands. A total of 215 bird species were recorded using point counts throughout transect lines. The species' statuses were determined as follows: 56 residents, 78 summer visitors, 44 winter visitors, 22 passage migrants, and 15 undetermined. Of the 215 species, 93 (43%) were non-breeders. According to EBCC (European Bird Census Council) criteria, the 122 breeding species were determined as 32 (15%) possible, 24(11%) probable, and 66 (31%) confirmed breeders. Moreover, 49(40%) of the breeding species were in SPEC (Species of European Conservation Concern) categories. The main observed threats for bird populations and habitats in the area were illegal hunting, cutting reed beds, uncontrolled agricultural pesticide and insecticide usage, agricultural and touristic activities, domestic waste, and noise from the airport. This study showed that the wetland ecosystems and the surrounding marshland, farmland, and forest ecosystems of Dalaman provide a good refuge for many bird species. Therefore, we think that the study area must urgently be protected by laws to reduce the human impact on the area.

The nesting activities of Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta Stejneger, 1902) and anthropogenic factors affecting them were monitored over 7 years (2002-2008) on Dalaman-Sarigerme beach, one of the main nesting grounds in Turkey. Out of the 2620 nesting emergences recorded during the entire study period, only 645 (24.6%) resulted in successful nesting, giving an annual mean number of nests of 92. The collective number of eggs in these nests numbered 50239, with 40079 (79.8%) of them producing hatchlings. Out of the total number of eggs laid, 8128 (16.2%) resulted in dead embryos and 2032 (4.0%) in unfertilized eggs. The mean incubation period averaged 49 days (range 40-67 days) and the mean clutch size was 79.0 (range 18-150 eggs). Turtle nests were more concentrated on the undeveloped parts of the beach than on developed parts. In the other sections, few emergences occurred and either no or few nests were recorded. In Section 1, which contained hotels and water sports facilities, only a few non-nesting emergences were observed. Of the number of nests that were observed, 32% were laid in Section II, which contained recently built hotels, 60% were in Section III and 8% were in Section IV, the undeveloped portion containing beach rocks. There is very clear evidence that the Loggerhead Turtles are shifting their nesting sites to the undisturbed sites along the beach. The negative factors that seem to be affecting them include water sports, hotel lights and beach rocks. In order to protect sea turtles, there needs to be a better understanding of how effective beach protection can be established.

Origanum onites L. and Thymbra spicata L. were collected in June-July 2004 in Denizli, Western Turkey. Essential oils from the leaves of these plants were extracted using either Soxhlet or steam distillation. The components of essential oils were removed from the steam distillate by C18 solid phase extraction. Chemical compositions of the essential oils were determined using two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC-TOF/MS). Portions (1 mL) of aqueous extracts (differing between groups in types of plants and extraction methods) were given orally to twenty-eight anesthetized rabbits using feeding tubes, and their electro-cardiography (ECG) and spirometric data recorded. The possible effects of these extracts obtained by using two different methods were evaluated by statistical analyses. According to the data obtained from the animal experiments, administration of these plant extracts caused a decrease in ventilation and heart rate. The common usage of thyme water in public, and the purposes of consumption were discussed in terms of public health.

Based on nesting data over a 12-year period (1993-2004), this study points to a negative population trend of the loggerhead turtle population at Fethiye beach, Turkey. The number of nests fluctuated from a maximum of 186 in 1995 to a minimum of 58 in 2004. Successively smaller peaks at 3-year intervals were followed by successively smaller troughs. Two analyses-one representing a dampened oscillation, the other retaining the period and the amplitudes of the nesting cycles-predict that nest number will drop to about 40-50 by 2015, i.e. to about 22-27% of its highest value. This drop at Fethiye does not correspond with a visible increase at neighboring beaches, leading to the interpretation that the number of nesting turtles here is declining. Moreover, the carapace size of emerging adult females is apparently decreasing, as are clutch sizes. Such a potential negative trend at a key Turkish nesting beach is cause for concern, an incentive for continued study, and a call for more coordinated and effective conservation programs in this region of the Mediterranean.

Eggs, hatchlings, and adult loggerhead turtles, and incubation durations of clutches, were measured on three Turkish beaches (Dalyan, Fethiye and Goksu Delta), and some physical features of nests were compared. These features were not statistically different among the beaches, except for nest depth and distance to the high water mark. There was a positive relationship between hatchling mass and egg size. The carapace length of hatchlings was correlated with both egg diameter and incubation duration. The duration of asynchronous emergence of hatchlings on Fethiye beach was slightly longer than on the other two beaches, and the size of hatchlings decreased as asynchronous emergence proceeded. Of the hatchlings that emerged first, those that died were significantly smaller in SCL and mass than those that lived. These results suggest that smaller hatchlings may not be vigorous enough to emerge earlier from nests, and that they may be less fit.

This study describes a new subspecies of lizard, Eumeces schneiderii barani n. ssp., from western Anatolia, Turkey. The new subspecies is differentiated from other two subspecies in Anatolia (E. s. princeps and E. s. pavimentatus) by its characteristic colour and colour-pattern as well as by the scales along the dorsal midline. Results obtained from polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis support this differentiation.

The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Fe, Cr, Ni, Se, Sb, As and Cu were investigated in the nesting environment of green turtles in Mediterranean Sea near Kazanli, Mersin-Turkey. Tissues of plants growing on the beach and the adjacent environment, beach sand, sea ground sediment, sea grass as well as the egg shells from the nests were analyzed and the results showed no significant high levels of heavy metals detected. The higher levels of metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd and As) were found in the samples from ground sea sediments. Ni and Sb were found at higher levels in river waters and Fe was at the highest in field soil. The high levels of Pb, Fe and Cd were also detected in sea grass, and the Cr, Cu and Ni in sea lily when comparison made with other plants. The levels of essential elements such as Fe and Cu were detected as the highest in most of the specimens. The herbivorous green turtles might be affected from the heavy metal concentrations in the future, since they feed on mainly sea grass. The accumulation of heavy metals via rivers into the sea might cause some pollution problems. C1 Pamukkale Univ, Fac Arts & Sci, Dept Biol, Denizli, Turkey. Pamukkale Univ, Fac Educ, Dept Sci Teaching, Denizli, Turkey. Naucrates, Onlus Friends Sea Turtles, I-22063 Cantu, CO, Italy. Pamukkale Univ, Fac Arts & Sci, Dept Chem, Denizli, Turkey.

Hatchling sex ratios in the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) were estimated by placing electronic temperature recorders in 21 nests at Fethiye beach during 2000-2002. Over the seasons, the mean temperature in the middle third of the incubation period ranged from 26.7 to 32.1 degrees C, and incubation periods ranged from 49 to 67 days. Based on the mean temperatures during the middle third of the incubation period, and on histologically sexed dead hatchlings, the sex ratios of hatchlings at Fethiye beach were roughly equal, i.e. 60-65% of the hatchlings were females. This contrasts with the highly female-skewed sex ratios in loggerhead turtles elsewhere; Fethiye has a relatively high proportion of male hatchlings. For endangered sea turtles, the knowledge of hatchling sex ratios at different beaches, coupled with appropriate conservation measures, can make an important contribution to their survival. C1 Pamukkale Univ, Fen Edebiyat Fak, Denizli, Turkey. Dokuz Eylul Univ, TR-35150 Buca Izmir, Turkey. Adnan Menderes Univ, Fen Edebiyat Fak, TR-09010 Aydin, Turkey. Univ Vienna, Dept Marine Biol, Fac Life Sci, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Dokuz Eylul Univ, Fauna & Flora Res & Aplicat Ctr, TR-35150 Buca Izmir, Turkey. Adnan Menderes Univ, Egitim Fak, TR-09010 Aydin, Turkey.

The damage caused by some invertebrates to the eggs and hatchlings of loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, was investigated during the summer of 2002 on Dalaman beach, Turkey. The specimens, identified to family or genus levels, from nine families representing seven orders were recorded as infesting nests of loggerhead turtles. The heaviest impacts on loggerhead turtle nests was made by Pimelia sp. (Tenebrionidae, Coleoptera). Twenty-four (36.3%) out of 66 intact loggerhead hatched nests were affected by these larvae. Larval damage by Pimelia sp. was recorded in 188 (10.6%) out of 1773 eggs, but only in two (0.28%) hatchlings. The results show that fewer insects were in the nest the further from vegetation and therefore the relocation of nests from the water's edge to further inland close to vegetation may increase the infestation rate of the eggs. C1 Pamukkale Univ, Fac Arts & Sci, Dept Biol, Denizli, Turkey.

Loggerhead turtle nests at risk from tidal inundation and predation were either relocated, screened against predation, or fenced in areas of heavy human activity on Fethiye, Dalyan, and Dalaman beaches during the nesting seasons of 2000-2002. Relocation, screening, and fencing clearly increased the hatching success rate and provided effective protection of sea turtle nests against inundation and predation. The emergence pattern and sex ratios of hatchlings, incubation periods, and distances of nests front the water line were analyzed. Incubation temperatures leading to a high female-biased sex ratio were found on Dalyan Beach. Sand and nest temperatures of the relocated nests at the hatchery site influenced the sex ratios, as seen front histological sexing of dead hatchlings from both in situ and relocated nests. C1 Univ Pamukkale, Fac Sci & Arts, Dept Biol, TR-20017 Denizli, Turkey.

The leaves of Robinia pseudo-acacia L. (Fabaceae) were evaluated as a biomonitors of heavy metal contamination in Denizli city, Turkey. Concentrations of Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn and Cd were determined in washed and unwashed leaves and soils collected from a wide range of sites with different degrees of metal pollution (industry, urban roadside, suburban) and from a rural (control) site by atomic absorption spectrometry. All the elements that measured were found to be at high levels in samples collected at industrial sites, except for lead and copper which were found at high levels in samples collected from urban roadsides that associated with the road traffic. The strong correlation between the degree of contamination and concentrations in all plant leaves assessed display that the leaves of R. pseudo-acacia reflect the environmental changes accurately, and that they seem as an effective biomonitor of environmental quality in areas subjected to industrial and traffic pollutions. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. C1 Pamukkale Univ, Fac Arts & Sci, Dept Biol, Denizli, Turkey. Pamukkale Univ, Fac Arts & Sci, Dept Chem, Denizli, Turkey.