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Knowledge of turtle hatchling ecology is fundamental for managing wild populations. Information on habitat selection by turtle hatchlings is particularly important to ensure that conservation programmes that release hatchlings into the wild give them the best chances of surviving to adulthood. Currently, knowledge of the ecology of turtle hatchlings worldwide is limited, which restricts evidence-based management for threatened species. Here, we used laboratory and field experiments to test for effects of captivity on habitat selection, movement, and short-term survival of Murray River turtle hatchlings (Emydura macquarii). This species has declined > 60% since the 1970s, and a conservation plan is urgently needed to manage their recovery. In both the laboratory and field, we found that hatchlings select aquatic vegetation when it is available. Hatchlings raised in captivity for a month, however, were radio-tracked in habitats significantly further from vegetation after release, and over three times as many of these hatchlings were attacked by predators, compared to those released immediately after hatching. Aquatic vegetation is clearly an important habitat for hatchling E. macquarii, and therefore, (i) hatchling conservation should prioritise areas with appropriate aquatic vegetation, and (ii) aquatic vegetation restoration should be prioritised to ensure E. macquarii hatchling survival in the wild. Moreover, since captivity affects hatchling habitat selection, E. macquarii hatchlings should be released immediately upon hatching. Further research on soft release techniques and longer-term captivity is required to determine whether the impact of captivity can be reduced.

Blood flukes of the family Spirorchiidae Stunkard, 1921 are significant pathogens of marine turtles, both in the wild and in captivity. Despite causing considerable disease and mortality, little is known about the life cycles of marine species, with just four reports globally. No complete life cycle has been elucidated for any named species of marine spirorchiid, but the group is reported to use vermetid and fissurellid gastropods, and terebelliform polychaetes as intermediate hosts. Here we report molecular evidence that nine related spirorchiid species infect vermetid gastropods as first intermediate hosts from four localities along the coast of Queensland, Australia. ITS2 rDNA and cox1 mtDNA sequence data generated from vermetid infections provides the first definitive identifications for the intermediate hosts for the four species of Hapalotrema Looss, 1899 and Learedius learedi Price, 1934. Additionally, we provide a new locality report for larval stages of Amphiorchis sp., and evidence of three additional unidentified spirorchiid species in Australian waters. Based on the wealth of infections from vermetids during this study, we conclude that the previous preliminary report of a fissurellid limpet as the intermediate host for L. learedi was likely mistaken. The nine species found infecting vermetids during this study form a strongly supported clade exclusive of species of the other two marine spirorchiid genera for which sequence data are available; Carettacola Manter & Larson, 1950 which falls sister to the vermetid-infecting clade + a small clade of freshwater spirorchiids, and Neospirorchis Price, 1934 which is distantly related to the vermetid-infecting clade. We provide further evidence that spirorchiid transmission can occur in closed system aquaria and show that spirorchiid transmission occurs at both an important turtle rookery (Heron Island, southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia) and foraging ground (Moreton Bay, Australia). We discuss the implications of our findings for the epidemiology of the disease, control in captivity, and the evolution of vermetid exploitation by the Spirorchiidae.

The Qilianyu cluster of the Xisha (Paracel) Islands has one of the few remaining green turtle Chelonia mydas rookeries in the China region. Genetic samples were obtained from dead green turtle embryos and hatchlings salvaged from post-hatched nests at Middle Island (n = 3), North Island (n = 9) and South Sand (n = 1) of the Qilianyu cluster in 2017-2019. The ~800 bp mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced from the samples, and 5 haplotypes were identified belonging to 2 documented clades (clades III and VIII), including 2 new haplotypes (CmP243.1 and CmP244.1) and 3 previously reported haplotypes (CmP18.1, CmP19.1, CmP20.1). These results were combined with previously published mtDNA data for the Qilianyu cluster and nearby (~93 km) Yongle Islands indicating a lack of differentiation based on truncated 384 bp control region sequences (exact test, p = 0.0997; FST = 0.015, p = 0.2760), to represent a single Xisha Islands rookery. The rookery at the Xisha Islands was significantly differentiated (p < 0.01) from all 19 management units (MUs) documented in the Indo-Pacific and Japan regions, supporting recognition of the Xisha Islands rookery as a new independent MU. The results will help inform national and international conservation action plans by China and the countries around the South China Sea to protect green turtles in the West Pacific Ocean.

During standard parasitological dissection of 4 individuals of European pond turtle (E. orbicularis) (Linneaus, 1758) one nematode was found. In a morphological examination the parasite was identified as Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819) and confirmed by DNA analysis based on sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. The partial 18S rDNA gene was deposited to NCBI GenBank with the accession number MN629917. This is the first molecular evidence of S. contortus in E. orbicularis from wild from Poland. The analyzed sample genotype sequence shows 100% similarity to the reference specimen from Argentina., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • The first case of Spiroxys contortus infestation in Emys orbicularis in the wild in Poland. • Molecular analysis of S. contortus - the first data to GenBank. • Analysis of possible sources of S. controtus invasion in E. orbicularis.

We document the first verifiable records of Claudius angustatus Cope, 1865 in the Selva Lacandona, Chiapas, Mexico. Three individuals were observed in different types of anthropic land covers. These records are the most recent observations of C. angustatus in the southeastern zone of its range in more than 20 years, thus representing the southernmost known occurrences of this species. With these records we confirm the long-suspected presence of C. angustatus in the region, increasing the number of reptile species in the Selva Lacandona to 91.

Several British specimens of relatively complete and partial shells of small pleurosternid turtles, found in the Purbeck Limestone Group (Berriasian, Lower Cretaceous), are analysed in detail here. Despite having been found more than a century ago, most of them remained unpublished until now. Due to the scarce knowledge available to date about the small individuals of Pleurosternidae from the British record, their taxonomic status was doubtful. Thus, some authors proposed their attribution to a new but not defined taxon of small size, whereas others suggested that they could represent juvenile individuals of Pleurosternon bullockii, the adults of which were also found in the Purbeck Limestone Group but at different levels. Knowledge about the shell of the adult individuals of Pleurosternon bullockii has notably increased recently, abundant information on its intraspecific variability being currently available. In this context, a detailed study of the small specimens through qualitative and quantitative approaches is performed here. The results are evidence a significant range of shape variability because of ontogenetic development, as well as other types of intraspecific variation such as inter-individual variation. As a consequence, their attribution to juvenile individuals of Pleurosternon bullockii is justified, providing new data on the ontogenetic development of a basal form.

As effects of climate change intensify, there is a growing need to understand the thermal properties of landscapes and their influence on wildlife. A key thermal property of landscapes is vegetation structure and composition. Management approaches can alter vegetation and consequently the thermal landscape, potentially resulting in underappreciated consequences for wildlife thermoregulation. Consideration of spatial scale can clarify how management overlaid onto existing vegetation patterns affects thermal properties of landscapes relevant to wildlife. We examined effects of temperature, fire management, and vegetation structure on multi-scale habitat selection of an ectothermic vertebrate (the turtle Terrapene carolina triunguis) in the Great Plains of the central United States by linking time-since-fire data from 18 experimental burn plots to turtle telemetry locations and thermal and vegetation height data. Within three 60-ha experimental landscapes, each containing six 10-ha sub-blocks that are periodically burned, we found that turtles select time-since-fire gradients differently depending on maximum daily ambient temperature. At moderate temperatures, turtles selected sub-blocks with recent (

While Bitran and Tan (2013. Diaspora Nation: An Inquiry into the Economic Potential of Diaspora Networks in Canada. Toronto: Mowat Centre, University of Toronto, 8) believe that Canada (Turtle Island) is a ‘diaspora nation’, it is also evident that Canada as a settler colonial state has deeply rooted systemic and blatant forms of racism that have historically victimized and otherized diasporic communities of colour for the purpose of maintaining and perpetuating White hegemony. Even though cultural diversity and diasporic identities are often hailed to have underpinned Canadian ‘multiculturalism’, the aforementioned contradiction unravels the discourse or intent of multiculturalism in Canada – a country not fostering inclusivity, equality and justice for all the marginalized populations – but quite strikingly the opposite – the politics of Whiteness undergirded by the legacy of settler colonialism, historically. The identity of Canada as a country embracing ‘multiculturalism’ has a deeply rooted history of settler colonialism and its devastating consequences on Indigenous peoples living in this land for thousands of years before the arrival of White European settlers. And, of course, a plethora of studies have been done concerning those issues of racism, multiculturalism, settle colonialism and so forth in Canada. Similarly, a number of studies do exist that explore numerous diasporic identities based on their countries of origin. However, in this essay, I explore intersectional nature of three broad diasporic identities – Indigenous, Black and immigrant peoples of colour in Canada – who have common and intersecting experiences of forced/voluntary dispersal, homelessness, cultural alienation, marginalization, and so forth. Based on the intersecting experiences, the diasporas in Canada can ramp up an effective alliance to fight the injustices caused by White people through various institutions and state apparatuses. In order to critically examine the intersectionality of the three overarching diasporas and their issues, the essay uses Critical Race Theoretical (CRT) approach of intersectionality, postcolonial as well as Indigenous perspective to better understand how the diasporas are nuanced and interrelated despite their unique issues and existential characteristics. Similarly, viewing the diasporic intersection in Canada from critical race theoretical notion of intersectionality together with Indigenous perspective offers an understanding on how different diasporas in Canada and elsewhere share similar historical experiences and, at the same time, forge solidarity for their common good. On the one hand, the diasporic convergence with Indigenous peoples in it (re)fashions the Native space as an equitable space grounded on traditional Indigenous metaphor of common pot – inclusivity, renewal, mutual respect and responsibility, and on the other, it also highlights the necessity of critically (re)examining diasporas in Turtle Island by considering Indigeneity as an integral part of the discourse – study of diasporas not in isolation with Indigenous peoples, but as intersectional identities, so to speak.

Freshwater turtles represent one of the most common pets released in urban water bodies. In Europe, after the ban on the import of Trachemys scripta, other non-native turtle species now dominate the legal pet trade. Some of these species have high invasive potential, such as the well-known slider turtle, but their diffusion outside their native range is poorly known. This work summarises presence data about non-native freshwater turtles, different from slider turtles T. scripta, into two urban parks located at the northern boundary of the Milan outskirts (Italy, Lombardy). Turtle detections were obtained merging field surveys conducted from 2014 to 2020, with sparse pictures taken by occasional observers. The situation depicted shows, in addition to the ubiquitous spread of slider turtle subspecies and hybrids in both parks, the frequent presence of other multiple genera such as Pseudemys and Graptemys. Isolated individuals of Apalone spinifera, Graptemys ouachitensis, Mauremys sinensis, Pelomedusa subrufa and Sternotherus carinatus were also found. I also detected one Emys orbicularis, probably escaped or released.

Taman Kili-Kili Beach is designated as an Essential Ecosystem Area (KEE). 188/39/KPTS/013/2020. According to the Supervisory Community Group (Pokmaswas), in 2011-2020, there was an increase in broodstock as many as 52 turtles, and the eggs saved as many as 3323 eggs. However, since 2013 Pokmaswas data shows a decrease in the population of hawksbill and green turtles in turtle conservation areas, which is thought to be caused by climate change, global warming, and animals. This study aims to analyze environmental baselines, turtle populations, and the value of turtle ecotourism (ecological, economic values) and develop strategies to support turtle conservation at Taman Kili-Kili Beach Trenggalek Regency. The results of the adjustment of nesting habitats and turtle ecotourism, calculation of the Habitat Conformity Index (IKH) of turtle nesting, IKH = 77.77%, which belongs to the category (S1) is very suitable to be used as a conservation area and turtle nesting habitat. While the results of the calculation of the Turtle Ecotourism Conformity Index (IKW), IKW = 84.93%, which is included in the (S1) category, which is very suitable for use a turtle tourism area. The strategy for developing turtle ecotourism is in quadrant II, meaning that it utilizes the strengths possessed in the turtle conservation area by minimizing the threats that it will experience.

Reptilian skull morphology is highly diverse and broadly categorized into three architectural patterns: anapsid, synapsid, and diapsid. The anapsid condition where the temporal region is completely roofed by bones is observed in both basal reptiles and turtles. According to recent phylogenetic studies, turtles are derived from diapsid reptiles, implying that the temporal fenestrae were secondarily closed in turtles. Although the repeated evolution of dermatocranial bone reductions in the skull’s temporal region of the anapsid skull and the biomechanical factors driving the evolution of the anapsid skull in turtles have been actively discussed, its developmental basis for the anapsid skull remains poorly understood. To investigate the developmental mechanisms underlying the morphological evolution of turtle skulls, here we describe the cranial osteogenesis of three cryptodiran turtle species with distinct skull morphologies: Chelonia mydas (Cheloniidae), Mauremys reevesii (Geoemydidae), and Pelodiscus sinensis (Trionychidae). Our interspecific comparison of embryonic cranial osteogenesis suggests that the growth pattern of skull bone elements is presumed to be highly conserved during embryogenesis across cryptodiran turtles. We found that the growth pattern of the five dermatocranial elements that construct the temporal region of the skull (the parietal, postorbital, jugal, quadratojugal, and squamosal) is highly conserved among turtle species, and that the morphological diversity of turtle skulls arises from slight differences in growth patterns. Our study also suggests that interspecific morphological differences in the cheloniid adult skulls may become apparent in the post-hatching growth period rather than during embryogenesis.

Egg inviability at oviposition is a possible explanation for the high rate of early-stage embryo death of eggs laid by green turtles at Raine Island, the largest green turtle nesting aggregation in the world. We tested this possibility by assessing egg viability of freshly laid eggs. We found that green turtle eggs laid at Raine Island have high viability at their time of laying, and that there was no relationship between egg viability and early-stage embryo death or hatching success within a clutch. Hence, the inviable egg at oviposition hypothesis cannot explain the high death rate of early-stage embryos that is characteristic of green turtle clutches laid at Raine Island.

Borings and bite marks on fossil turtle carapaces and plastra from the Miocene Moghra Formation, northern Egypt, are herein described. All fossil turtle material from Moghra exhibits ichnofossils. The positions of invertebrate borings on external surfaces of tortoise and turtle shell material at Moghra are consistent with the activities of ectoparasites or mesoparasites.A single invertebrate ichnotaxon, Karethraichnus lakkos Zonneveld et al., 2016, occurs on Moghra tortoise fossils. This trace fossil was likely emplaced by ixodid arthropods (ticks). Bite marks assigned to Nihilichnus occur on a carapace peripheral and are interpreted to reflect postmortem scavenging. An abundant and moderately diverse assemblage of invertebrate borings characterizes Moghra aquatic turtle shells. Karethraichnus lakkos and Thatchtelithichnus holmani Zonneveld et al., 2016 traces on aquatic turtles are interpreted to reflect leech and/or trematode parasitism. Gunnellichnus moghraensis (new ichnogenus new ichnospecies) and G. akolouthiste (n. isp.) likely reflect bacterial and/or fungal infections on aquatic turtle shells that rarely dried out.UUID: http://zoobank.org/f0a3977d-deff-4954-b196-536adc405854

Constructed wetlands may compensate to some degree for the impact of the loss of natural wetlands on aquatic biodiversity. However, information is lacking on the relative value of artificial wetlands and comparable natural wetlands for freshwater turtles. I contrasted the population structure, diet and body growth of Australian eastern long-necked turtles (Chelodina longicollis) in artificial and natural ponds in farmland settings. Turtle populations in the artificial ponds had a more even distribution of body size, and a much larger proportion of young individuals, than those in the natural ponds, suggesting that the artificial ponds were important recruitment sites. Diet differed little between the two types of ponds, being greatly dominated by aquatic insects in both cases. However, body growth of juvenile turtles was on average more rapid in the artificial ponds, possibly because they were generally permanent, unlike the natural ponds. These findings suggest that artificial farm ponds are valuable habitats for C. longicollis, which may foster population recruitment that counters the effects of introduced nest predators and road mortality.

Emys orbicularis is a semi-aquatic turtle with great longevity being able to reach 50 years. In this study, we estimated the growth rates (in carapace length and body mass) in a population of E. orbicularis from the northeastern Iberian Peninsula over a period of 23 years. We compared their growth rates among age groups, sexes, and years and across different types of habitats (small forest ponds, large forest ponds, and slow-flow streams). We hypothesized that the subpopulation that inhabits the small forest ponds may show slower growth rates because these habitats have lower solar exposure and lower water temperature. The study population showed sexual dimorphism in size, with females being larger and heavier than males. The analyses confirmed that the individuals from small forest ponds are smaller and grow at slower rates. Our results also revealed significant inter-annual variability in the growth rates of E. orbicularis, emphasizing the importance of conducting long-term studies of species with great longevity.

We report on two clustering chelonibiid shells from Rupelian deposits of southwestern Germany. One of these specimens displays a tripartite rostral complex and disparietal radii that indicate the Oligocene species Protochelonibia melleni, which was known so far from isolated compartments only. A literature review reveals two additional, overlooked records of the rarely reported genus Protochelonibia, coming, respectively, from the Burdigalian of France and the Langhian of Austria. Both these historical finds likely represent the Miocene species Protochelonibia submersa. All together, these occurrences support the notion that the protochelonibiines had acquired a broad distribution as early as in Rupelian times, when P. melleni occurred along the proto-Gulf of Mexico and in the Western Paratethys. Both P. melleni and P. submersa grew in form of peltate shells that evoke a superficial adhesion to some kind of quickly moving hosts. The outer wall of the abraded German colony of P. melleni is comprised of pillar-like blocks of shelly material. In other coronuloids, similar yet more prominent septa abut outward to form T-shaped flanges and intervening longitudinal canals that facilitate the grasping of various kinds of penetrable substrates. The diminutive external longitudinal parietal septa of P. melleni are more likely to represent an early stage in the evolution of the coronuloid shell architecture than vestigial structures. New additions to the pre-Pliocene fossil record of Coronuloidea and a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the turtle and whale barnacles will hopefully clarify this and other crucial aspects of the origin and early evolution of these remarkable forms.

We review the extent and nature of scientific knowledge of the Big-headed Amazon River Turtle, Peltocephalus dumerilianus, covering distribution, morphology, taxonomy, diet, behaviour, reproduction, and ecology. We discuss the phylogenetic position of the species and its evolutionary relationships with the other podocnemidids, comparing morphological, karyological and molecular information. Also, we describe the importance of this species and its relationship with traditional Amazonian communities, including capture techniques, uses, beliefs and taboos. Finally, we comment on the conservation status of the species and the urgent need for additional studies. Besides discussing and reinterpreting published data, we provide new information from recent genetic studies, field activities and captive observations.

Many sea turtle studies globally use counts of nesting activities as a proxy for population abundance estimates and as an indicator of trends within the population. Often these populations are sampled temporally and spatially, but few previous studies have examined the impact of different sampling techniques on the accuracy of these estimates. We investigated temporal sampling errors using a multi-species approach, examining 10 populations comprising green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles. Sampling errors were investigated from random, regular and continuous sampling regimes spanning 5-80% coverage. A count approach was used rather than an individual-based capture-mark-recapture approach to broaden the scope and application of the research. Modelling showed that even low survey coverage of 5% gave reasonably accurate estimates of annual nesting activity, with estimated errors of ca. 20% (mean + 1 SD equalling 84.1% of surveys). Survey error is low relative to changes in abundance from the inter-annual variations in nesting activity that occur in sea turtle populations. Thus, annual studies are important to estimate sea turtle abundance, even if these studies have low survey coverage. An increase in survey effort may be more cost effective if spent combining estimates of total nesting activity with sampling turtles as part of a capture-mark-recapture study. This approach will provide a second estimate of annual abundance as well as an estimate of demographic parameters including clutch frequencies, remigration intervals, survivorship, immigration and emigration. This estimation of sampling errors may be useful in the design of monitoring programmes and can be used to guide management and policy decisions.

During the nesting season, green turtles have an instinct to return to their original place to lay their eggs. The success of turtle egg laying is influenced by the suitability of the beach for their nesting habitat which consists of physical and biological factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of the physical and biological factors of green turtle nesting habitat and its relationship to the number of green turtles landed at each station. The research method used is observation, the observation station is determined by purposive sampling, and the data analysis technique used is quantitative. The result is that physical and biological factors consisting of beach width and slope, sand texture and temperature, and vegetation at each landing station on Pangumbahan beach are still suitable as green turtle nesting sites except station 6. There were 47 green turtles that landed, and station 2 has the highest number of turtles landing, which is 16 turtles. Meanwhile, at station 6, no turtles landed. From the results of the correlation analysis, the beach slope factor and the vegetation density factor have a very strong and significant relationship with the number of turtles that landed. As for the other factors have a fairly - strong relationship. The conclusion is that all factors, both physical and biological factors from the beach, affect the number of green turtles that land, as evidenced by the relationship between the two variables.

In this paper we describe Cotylaspis nigeriensis sp. n., parasite of the African mud turtle, Pelusios castaneus Schweiger, 1812 and Pelusios sp. from Ondo State, South-Western Nigeria. The new species is distinguished from the eight previously described species by the body size, number of alveoli in the adhesive disc, size of the testis, among other features. It is distinguished from C. lenoiri Poirier, 1886 its African counterpart by host differences; C. lenoiri parasitizes the Senegal soft shell turtle Cyclanorbis senegalensis Dumeril and Bibron, 1835 in Senegal and the African soft shell turtle Trionyx triunguis Forskal, 1775 in Egypt. Cotylaspis nigeriensis sp. n. like the type species C. insignis Leidy, 1857, C. malayensis Rohde, 1963 and C. parasinensis Belous, 1963 has 29 alveoli in the adhesive disc (20 peripheral and 9 median) as against C. cokeri Barker and Parsons, 1914 which has 32, C. coreensis Cheo et Seo, 1977 and C. sinensis Faust and Tang, 1936 which have 27, C. lenoiri Poirier, 1886 with 25, and C. stunkardi Rumbold, 1928 with 50 alveoli. Cotylapsis nigeriensis sp. n. is the second species from Africa and the ninth globally.

Sea turtle eggs incubation involves natural and artificial incubation of eggs, and indeed the depth will be varied and presumably affect the development of hatchlings. For nest relocation, the researcher needs to decide on the depth to incubate the eggs. Sea turtle eggs clutches may vary between 40 and 120 eggs for the green turtle, thus using a single value as the standard procedure might affect the quality of hatchlings. Here we quantify the dimension of the natural (in-situ) nest constructed by the nester and the artificial (ex-situ) built by our ranger during nest relocation. We suggest a linear regression calculation of Y = 0.2366X + 59.3267, better predict a more accurate nest depth based on the number of eggs to imitate the natural nest.

Sun basking is the most common method for freshwater turtles, such as the European pond turtle, to maintain optimal body temperature. The attributes of the macro- and microhabitat features around the basking sites affect the basking site selection of the European pond turtle. To protect the European pond turtle, it is important to know the basking habits among the biological characteristics of the species, along with the effects of the habitat characteristics and the choice of the type of basking sites. The purpose of our research was to detect the effects of macro- and microhabitat features on the selection of basking sites. We wanted to determine basking site type selection according to the carapace length classes and if there is any difference in the choice of basking trunks and branches with different thicknesses. Turtles choose basking sites with less closed vegetation in their environment. We have detected seasonal differences in the microhabitat features. The closing reed and Typha sp. had a negative effect on the number of observed basking turtles. The most popular type of basking sites in the pond system was the commonly occurred fallen tree trunks and branches in the water, regardless of turtle body size. Most turtles used thinner tree trunks and branches for basking. In the meantime, we found differences in the choice of basking trunks between the turtles with different body sizes. Younger turtles with smaller bodies appeared in larger numbers on emergent branches with smaller diameters.

Technological and analytical advances to study evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are realized through molecular approaches including DNA barcoding. We characterized the usefulness of COI DNA barcodes in green turtles in Mexico to better understand genetic divergence and other genetic parameters of this species. We analyzed 63 sequences, including 25 from green turtle field specimens collected from the Gulf of Mexico and from the Mexican Pacific and 38 already present in the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). A total of 13 haplotypes were identified with four novel haplotypes from the Pacific Ocean and three novel haplotypes from the Atlantic Ocean. Intraspecific distance values among COI gene sequences by two different models were 0.01, demonstrating that there is not a subdivision for green turtle species. Otherwise, the interspecific distance interval ranged from 0.07 to 0.13, supporting a clear subdivision among all sea turtle species. Haplotype and total nucleotide diversity values of the COI gene reflect a medium genetic diversity average. Green turtles of the Mexican Pacific showed common haplotypes to some Australian and Chinese turtles, but different from the haplotypes of the Mexican Atlantic. COI analysis revealed new haplotypes and confirmed that DNA barcodes were useful for evaluation of the population diversity of green turtles in Mexico.

Limited information is available on the growth rates of turtles in head-starting programs. The current study provides vital information on the growth patterns of Batagur dhongoka, a critically endangered turtle inhabiting the Ganga River basin that were part of a head-starting program at Turtle Breeding and Rehabilitation Centre, Sarnath, India. Our results indicate that the post-hatchling stage shows the maximal growth with a reduced increment in the second year as compared to the first year. The study revealed a strong relationship between the weight and increments in carapace length, width and plastron length.

Las tortugas marinas pueden ser un nicho para organismos de menor tamaño denominados epibiontes o huéspedes que no causan ningún daño a sus hospederos. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las diatomeas que habitan sobre el caparazón de hembras de la tortuga Lepidochelys olivacea durante la temporada de desove 2015-2016 en Playa Ventura, Guerrero, México. Se muestrearon un total de 46 tortugas golfinas, registrándose 20 especies y 17 géneros de diatomeas. Los géneros con mayor número de especies fueron Gomphonema (tres especies) y Cocconeis(dos especies). Los resultados indican que la adquisición y proliferación de las diatomeas no están relacionadas directamente al comportamiento de las tortugas en general; sin embargo, la comunidad de tortugas que arriba a estas playas podría presentar hábitos similares que propicien el establecimiento de estas diatomeas.

Anthropogenic stressors from onshore and offshore activities can act as driving factors of disease for a wide range of marine organisms. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are prominently afflicted with a tumour-causing disease known as fibropapillomatosis (FP) caused by the chelonid alphaherpesvirus ChHV5. Previous studies indicate that pathways of FP transmission may be genetic (vertical transmission) or linked to causal factors in a turtle’s environment (horizontal transmission). In this paper patterns of FP prevalence were examined in 10,896 records of green turtles caught or found stranded around Watamu Bay, Kenya, between 2003 – 2020. Findings were focused on locational and seasonal factors that may potentially influence infection. The findings show that FP prevalence varies significantly on an annual basis. Location significantly influenced infection prevalence, with prevalence higher in open ocean sites than sites located within the creek. Infection prevalence was highest at sites around the creek mouth and north of the creek mouth, with both regions exhibiting disparate annual patterns of infection. This paper is the first to examine long-term trends of FP prevalence in-depth in this region and has implications for the health of turtles and marine biota found along the Kenyan coast, and potentially within the wider Western Indian Ocean region. The findings emphasize the need to distinguish the infection pathways of causative agents via: i) further examination of the links between infection and environmental and/or biont community factors; and ii) the collection of data pertinent to the genetic diversity of green turtles and associated ChHV5 viral strains occurring in the Western Indian Ocean.

Studies of the ecological niche segregation among Columbidae birds have principally addressed feeding resources while segregating in relation to nest niche differentiation and breeding success have been little investigated. The wide extension of the invasive collared dove (S. decaocto) distribution throughout North African ecosystems has raised questions regarding its impact on native species, principally the vulnerable turtle dove (S. turtur). The study, conducted between March and September 2017–2019, attempted to determine levels of nest-niche differentiation between the two competitive dove species in the Fez’s agricultural area (Morocco). We used macro-habitat parameters inside olive orchards and micro-habitat parameters on nesting olive trees to evaluate the segregation of nest-niche between the two species. The results show substantial niche partitioning in the olive orchards and nest-trees selected by both doves. Collared doves nested in the periphery of orchards where the human impact was higher, and used greater height for nest placement on the olive trees, while turtle dove nested in the centre of orchards and placed nests in the lower height. Observed nest-niche partitioning may reduce the probability of concurrence between these sympatric birds and improve breeding success, higher in the studied sites for both doves (Hanane 2017). We also recommend guidelines for future research that search to understand the use of foraging resources by collared and turtle doves in the region during breeding seasons.

When I was asked to comment on the illustration printed on the cover of the first (1961) volume of the journal L’Homme, I was honored to have my name associated with the inimitable Claude Levi-Strauss, the founder of structuralist anthropology, which was nurtured by the tropical forests of Brazil and nourished by the exceptionally diverse ethnic groups whose forebears had lived there for millennia. I myself am an archaeologist, and when I arrived in the Republic of Panama in 1969 to begin the...

Turtles from Asia are on the brink of extinction with 53% of species considered endangered or critically endangered. Unfortunately, the ecology of many threatened species remains largely unknown. In this study, the diet of the endangered Beale’s eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) was investigated using two methods, visual faecal content analysis and stable isotope analysis. Results from both methods indicated that S. bealei is highly reliant on riparian resources, especially fruits and terrestrial insects. Stable isotope data indicated that terrestrial resources made up around half (47–53%) of all assimilated food resources. These findings suggest that S. bealei facilitates energy flow from riparian forests to stream ecosystems. Moreover, S. bealei is likely to be a seed disperser for riparian plants. This study represents the first application of stable isotope methods to examine the diet of Asian freshwater turtles and their resource use. We stress the importance of similar studies to improve our understanding of remnant turtle populations before they disappear as a result of human activities.

Here we describe the first occurrence of the stem turtle Naomichelys from the Late Cretaceous of eastern North America. The specimen (MSC 41038) was collected as float from locality AMg-1 in Montgo...

Educators often use reptiles as ambassadors of environmental messages during presentations because of their ease of transport and handling. Although learners may be provided opportunities to touch or hold these animals, this presents a variety of safety and liability issues for the learner and animal. Little is known about whether touching or holding an animal influences perceptions of the animal and related environmental issues. This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of 16 fifth grade students who experienced a live, tactile encounter with a corn snake and Eastern box turtle while participating in an educational class using four focus groups. Regardless of whether students touched the snake or turtle, or fully held the animal, participants noted the uniqueness of the experience and their empathy for the animal and its habitat. Students who fully held the animal thought that they learned more during the experience while students who touched the animal mentioned getting to know the animal better, regardless of whether the animal was a snake or turtle. When learners are unable to completely hold a snake or turtle, educators should consider the equally positive outcomes that can result from touching these animals with two fingers and provide opportunities for such experiences.

Protected areas tend to preserve conserved ecosystems and constitute a focus of high attraction for tourism. For both reasons, it is essential to regulate their visitation through management tools. In this study, a methodology was developed to estimate the area of responsible observation of sea turtles by tourists during their nesting process in marine-coastal protected areas, using the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge as an application site. This methodology uses variables related to olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting behavior in order to determine the area and number of observers recommended under certain space limitations and considering the turtle arrivals recorded during the 2013-2015 period. In those three years, 15515 olive ridley turtle arrivals were recorded in relation to the lunar phases; the highest number of arrivals occurred during the waning quarter of the moon. The proposed area to observe sea turtles at the Camaronal site was 51.4 m2 and the area to observe a sea turtle corresponds to a circle of ~500 m2 in tour groups of 10 people maximum. Respecting the suggested group size would not significantly alter nesting behavior. The refuge has L. olivacea as one of its conservation objectives, so the preservation of this species should be a priority.

Leaving the water to bask (usually in the sun) is a common behavior for many freshwater turtles, with some species also engaging in “nocturnal basking.” Ectoparasite removal is an obvious hypothesis to explain nocturnal basking and has also been proposed as a key driver of diurnal basking. However, the efficacy of basking, day or night, to remove leeches has not been experimentally tested. Therefore, we examined the number of leeches that were removed from Krefft's river turtles (Emydura macquarii krefftii) after experimentally making turtles bask at a range of times of day, durations, and temperatures. Turtles had high initial leech loads, with a mean of 32.1 leeches per turtle. Diurnal basking under a heat lamp for 3 hr at ~28°C significantly reduced numbers of leeches relative to controls. In diurnal trials, 90.9% of turtles lost leeches (mean loss of 7.1 leeches per turtle), whereas basking for 30 min under the same conditions was not effective (no turtles lost leeches, and all turtles were still visibly wet). Similarly, “nocturnal basking” at ~23°C for 3 hr was not effective at removing leeches. Only 18% of turtles lost leeches (one turtle lost one leech and another lost four leeches). Diurnal basking outdoors under direct sunlight for 20 min (mean temp = 34.5°C) resulted in a small reduction in leeches, with 50% of turtles losing leeches and an average loss of 0.7 leeches per turtle. These results indicate basking can remove leeches if temperatures are high or basking durations are long. However, it was only effective at unusually long basking durations in this system. Our data showed even the 20‐min period was longer than 70.1% of natural diurnal basking events, many of which took place at cooler temperatures. Therefore, leech removal does not appear to be the purpose of the majority of basking events., Aerial basking has long been hypothesized to reduce ectoparasites in turtles. We experimentally tested if basking reduced leech loads in an Australian freshwater turtle. While basking can reduce leech loads, the basking duration and heat intensity greatly influence the results. Thus, we have determined that mean basking times in nature were not sufficient to effectively reduce leech loads, making leech removal unlikely to be the primary mechanism driving basking behavior.

Habitat loss and degradation have led to the extinction of many species worldwide. The endangered Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii (Holbrook, 1838)), a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle, occupies a wide range of wetlands and landscapes primarily in southeastern Canada and the Great Lakes region of the United States. We explored whether the probability of wetland occupancy by Blanding’s Turtles is affected by the surrounding landscape. We used visual surveys, environmental DNA, and Atlas data to document the presence of Blanding’s Turtles in wetlands in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We tabulated landscape composition at multiple scales surrounding the wetlands to determine whether landscape composition can predict wetland occupancy. Generally, wetlands surrounded by forest and other undisturbed lands were most likely to harbour Blanding’s Turtles, whereas those surrounded by more human-disturbed lands were least likely to harbour Blanding’s Turtles. Larger wetlands and a high proportion of wetlands in the surrounding landscape also increased the probability of occupancy by Blanding’s Turtles. Finally, older wetlands were more likely to be occupied by Blanding’s Turtles. The ability to estimate a species’ probability of occupancy can aid in conservation efforts, such as critical habitat delineation.

Manchurochelys manchoukuoensis is a sinemydid stem-cryptodire turtle known by fossils from the Lower Cretaceous beds exposed in western Liaoning and Inner Mongolia of China. This fossil taxon is im...

All sea turtles exhibit temperature-dependent sex-determination, where warmer temperatures produce mostly females and cooler temperatures produce mostly males. As global temperatures continue to rise, sea turtle sex-ratios are expected to become increasingly female-biased, threatening the long-term viability of many populations. Nest temperatures are dependent on sand temperature, and heavy rainfall events reduce sand temperatures for a brief period. However, it is unknown whether these short-term temperature drops are large and long enough to produce male hatchlings. To discover if short-term temperature drops within the sex-determining period can lead to male hatchling production, we exposed green and loggerhead turtle eggs to short-term temperature drops conducted in constant temperature rooms. We dropped incubation temperature at four different times during the sex-determining period for a duration of either 3 or 7 days to mimic short-term drops in temperature caused by heavy rainfall in nature. Some male hatchlings were produced when exposed to temperature drops for as little as 3 days, but the majority of male production occurred when eggs were exposed to 7 days of lowered temperature. More male hatchlings were produced when the temperature drop occurred during the middle of the sex-determining period in green turtles, and the beginning and end of the sex-determining period in loggerhead turtles. Inter-clutch variation was evident in the proportion of male hatchlings produced, indicating that maternal and or genetic factors influence male hatchling production. Our findings have management implications for the long-term preservation of sea turtles on beaches that exhibit strongly female-biased hatchling sex-ratios.

SummaryTree characteristics, microhabitat, and human presence were measured around nest trees (n= 92) and non-nest trees (n= 92) to identify the best predictors of the European Turtle-doveStreptopelia turturnest occurrence in date palm plantations of the Biskra region (Algeria). Nest occurrence was (i) positively influenced by the height of trees and that of the herbaceous layer, and (ii) quadratically affected by diameter at breast height (DBH), the cover of trees, the cover of the herbaceous vegetation, and the distance to the edge of date palm plantation. Variation partitioning analysis revealed that the pure effect of tree physical characteristics (tree height and DBH) was robust in explaining the occurrence of Turtle Dove nests (adj.R2= 0.52,P= 0.001). For an efficient management of this Saharan population, special attention should be paid in the short term to keeping high date palm trees while ensuring, in the medium and long term, the presence of different-sized palm tree classes at each exploitation. There is no doubt that date palm plantations of Biskra are of paramount importance because they offer good opportunities for consolidating and improving the knowledge on this threatened species and other species at the Sahara edge.

Globally, beach-washed logs have been shown to negatively affect marine turtle nesting, but the effects and origin of beach-washed logs on remote beaches in Australia have not yet been investigated. This study presents a novel investigation into the species and origin of timber logs washed ashore on an endangered marine turtle nesting beach at Milman Island, in the Great Barrier Reef, and their potential impact on nesting attempts. A spatial analysis of the coincidence of beach-washed logs and nesting attempts highlighted several areas around Milman Island that should be prioritised for future action to remove high-impact logs. Probable log origin was determined by tree species analysis and validated through ocean current modelling. This indicated that timber species found on Milman Island had a probable origin in the Coral Sea, including Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Manipulative experiments involving the presence or absence of beach-washed logs could be the next step in further understanding the relationship between the nesting behaviour of the Eretmochelys imbricata population on Milman Island and beach-washed logs.