Search

In China, Hainan Island is a priority area for turtle conservation because of its biodiversity. Over the years, errors in turtle taxonomy and distribution have been made in the scientific literature, perpetuating into relevant laws and government documents and affecting conservation and management. In the present article, we describe the species of nonmarine turtles on Hainan Island, China, based on literature, museum specimens, and field surveys during the past 27 yrs. Historically, 23 nonmarine turtle species were recorded on Hainan Island. Among them, 9 species should be removed due to errors: 5 species are not naturally distributed on Hainan Island (Manouria impressa, Sacalia bealei, Cuora flavomarginata, Mauremys nigricans, and Mauremys reevesii), 3 are invalid hybrids (Ocadia philippeni, Sacalia pseudocellata, and Cuora serrata), and 1 is a synonym of another species (Mauremys megalocephala is a synonym of M. reevesii). In addition, of the 3 new species recorded from Hainan Island (Sacalia insulensis, Pelodiscus variegatus, and Pelodiscus parviformis), S. insulensis replaces Sacalia quadriocellata, P. variegatus is valid, and P. parviformis is likely an error. Therefore, there should be 12 nonmarine turtle species naturally found on Hainan Island: Platysternon megacephalum, Cuora galbinifrons, Cuora mouhotii, Cuora trifasciata, Geoemyda spengleri, Mauremys mutica, Mauremys sinensis, S. insulensis, Palea steindachneri, Pelochelys cantorii, Pelodiscus sinensis, and P. variegatus. Clarifying the presence and distribution of nonmarine turtle species will provide a reference for future research and practical guidance for conservation management on this turtle-rich island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The herpetofauna of the Indomalayan bioregion of Asia suffers from severe habitat loss, unsustainable harvesting, and lack of research and conservation. Here, we investigated the range‐wide phylogeography of the endangered "eyed" turtles (genus Sacalia, including the Beale's Eyed Turtle S. bealei and the Four‐eyed Turtle S. quadriocellata) and discovered a natural interspecific hybrid turtle population in China. Based on phylogeny of the mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene of 101 samples in this study and public data, three major clades and six subclades were identified: S. bealei (SBE) in eastern‐southern China, east S. quadriocellata in South China (northern east [SQUen] and southern east [SQUes] subclades), and west S. quadriocellata mainly in Vietnam (northern west [SQUwn], central west [SQUwc], and southern west [SQUws] subclades). We sequenced 16 nuclear DNA loci of 87 samples from SBE, SQUen, SQUes, and SQUwn subclades. Population genetic clustering analysis suggested a structure similar to the mitochondrial phylogeny, where most samples were classified into four genetic clusters corresponding to the four mtDNA subclades. However, a proportion of samples carrying SQUen mtDNA haplotypes formed an additional distinct cluster SHY. Those samples are found in the contact zone of the two species bearing mosaic and intermediate morphological characteristics. We detected an admixed ancestry in SHY from SBE and SQUen that conformed to an intrapopulation breeding scenario for at least hundreds of generations after the initial hybrid event, leading to a conclusion that SHY is a distinct and near‐panmictic population derived from natural interspecific hybridization. In addition, SQUes (Hainan Island endemic) is of special concern due to significant isolation and low genetic diversity. We suggest that seven evolutionarily significant units should be recognized to facilitate appropriate conservation actions. These findings also highlight the urgent need for further herpetological research and conservation in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the epidemic characteristics of multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Hainan, China, to provide basic information and theories for the prevention and control of multidrug resistant tuberculosis. Methods: A retrospective descriptive epidemiological study was conducted. Data of multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Hainan Island from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 were collected for statistical analysis. The counting data were described by frequency (percentage), and the measurement data were described by mean ± standard deviation. Chi square test was used to compare the differences between different groups. If P < 0.05, the difference was statistically significant. Results: From 2014 to 2019, the multidrug resistant rate of tuberculosis in Hainan Island was 24.9% (369 / 1484), 8.0% (63 / 791) in newly-treated tuberculosis, and 44.2% (306 / 693) in retreatedmultidrug resistant rate of tuberculosis in Hainan Island was 24.9% (369 / 1484), 8.0% (63 / 791) in newlytreatedtuberculosis, and 44.2% (306 / 693) in retreated tuberculosis. The multidrug resistant rate of newly-treated tuberculosis decreased by 0.05% per year, while that of retreated tuberculosis increased by 0.03% per year. multidrug resistant tuberculosis was mainly distributed in the city of Haikou (83 cases), Danzhou (44 cases), Wenchang (42 cases), Wanning (37 cases) and Dongfang (32 cases), accounting for 64.5% of all multidrug resistant tuberculosis. Among 369 multidrug resistant tuberculosis, 81.0% were male. The proportion of newly-treated cases was 17.1% (63 / 369), while the proportion of retreated cases was 82.9% (306 / 369), which was significantly higher than that of newly-treated cases. The multidrug resistant rate of tuberculosis in different years was different. Conclusion: The drug resistance rate of tuberculosis in Hainan Island is higher than the national average level, which needs attention. The epidemiological characteristics of multidrug resistant tuberculosis with different treatment history were different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site fidelity refers to the restriction of dispersal distance of an animal and its tendency to return to a stationary site. To our knowledge, the homing ability of freshwater turtles and their fidelity is reportedly very low in Asia. We examined mark–recapture data spanning a 4‐year period in Diaoluoshan National Nature Reserve, Hainan Province, China, to investigate the site fidelity and homing behavior of big‐headed turtles Platysternon megacephalum. A total of 11 big‐headed turtles were captured, and all individuals were used in this mark–recapture study. The site fidelity results showed that the adult big‐headed turtles (n = 4) had a 71.43% recapture rate in the original site after their release at the same site, whereas the juveniles (n = 1) showed lower recapture rates (0%). Moreover, the homing behavior results showed that the adults (n = 5) had an 83.33% homing rate after displacement. Adult big‐headed turtles were able to return to their initial capture sites (home) from 150 to 2,400 m away and precisely to their home sites from either upstream or downstream of their capture sites or even from other streams. However, none of the juveniles (n = 4) returned home, despite only being displaced 25–150 m away. These results indicated that the adult big‐headed turtles showed high fidelity to their home site and strong homing ability. In contrast, the juvenile turtles may show an opposite trend but further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted population surveys of freshwater turtles in Diaoluoshan National Nature Reserve, Hainan Province, China, from 2012 to 2019, capturing 20 individuals belonging to 4 species, including 2 native species (big-headed turtle [Platysternon megacephalum] and Hainan four-eyed turtle [Sacalia insulensis]) and 2 alien species (red-eared slider [Trachemys scriptia elegans] and common snapping turtle [Chelydra serpentia]). We captured 12 big-headed turtles and estimated their population density (1.6514 individuals/km) and abundance (14 individuals), both of which indicate that Diaoluoshan National Nature Reserve is an important area for turtle conservation, especially for big-headed turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated microplastic pollution in beaches that have served as historical nesting grounds for green turtles in Hainan Island, China and explored the sources of microplastic pollutants to conduct habitat restoration for sea turtles. The average abundance of the microplastics in the beach surface sediments was 2567.38 ± 2937.37 pieces·m−2 or 641.85 ± 734.34 thousand pieces·m−3, foam and plastic block were the main microplastics identified. Microplastic size was predominantly within the 0.05–1 mm category (small microplastic particles), and most microplastic particles were white. Polystyrene and polyethylene were the dominant plastic compositions. The type and compositions of microplastics indicate that most microplastics in this study were broken from large plastic blocks and foam. To reduce the threat of microplastic pollution to marine life, including sea turtles, we suggested removing plastic litter, especially small plastic on beaches, and replacing and recovering the foam used in aquaculture before it ages and fragments. • Microplastic were found in all beaches that served as historical nesting grounds for green turtles in Hainan Island, China. • Polystyrene and polyethylene were the dominant compositions of microplastic in this study. • Microplastic size was mostly in 0.05–1 mm (small microplastic particles), and the color of microplastic was mostly white. • Removing small plastic litter and replacing and recovering the foam maybe can reduce microplastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]