Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal最新文献

{"title":"Egg Size vs. Mass Relationships in Turtles","authors":"John B. Iverson, Michael A. Ewert, Edward O. Moll","doi":"10.2744/ccb-1620.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/ccb-1620.1","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. – For over 40 yrs we compiled egg length, egg width, and egg mass data for turtles in order to estimate the latter from published and unpublished data for the 2 former variables. The resulting data set includes nearly 18,000 eggs for 122 species and includes species-specific graphs (with linear regression equations and correlation coefficients) of egg width vs. egg mass and egg width vs. egg mass, as well as multiple regression equations of egg mass as a function of egg length and egg width (with statistical support). It is our hope that this note will stimulate authors to report egg mass data more rigorously, but also facilitate contemporary studies of reproductive strategies in turtles with more complete and accurate data.","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"9 23","pages":"128 - 129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141684130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Steroid Hormone Profiles and Demographic Data for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Inhabiting the Mexican Caribbean Coast","authors":"A. Vázquez-Gómez, Horacio Merchant-Larios, Fernando Alberto Muñoz Tenería, R. Herrera-Pavón, A. Negrete-Philippe, V. Labrada-Martagón","doi":"10.2744/CCB-1604","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1604","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. – This study provides, for the first time, reference intervals of sex steroids and thyroxine concentrations from free-living green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) inhabiting the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico, determined in serum samples (n = 150) collected during 2013–2019 and characterized by endogenous (sex, size, and reproductive stages) and exogenous (foraging site) factors. A new demographic classification is proposed based on sea turtle size and habit preferences. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify serum estradiol, testosterone, and free thyroxine concentrations of green sea turtles captured in 7 foraging localities along the coast. The mean curved carapace length (CCL) of individuals (n = 150) was 66.60 ± 21.26 cm (range: 26.2–116.4 cm); immature turtles of undetermined sex were the most frequent age class (79.3%). The mean steroid values were 0.33 ± 0.416 ng ml–1 (0.001–2.85 ng ml–1) for estradiol, 1.41 ± 1.83 ng ml–1 (0.015–9.21 ng ml–1) for testosterone, and 2.62 ± 1.89 µg 100 ml–1 (0.001–9.22 µg 100 ml–1) for thyroxine. The sex ratio estimated for adults (n = 31) was 1:3 (M:F) in deep near-shore habitats in the northern region. A bimodal distribution in the frequency of sea turtles grouped by size classes (CCL) was found, based on which a new theoretical size class classification is proposed for the Mexican Caribbean population. The 2 size classes were resident green turtles (26.2–80 cm CCL) and transient individuals (66.5–116.4 cm CCL), which also differed significantly in testosterone concentration, residents 1.6 ± 1.9 ng/ml (0.01–9.2 ng/ml) and transients 1.0 ± 1.3 ng/ml (0.08–5.1 ng/ml) (Mann-Whitney U-test = 1970, p = 0.04). Resident green turtles found along the central region of the Quintana Roo coast presented higher concentrations of testosterone than transients from the northern region (Kruskal–Wallis H-test = 6.8, p = 0.03). With the exception of testosterone, differences in steroid hormone levels between life-history stages, reproductive state, or sex were not found. Sex steroid concentrations did not differ significantly from reports worldwide, and thyroxine levels suggest an optimal nutritional condition of the individuals. Data presented in this work could be used as the basis for future health monitoring programs and demographic studies required to conserve this sea turtle stock.","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"9 11","pages":"48 - 65"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141685184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Two Methods to Detect the Northwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) and the Invasive American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) in Interior Northern California","authors":"B. Halstead, P. Kleeman, C. S. Goldberg, Jonathan P. Rose","doi":"10.2744/CCB-1591.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1591.1","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Knowledge about the distributions of species and the variables influencing their occurrence is important for their management and conservation, but factors affecting occurrence can vary across the range of a species. Northwestern pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) are widespread generalist turtles, but are nonetheless of conservation concern throughout their range. To better understand the distribution of northwestern pond turtles and introduced American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), we surveyed streams on private timberlands of the interior foothills of northern California using visual encounter surveys and collecting samples of environmental DNA. We found that northwestern pond turtle occurrence was negatively related to elevation in our sampling frame. Detection probabilities with environmental DNA were approximately twice those of visual encounter surveys, but both methods were effective for detecting turtles in streams. American bullfrogs were detected in a single sample at each of 2 sites (one by environmental DNA, one by visual encounter surveys). Management for northwestern pond turtles in forest streams within our sample area will likely have the largest effect at lower elevation sites where turtles are most likely to occur.","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"31 19","pages":"66 - 74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141684347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating Sea Turtle Bycatch in Southern Cambodia","authors":"Amy L. Jones, Rachana Thap, Samnang Ry, Vichith Kong, Veasna Nget, Tanguy Freneat, G. Notman","doi":"10.2744/CCB-1594.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1594.1","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. – Preliminary bycatch reports from Kep and Kampot, Cambodia, confirm the presence of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and highlight bycatch as a result of illegal, unregulated, and unreported bottom trawling as the most pertinent, perennial threat. Recommendations for conservation action emphasize the importance of a community-based approach, engagement, and education alongside continued extensive research, improved enforcement of current fisheries legislation, potential modification of fishing gear, and the development of Cambodian-led conservation initiatives to promote authentic environmental custodianship.","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"25 26","pages":"30 - 34"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141685374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic Structure and Loss of Genetic Diversity in the Savannah Side-Necked Turtle Podocnemis vogli (Testudines: Podocnemididae)","authors":"Marcela Cárdenas-Barrantes, N. Matta, O. Rodríguez-Fandíño, U. Fritz, Mario Vargas-Ramírez","doi":"10.2744/CCB-1584.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1584.1","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. The savannah side-necked turtle Podocnemis vogli is a species restricted to the savannas of the Orinoco basin in Colombia and Venezuela. Because of its apparent abundance, it is currently categorized as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN Red List. However, throughout its distribution range, several populations have been extirpated or individuals in remaining populations are consumed and trafficked, and the species' habitat has been highly degraded. To start assessing the conservation status of the species, 5 populations along their distribution range in Colombia were analyzed using 19 microsatellite loci to perform a population genetics study. Ten of those markers were useful in revealing (1) high levels of genetic diversity, (2) a marked genetic structure of 5 populations, and (3) low and asymmetric gene flow among them. However, the analyses also revealed the loss of genetic diversity (low allelic richness) and recent bottlenecks in some populations. Those identified detrimental indicators are evidencing a population decline most likely related to anthropic activities. These 5 populations correspond to 5 independent management units. The results of this research allow us to propose management and conservation guidelines for these populations in the Orinoco ecoregion. Resumen. La tortuga sabanera Podocnemis vogli es una especie restringida a las sabanas de la cuenca del Orinoco en Colombia y Venezuela. Debido a su aparente abundancia, actualmente está categorizada como en Preocupación Menor (LC) por la Lista Roja de la UICN. Sin embargo, a lo largo de su rango de distribución, varias poblaciones han sido extirpadas o los individuos en poblaciones remanentes son consumidos y traficados, y el hábitat de la especie se ha degradado intensamente. Para comenzar a evaluar el estado de conservación de la especie, se analizaron cinco poblaciones a lo largo de su rango de distribución en Colombia utilizando 19 loci microsatélites para realizar un estudio de genética poblacional. Diez de esos marcadores fueron útiles para revelar: (1) altos niveles de diversidad genética, (2) una estructura genética marcada de cinco poblaciones y (3) flujo de genes bajo y asimétrico entre ellas. Sin embargo, los análisis también revelaron la pérdida de diversidad genética (baja riqueza alélica) y cuellos de botella recientes en algunas poblaciones. Esos indicadores perjudiciales identificados están evidenciando una disminución de las poblaciones, muy probablemente relacionada con las actividades antrópicas. Estas cinco poblaciones corresponden a cinco Unidades de Manejo Independientes. Los resultados de esta investigación nos permiten proponer lineamientos de manejo y conservación para estas poblaciones en la ecorregión del Orinoco.","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"27 16","pages":"92 - 102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141685245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Linear Activity Areas and Basking-Site Fidelity of Two Imperiled River Turtle Species (Graptemys oculifera and Graptemys flavimaculata) of Mississippi","authors":"Will Selman","doi":"10.2744/CCB-1613.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1613.1","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. – Many freshwater turtles in the United States are considered species of greatest conservation need in the states in which they occur, including turtles in the genus Graptemys (map turtles and sawbacks). However, basic life-history information is still lacking for many Graptemys species, particularly details about their movements, home range, and habitat use. The objective of this study was to describe linear activity area (LAA) and basking-site fidelity for 2 federally threatened Graptemys species in Mississippi (Graptemysflavimaculata, Graptemys oculifera) via capture–mark–recapture events. For G. flavimaculata, 97 individuals (30 female, 67 male) were recaptured during the study at 3 sites. Mean LAA for females (138 ± 293 m; 0–1489 m) and males (308 ± 637 m; 0–3773 m) was statistically similar, but turtle LAAs from 2 upstream sites were longer than LAAs from a downstream site. The maximum single movement was 2877 m by a male; alternatively, many males and females were recaptured at the same basking log across multiple years. For G. oculifera, 28 individuals (14 female, 14 male) were recaptured during the study at 1 site and mean LAAs were statistically similar for females (130 ± 206 m; 4.6–747 m) and males (231 ± 357 m; 0–1310 m). Differences in LAAs among sites for G.flavimaculata may be associated with habitat differences observed among the sites (i.e., river size, hydrology, position on river continuum) or associated with different turtle densities. Basking-site fidelity appears to be strong in both species and is likely driven by deadwood persistence time and/or sexually divergent preferences in basking sites. Additional movement ecology studies are needed for Graptemys species to determine how differences in habitat, turtle densities, and deadwood interact to influence linear home ranges.","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"23 29","pages":"119 - 127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141685538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ode to a Box Turtle","authors":"B. Armitage","doi":"10.2744/1071-8443-22.1.123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/1071-8443-22.1.123","url":null,"abstract":"Editorial Introduction. — This section is devoted to poetry involving turtles, representing either reprinted previously published or new unpublished material. We encourage our readers to submit poetry or songs for consideration, either their own material or work by other authors. Poems may be submitted to Anders G.J. Rhodin, Chelonian Research Foundation, E-mail: RhodinCRF@aol.com. Our desire is to share with our readers the beauty and wonder of turtles as expressed through the art of the poem or song. In the sense that the relationship between man and turtles is multifaceted, so too is turtle poetry. The poems we publish here will reflect that complexity, from poems of pure admiration for the creatures themselves to others reflecting the utilization of turtles and their products. Some poems will reflect man’s use of the turtle for sustenance, others will stress man’s need to preserve and protect turtles. Some will deal with our emotional interactions with turtles, others will treat turtles light-heartedly or with seeming disrespect, but all will hopefully help us to better understand both the human and the chelonian condition, and remind us that the turtle holds a sacred place in all our hearts.","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"31 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125765874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Honoring the Legacy of Professor Margaretha Delina Hofmeyr (1950–2020)","authors":"B. Henen, J. Juvik","doi":"10.2744/1071-8443-22.1.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/1071-8443-22.1.1","url":null,"abstract":"Chelonian Biodiversity and Conservation–Southern Africa, Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Turtle Conservancy, PO Box 1289, Ojai, California 93024 USA [jim@turtleconservancy.org] *Present address of corresponding author: Environmental Affairs Division, Marine Air Ground Task Force and Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California 92278 USA [brian.henen@usmc.mil]","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"61 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124370682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Commercialization, Voodoo Ritual, and Use of the Endangered Hispaniolan Slider, Trachemys decorata, in Haiti: Implications for Conservation","authors":"J. M. Paul, L. J. Saint-Louis, F. Cézilly","doi":"10.2744/CCB-1558.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1558.1","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. The Hispaniolan slider, Trachemys decorata (Barbour & Carr 1940), is a freshwater turtle of conservation interest, endemic to the island of Hispaniola. The species is currently threatened by habitat destruction, hybridization with invasive species, and commercial harvest. However, the consumption of the Hispaniolan slider by human populations has received little attention. During the winter of 2017–2018, we conducted a survey to document the commercial use of freshwater turtles at Trou Caïman, one of the major wetlands in Haiti, based on interviews with 72 people representative of the local community. The strong demand for freshwater turtles from people living around the lake was related to classical uses such as meat consumption, artisanal jewelry, or the pet trade, but also to more-peculiar ones such as cleaning of hand-dug water wells, voodoo ritual, and folk medicine. Our results illustrate the importance of considering the socio-cultural context for designing efficient conservation plans for T. decorata in Haiti. We particularly discuss the pros and cons of developing turtle farming, possibly in conjunction with rice agriculture, as a potential solution to preserve the integrity and future of T. decorata.","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133861559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Learning from the Wild: Status of the Introduced Pancake Tortoise Malacochersus tornieri Population in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya","authors":"P. Malonza, David K. Korir, Joash O. Nyamache, S. N. Kyalo","doi":"10.2744/CCB-1555.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1555.1","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. In April 2001, 187 illegally collected and confiscated pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) were released in Mzinga and Irima rocky hills in the southern part of Tsavo East National Park, an area where there were no free-ranging wild populations. The aim of this study was to establish the status of this introduced population and identify the lessons that can be learned to guide future reintroductions. Prior to release, the specimens were marked by cutting numbered notches on the marginal scutes based on a coding system. In June 2022, a revisit to the April 2001 release sites was done to retrace this population in an effort to both recapture some of the individuals or find a new juvenile cohort. After 21 yrs, only 15 individuals were found—10 of which were recaptures, representing 5.3% of the total release population. Of these 10 recaptures, only 2 had clear marks and could be traced to a specific number that showed they were mature adults when released. The 8 recaptured tortoises did not have marks and their carapaces were either worn out to plain brownish or had faded dark marks. It was assumed that these were likely those young specimens released with a carapace length of less than 130 mm and that the notch mark disappeared during body growth. Using a combination of the carapace length, carapace color pattern, and absence of notch marks, 5 specimens were confirmed to have been born after the initial release, representing a new cohort. Pancake tortoise carapace growth in captivity has been found to be very fast, and specimens reach sexual maturity at 150 mm and in about 6 yrs, and after this no significant carapace growth occurs. This fast growth rate is not possible in the wild, where there are long periods of inactivity during the dry season. Hence, it is assumed that growth in captivity should be twice or thrice that in the wild. Therefore, using our data from new and recaptured tortoises, and comparing it with the growth rate and color change in captive specimens, it is possible to estimate the age of wild individuals. This study also shows that there is carapace color and pattern change with carapace growth with age, until a time when the color pattern starts fading with little or no change in carapace length. The study found only a very small proportion of the total number of individuals released. This could be attributed to the fact that the majority of the individuals (82.9% being mature adults, > 130 mm) were about 15–20 yrs old, and 21 yrs later they likely would have naturally died after exceeding their lifespan of about 25 yrs. Others may have died of predation before breeding. What is clear is that, despite the low number of encountered individuals from new cohorts, reintroduction of confiscated tortoises is a viable initiative to boost depleted wild populations. Finally, given that there are viable populations at captive breeding facilities, it is highly recommended that the international pet trade should focus on g","PeriodicalId":126915,"journal":{"name":"Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal","volume":"177 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126071543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}