Search

\nHighlightsIf chafing behaviours on the bottom or rocks are common, interspecific events are rare and usually involve smaller ray-finned fishes rubbing on larger sharks or manta rays. Reports on interspecific chafing between fishes and reptiles are even less common, with just one report of great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda) using swimming hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) as chafing surfaces in the Southwestern Atlantic. Here, we describe a chafing interaction between a great barracuda and a hawksbill turtle in the Red Sea. Our observation provides evidence that this interaction is probably not localised but may represent a more widespread behavioural pattern than previously thought. This chafing behaviour is suggested to remove external parasites, and our observation documents the behaviour of the scraper and the scraped animal, as well as the reaction of the parasites during the same event, clearly demonstrating that chafing behaviour aims at the removal of parasitic copepods (Caligidae). We also report the evasive behaviour of the copepods during the event, providing novel information on parasite removal in reef fishes. Great barracudas scrape the carapace of sea turtles for parasite removal.First report of parasitic copepods actively evading dislodging attempts.Great barracudas scrape the carapace of sea turtles for parasite removal.First report of parasitic copepods actively evading dislodging attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine turtles are a group of imperiled marine megafauna particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors. Most long‐term studies of marine turtles are based on nesting surveys which focus on numbers of eggs, hatchlings, and nesting females. However, we know less about long‐term abundance trends of immature and adult turtles in the marine environment. To address this data gap, we examined records from 35,000 underwater visual census (UVC) dives (1993–2019) and short‐term in‐water turtle survey data (2009–2014) at Cocos Island, Costa Rica. During UVCs, trained divemasters from UnderSea Hunter recorded observations of two species of marine turtles—green Chelonia mydas and hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata. Our short‐term in‐water surveys revealed that most turtles at Cocos are greens, but both immature and mature greens occur at Cocos. We analyzed long‐term UVC data using a hierarchical modeling approach and we modeled a 26% decrease in the relative abundance of turtles observed on dives each year. Our model also revealed potential interactions between tiger sharks and turtles, finding that for each additional tiger shark present during a dive, the predicted relative abundance of turtles decreased by 43%. Lastly, our model suggested the influence of environmental variation on marine turtle relative abundance; a 1°C increase in sea surface temperature (SST) decreased the predicted relative abundance of turtles by 7%. Our results suggest that marine turtles are sensitive to long‐term environmental and oceanographic changes, and potentially avoid certain areas to reduce exposure to tiger sharks. Given our study area is already protected, there needs to be more focus on protecting adult turtles during their movements across the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Our work also highlights the importance of long‐term underwater surveys to monitor adult turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals that hatch within a subterranean nest, such as turtle hatchlings, expend some of their limited energy reserves digging out through sand or soil to reach the surface. In sea turtles, this emergence process can take the hatchlings 3–7 days. However, we have a poor understanding of this process as it is difficult to observe what is occurring underground. Here, we utilize a novel method to characterize digging-out behaviour: affixing an accelerometer directly to newly hatched green turtles (Chelonia mydas) to record movement until nest emergence. Our data revealed that buried hatchlings maintained a head-up orientation but did not move in the expected left and right swaying motion associated with alternating limb crawling. Rather, they moved using dorsal–ventral heaving and pitching as if swimming vertically through the sand to the surface. Movement activity was irregular and brief, interspersed by many short periods of inactivity, mostly lasting less than 10 min. The first 24 h of head-up activity displayed no diel patterns, but the last 24 h prior to emergence involved more intense movement during night-time hours compared with daytime hours. Thus, our results add valuable new insight, and in some cases change previous assumptions, regarding the digging behaviours during the egg-to-emergence life stage in sea turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful embryonic development depends on the interaction between genetic factors and environmental variables. Congenital malformations in sea turtles can result from extreme conditions during the incubation period, reducing hatching success and potentially impeding population recovery. We aimed to characterize the congenital malformations found in green turtle nests, determine their prevalence and severity, and understand their drivers during the 2022 nesting season on Samandağ beach on northern Mediterranean nesting beaches. A total of 2986 examples of congenital malformations were observed in 362 out of 907 green turtle nests. The prevalence of congenital malformations per nest was 39%, and the severity (the number of malformed individuals per nest) was 3.8%. Nests with congenital malformations exhibited a lower mean distance from the sea, a shorter incubation duration (a proxy for incubation temperature), lower hatching success, a larger clutch size, and higher mortality at late embryonic and hatchling stages than nests without congenital malformations. There was no significant difference in total mortality between these two nest types. A total of 52 different congenital malformations were recorded, 2 of which were observed for the first time in sea turtles and 28 for the first time in green turtles. The results suggest that congenital malformations may be related to nest temperature and clutch size, while overall mortality may be independent of malformations. Pigmentation disorders and craniofacial malformations typically coexist in cases of multiple malformations. Long‐term monitoring of congenital malformations is crucial, as it can provide clues about the health status of the nesting beach and nesting colony. Research Highlights: We aimed to examine and characterize the congenital malformations observed in green turtle nests.We conducted the study in 2022 and examined 907 green turtle nests on Samandağ beach, eastern Mediterranean.We recorded a total of 2986 instances of congenital malformations, with a prevalence of 39% and a severity rate of 3.8%.We documented a total of 52 distinct congenital malformations, with 2 of them first documented in sea turtles and 28 in green turtles.The results indicate that both nest temperature and clutch size could have an impact on the occurrence of congenital malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otopetrin 1 (OTOP1) is a proton-activated channel crucial for animals' perception of sour taste. Despite its significance, the gating mechanism of OTOP1 remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that carvacrol activates the mouse OTOP1 (mOTOP1) channel under neutral and acidic conditions. Functional analysis showed that carvacrol enhances pH fluorescence signals in OTOP1-expressing cells, with reduced efficacy at lower pH levels. Carvacrol selectively activates mOTOP1, while mOTOP2, mOTOP3, and Chelonia mydas OTOP1 (CmOTOP1) are insensitive to carvacrol activation under neutral pH. Through chimera and point mutation experiments, swapping S134 in transmembrane segment 3 (TM3) and T247 in the TM5-6 linker abolished carvacrol activation of mOTOP1 and conferred activation on CmOTOP1, suggesting these two residues are critical for carvacrol sensitivity. These findings highlight TM3 and TM5-6 linker as pivotal gating apparatus of OTOP1 channels and potential docking sites for drug design. Carvacrol activates mouse OTOP1 (mOTOP1) at neutral and acidic pH, but not other OTOPs. Key residues S134 and T247 are critical for carvacrol sensitivity, highlighting TM3 and TM5-6 linker as crucial for gating and drug design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Marine environments offer a wealth of opportunities to improve understanding and treatment options for cancers, through insights into a range of fields from drug discovery to mechanistic insights. By applying One Health principles the knowledge obtained can benefit both human and animal populations, including marine species suffering from cancer. One such species is green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), which are under threat from fibropapillomatosis (FP), an epizootic tumor disease (animal epidemic) that continues to spread and increase in prevalence globally. In order to effectively address this epizootic, a more thorough understanding is required of the prevalence of the disease and the approaches to treating afflicted turtles. Methods: To identify knowledge gaps and assess future needs, we conducted a survey of sea turtle FP experts. The survey consisted of 47 questions designed to assess general perceptions of FP, the areas where more information is needed, local FP trends, the disease status, and mitigation needs, and was voluntarily completed by 44 experts across a broad geographic range. Results: Over 70% of respondents both recognized FP as a cancerous panzootic disease, and reported that FP is increasing in prevalence. They report several factors contributing to this increase. Nearly all of the respondents reported that FP research, patient treatment and rehabilitation required more funding in their area, and reported inadequate facilities and capacity for dealing with FP patients. Treatment approaches varied: just over 70% of the medical experts that responded surgically remove FP tumors, either using laser or scalpel. Just under half of respondents use anti-cancer drugs in their treatment of FP. Internal tumors were reported as justification for euthanasia by 61.5% of respondents, and 30.8% reported severe external tumors to be sufficient grounds for euthanasia. Most medical respondents (93.3%) routinely perform necropsy on deceased or euthanized FP-afflicted turtles. Over 80% of respondents considered large-scale multidisciplinary collaboration 'extremely important' for advancing the field of FP research. Discussion: The survey responses provide a valuable insight into the current status of FP in sea turtles, FP treatment, rehabilitation and research, and help to identify critical FP-related areas most in need of attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the observations of predation by the grouper Epinephelus quoyanus on sea turtle hatchlings in Chagar Hutang bay, Redang Island, Malaysia. Two of the eight collected specimens had hatchlings in their guts, whereas the remaining specimens had empty stomachs. This field report provides an in‐depth understanding of the E. quoyanus diet and new insights into its feeding behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses Lucy Ellman's novel "Ducks, Newburyport" and its exploration of climate anxiety through the protagonist's musings on various topics, including environmental degradation. The novel employs a molecular form, focusing on the microscopic scale, to render environmental threats visible and evoke anxiety. The article examines the gendered and temporal dimensions of anxiety in the novel, as well as its portrayal of the interconnectedness between domestic concerns and global environmental crises. It also explores the politics of porousness, where environmental damage permeates human bodies, and the potential for collective consciousness and political action in the face of climate crisis. The novel "Ducks, Newburyport" explores the theme of hidden threats and the use of abbreviations, which adds to the sense of unease. The author uses lists and molecular language to describe everyday objects and their potential dangers, highlighting the permeability of boundaries between the inside and outside. However, the focus on molecular materiality should not be seen as inherently subversive, as it risks displacing human responsibility for political action. The novel also addresses settler-colonial violence and the complicity of domestic labor in ecological violence. The portrayal of food and foodwork challenges the binary frame of matter as either radical or conservative, emphasizing the complex ethical quandaries of consumption. The novel's exploration of the sublime anxiety of everyday life raises questions about individual choices and systemic issues. While the awareness of these complexities can be overwhelming, it also presents an opportunity for collective action and [Extracted from the article]

This article provides valuable information on the keeping, breeding, and rearing of North American Wood Turtles. It describes their appearance, habitat, feeding habits, and mating system. The author shares personal experiences in caring for these turtles, including information on their husbandry and feeding. The article also includes data on the size and weight of Wood Turtles in various settings, which can be useful for researchers studying their biology and conservation. [Extracted from the article]

Photobiomodulation therapy, also termed as low‐level laser therapy, is commonly used as an adjunctive therapy for various medical conditions in veterinary practice. The ACTIVet PRO low‐level laser has been used for treatment of various nondomestic species, yet the effects of dermal attributes such as pigment, feathers, or scales have not been evaluated. The effects of low‐level laser therapy with the ACTIVet PRO have been investigated in laboratory animals, including a study in rats that evaluated the passage of laser light through the skin in postmortem samples. The objective of this study was to measure the power of a low‐level laser (ACTIVet PRO) after penetration through dermal tissue (∼1 mm thickness) in a variety of postmortem animal tissue. This study sought to determine the impact of fur, feathers, scales, and different pigments on the ability of the laser to penetrate. Frozen and thawed skin tissue samples from various species were placed inside a light restricted laser box and exposed to a preprogrammed laser level from a Multi Radiance ACTIVet PRO photobiomodulation (PBM) device, with a power meter to measure the light penetration through the tissue samples. Light penetration measurements via power output measurements (mW) were recorded at 7 time points (range, 1–150 sec). A Friedman test was performed to evaluate the difference of the mean tissue penetration by each species at each time point. Lighter colored specimens had higher power readings than darker colored or pigmented samples, and feathers appeared to inhibit the laser, showing minimal to no power readings on bird skin covered in covert and down feathers. There was statistically significant mean tissue penetration for all time points between the rabbit and green sea turtle (p = 0.0046), the red‐tailed hawk and green iguana (p = 0.0046), and the red‐tailed hawk and green sea turtle (p = 0.000034). Overall findings found that certain skin coverings, such as feathers, appear to inhibit passage of laser light through tissue to the photo meter. Darker pigmented areas of tissue appeared to absorb the laser light, which also did not allow light passage through the tissue to the photo meter. All of this illustrates that there are differences in tissue penetration between different animal species, at least in postmortem tissues. This could necessitate adjustment of machine settings for therapeutic effect in different species, though further studies would be warranted to determine the extent to which this would be necessary. Additional studies evaluating biologically active tissues would be needed as a next step, as photobiomodulation has an effect at the cellular level and the exact amount of medical benefit is not measurable in skin samples that are separate from a living organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea turtles spend the majority of their lives at foraging grounds. These areas are important for population persistence but generally occur in coastal habitats, which are under increasing human pressure. Identifying key foraging areas is therefore an important step to understanding critical sea turtle habitats, and therefore their threats. Isotope ratios (δ15N, δ13C) from skin tissues of 90 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting at the regionally important rookery of Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles, were analyzed with samples collected during two periods: 51 samples from March to September 2021, and 39 samples from January to April 2022. These analyses were complemented by nine satellite tracks to identify key foraging areas. Hierarchical clustering and discriminant function analysis identified two main foraging areas: the East African coast (Tanzania and Somalia) and northern Madagascar. Isotopic values indicated that the majority of green turtles nesting at Aldabra forage at one of these two areas, with slightly more green turtles visiting the East African coast. Geographical isotopic patterns were not found latitudinally, suggesting a potential limit to this approach for coastal areas in the Western Indian Ocean. However, we found longitudinal variation of δ13C and δ15N that few studies have reported. This is the first study in this region to combine satellite telemetry and stable isotope analysis to assign likely foraging areas of green turtles and advances understanding of the complex migration patterns and foraging ecology of this species. We demonstrate the potential and the limitations of stable isotope analysis for identifying/characterizing green turtle foraging areas in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract It has been widely demonstrated that air and sand temperatures influence the anatomy of sea turtle hatchlings. We examined the impact of precipitation during the nesting season on the hatchling body size of loggerhead and green turtles from 37 beaches worldwide. Longitudinal data collected between 2012 and 2018 from Florida (US) and from a sample on Bõa Vista Island (Cabo Verde) carried out in 2019 showed that loggerhead body size at hatching was negatively correlated with precipitation, while precipitation was not correlated with hatchling body size in green turtles. A meta-analysis revealed that precipitation is positively correlated with hatchling mass in loggerhead turtles, while it is positively correlated with straight carapace length and width in green turtle hatchlings. The strongest influence of precipitation was found in the middle of the incubation period of loggerhead turtles in Cabo Verde, and we posit that this is due to an increase in the uptake of water for embryonic growth. These findings highlight the great importance of understanding the correlated effects of regional environmental variables, such as precipitation, on the development of sea turtle hatchlings and will have an impact on the evaluation of ongoing conservation and climate change discussions.

For the Western Indian Ocean region, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding marine turtle nesting on the continental coast of East Africa. Here we present results from a long-term (2000–2020) community-based monitoring programme in and around Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya, covering 30 km of coastline (c. 6% of the national total). Conservation actions effectively protected nesting turtles and resulted in a near-total cessation of illegal egg harvesting in Watamu Marine National Park. Collected data indicate this is an important marine turtle nesting index site in Kenya and the wider region. Green turtle Chelonia mydas nests were most common (95%), followed by olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (4%), with occasional nests of hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata and leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea. Clutches per season increased significantly over the 20-year monitoring period for green turtles (50%) and showed a positive trend for olive ridley turtles. Watamu remains an area at risk from human pressures such as coastal development. Clutch distribution along the Watamu Marine National Park beach has shifted over time, probably because of coastal development and disturbance. Illegal take of adults and eggs continues in areas north and south of the Watamu Marine National Park, possibly slowing rates of recovery. Clutches deemed at risk were moved to a safe location within the National Park, and hatching success was high. Continued conservation efforts, including wider engagement with stakeholders to reduce human pressures, are needed to ensure the perpetuation of this nesting site.

Sea turtles are a taxon of conservation concern and are highly migratory, exposing them to a variety of threats (e.g., fisheries bycatch, direct harvest) across their lifetime. Understanding the abundance of nesting females, hatchling production, and migratory movements - three of the most basic biological data needs for this species group - is imperative for population assessment. This study summarizes novel data most relevant to population assessments of the endangered central south Pacific (CSP) green turtle (Chelonia mydas) population, determined from annual rapid assessment surveys (mean survey duration=7.6 days year-1, n=61 survey days over 8 nesting seasons) and satellite telemetry at Rose Atoll, American Samoa, from 2012 to 2019. A minimum of 138 unique females nested in the Rose Atoll NationalWildlife Refuge (RANWR) over the study period with 218 total females observed. Satellite tracks of post-nesting females suggest Fiji (n=33/48, 70.2%) is the primary foraging ground for turtles nesting at RANWR, though other areas throughout the south Pacific Ocean are also important. Limited data suggest hatchling production was high (average hatching success=92.3%) and nest temperature data collected from 2017-2019 suggest primary sex ratios were likely balanced during this time. These are positive signs for the resilience of this nesting population, but climate change poses threats to RANWR and other lowlying tropical islands throughout the central south Pacific, as nesting areas are potentially exposed to beach erosion, tidal inundations, and increasing temperatures leading to sex bias and embryonic death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidental capture of non-target species poses a pervasive threat to many marine species, with sometimes devastating consequences for both fisheries and conservation efforts. Because of the well-known importance of vocalizations in cetaceans, acoustic deterrents have been extensively used for these species. In contrast, acoustic communication for sea turtles has been considered negligible, and this question has been largely unexplored. Addressing this challenge therefore requires a comprehensive understanding of sea turtles' responses to sensory signals. In this study, we scrutinized the avenue of auditory cues, specifically the natural sounds produced by green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Martinique, as a potential tool to reduce bycatch. We recorded 10 sounds produced by green turtles and identified those that appear to correspond to alerts, flight or social contact between individuals. Subsequently, these turtle sounds—as well synthetic and natural (earthquake) sounds—were presented to turtles in known foraging areas to assess the behavioral response of green turtles to these sounds. Our data highlighted that the playback of sounds produced by sea turtles was associated with alert or increased the vigilance of individuals. This therefore suggests novel opportunities for using sea turtle sounds to deter them from fishing gear or other potentially harmful areas, and highlights the potential of our research to improve sea turtles populations' conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting long-term conservation and monitoring activities for sea turtles provides a more precise depiction of their population status compared to studies conducted across a single year. The frequency of the nesting activity may fluctuate dramatically over time, depending on the environmental conditions. This study aimed to examine the nest count, female abundance, and reproductive output of green turtles on Yeniyurt Beach in the eastern Mediterranean between 2017 and 2022. The beach was surveyed via annual monitoring at consistent intervals. Temporal variations in the nest count and abundance of females were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall and Sen's Slope tests. A total of 803 nests were recorded, with an average of 133 nests per nesting season and an average nest density of 33.5 km-1. A total of 326 nests were excavated, with 28,546 of the 36,394 eggs successfully hatched (78% hatching success). The nest count and female abundance exhibited an insignificant, monotonic upward trend. The average nesting female count per nesting season was estimated to be 138.5 based on the observed clutch frequency (CF) and 67 based on the estimated CF. Yeniyurt Beach has a high nesting activity rate, representing 6% of the Mediterranean in terms of the nest count and 5% in terms of female abundance. Approximately 12% of nests did not produce hatchlings due to flooding and predation. Yeniyurt Beach lacks a conservation status, making it vulnerable to future threats like industrialization. In addition to the designation of the area as a protected site, the rehabilitation of the backshore habitat is of significant importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlighted the annual distribution, seasonality and reproduction status of two species of sea turtles in Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia between January 2016 and July 2020 (55 months). These data were officially provided by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (Negeri Sembilan’s state), as a part of a conservation effort made by them to protect the endangered species, as the turtle’s population residing in Negeri Sembilan is one of the smallest in Malaysia. Current status shows that the hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys Imbricata population in Negeri Sembilan is in stable decline with an average of <30 nests per year, and an average of <10 nests per year for the green turtle, Chelonia mydas. The overall sum was 122 nests collected for both species from 2016–2020. This paper updated the status of the hawksbill and green turtle after 30 years from the first study recorded by Mortimer et al. in 1993. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding spatial heterogeneity in reproductive success among at-risk populations facing localised threats is key for conservation. Sea turtle populations often concentrate at one nesting site, diverting conservation efforts from adjacent smaller rookeries. Poilão Island, Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, is a notable rookery for green turtles Chelonia mydas within the João Vieira-Poilão Marine National Park, surrounded by three islands (Cavalos, Meio and João Vieira), with lower nesting activity. Poilão's nesting suitability may decrease due to turtle population growth and sea level rise, exacerbating already high nest density. As the potential usage of secondary sites may arise, we assessed green turtle clutch survival and related threats in Poilão and its neighbouring islands. High nest density on Poilão leads to high clutch destruction by later turtles, resulting in surplus eggs on the beach surface and consequently low clutch predation (4.0%, n = 69, 2000). Here, the overall mean hatching success estimated was 67.9 ± 36.7% (n = 631, 2015–2022), contrasting with a significantly lower value on Meio in 2019 (11.9 ± 23.6%, n = 21), where clutch predation was high (83.7%, n = 98). Moderate to high clutch predation was also observed on Cavalos (36.0%, n = 64) and João Vieira (76.0%, n = 175). Cavalos and Meio likely face higher clutch flooding compared to Poilão. These findings, alongside observations of turtle exchanges between islands, may suggest a source-sink dynamic, where low reproductive output sink habitats (neighbouring islands) are utilized by migrants from Poilão (source), which currently offers the best conditions for clutch survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraging animals move through the environment to satisfy their requirements for food, rest, reproduction and risk-avoidance. Understanding how animals respond to changing environmental conditions can help to characterise favourable habitat and determine whether they might be motivated to depart when those habitats become unsuitable. Foraging green turtles are typically residents that scarcely move in response to environmental changes or disturbances. Some individuals though, exhibit high mobility at fine scales. We developed an analysis of Fastloc GPS tracks of 61 green turtles using cox regression models and generalised linear mixed models to investigate the influence of a suite of environmental characteristics on the length of residence time and probability of turtles transitioning between two behavioural modes, "stay" or "go". Decisions to move ("go") were influenced by short-term changes in the local environmental conditions. Individuals were more likely to "stay" when temperature increased during their stay and were more likely to "go" when turbidity decreased, and they entered deeper habitats. This result implies that foraging and resting ("staying") primarily occurs in benthic, shallow, warm habitats, while transit ("going") is facilitated in deeper, clear water. We also determined that individuals within the green turtle foraging aggregation respond differently to environmental cues to move and hypothesise that a diversity of strategies within a foraging aggregation could confer its resilience to disturbance events. Our study provides new evidence of the factors influencing movements in green turtles and can aid in predicting how they may respond to future changes and enhance risk mitigation efforts through dynamic and adaptive planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a sea turtle health monitoring program on the central east coast of Queensland, Australia, stranded and sick green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were subjected to necropsy and histopathology. A subset of these turtles had myocarditis of varying severity, which could not be attributed to parasitism by spirorchid flukes or bacterial infections. We, therefore, undertook an investigation to determine whether virus infections might be part of the pathogenesis. Deep sequencing revealed abundant DNA virus contigs in the heart tissue, of which CRESS and circoviruses appeared to be the most consistently present. Further analysis revealed the homology of some of the circoviruses to the beak and feather disease virus. While a causative link to myocarditis could not be established, the presence of these viruses may play a contributing role by affecting the immune system and overall health of animals exposed to pollutants, higher water temperatures, and decreasing nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Correction to 'Life history mediates the trade-offs among different components of demographic resilience'" discusses a correction made to the calculation of resistance in the methods section of the original manuscript. The correction alters the interpretation of some of the results. The authors also provide updated figures and supplementary analyses that show the correlations between different components of demographic resilience in animals and plants. The corrected calculations do not significantly change the overall patterns and associations observed in the original manuscript. [Extracted from the article]

The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FFC) in green sea and hawksbill sea turtles were evaluated following intramuscular (i.m.) administration at two different dosages of 20 or 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). This study (longitudinal design) used 5 green sea and 5 hawksbill sea turtles for the two dosages. Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 168 h. FFC plasma samples were analyzed using validated high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode array detection. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a non‐compartment approach. The FFC plasma concentrations increased with the dosage. The elimination half‐life was similar between the treatment groups (range 19–25 h), as well as the plasma protein binding (range 18.59%–20.65%). According to the surrogate PK/PD parameter (T > MIC, 2 μg/mL), the 20 and 30 mg/kg dosing rates should be effective doses for susceptible bacterial infections in green sea and hawksbill sea turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals can synchronize their reproductive behavior patterns with biological rhythms and environmental conditions. Understanding these patterns is particularly critical for conserving endangered species like sea turtles. This study analyzed the relationship between the nesting behavior of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and lunar luminosity, lunar phases, and sea surface temperature (SST) in the Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve, Brazil. Field data were obtained through nightly monitoring during the breeding seasons from 2018 to 2020. Although lunar luminosity and lunar phases did not exhibit a statistically significant effect, the highest number of nesting occurrences was observed during the full moon and new moon, which may be related to the spring tide. The SST was the only variable showing a statistically significant relationship with complete oviposition, incomplete oviposition, and false crawl occurrences, indicating the preference of turtles to come ashore at higher temperatures (around 29.5 °C). Furthermore, while lunar luminosity and lunar phases may have some influence on the nesting pattern of the green turtle, they do not limit it, as turtles come ashore under different observed environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sultan Qaboos University Journal for Science is the property of Sultan Qaboos University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of IGKOJEI Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat is the property of Fakultas Peternakan Universitas Papua and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anthropogenic pressures threaten biodiversity, necessitating conservation actions founded on robust ecological models. However, prevailing models inadequately capture the spatiotemporal variation in environmental pressures faced by species with high mobility or complex life histories, as data are often aggregated across species' life histories or spatial distributions. We highlight the limitations of static models for dynamic species and incorporate life history variation and spatial distributions for species and stressors into a trait-based vulnerability and impact model. We use green sea turtles in the Greater Caribbean Region to demonstrate how vulnerability and anthropogenic impact for a dynamic species change across four life stages. By incorporating life stages into a trait-based vulnerability model, we observed life stage-specific vulnerabilities that were otherwise unnoticed when using an aggregated trait value set. Early life stages were more vulnerable to some stressors, such as inorganic pollution or marine heat waves, and less vulnerable to others, such as bycatch. Incorporating spatial distributions of stressors and life stages revealed impacts differ for each life stage across spatial areas, emphasizing the importance of stage-specific conservation measures. Our approach showcases the importance of incorporating dynamic processes into ecological models and will enable better and more targeted conservation actions for species with complex life histories and high mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbes are pivotal reference indicators for assessing the health status of animals. Before introducing artificially bred species into the wild, examining their gut microbe composition is crucial to help mitigate potential threats posed to wild populations. However, gut microbiological trait similarities between wild and artificially bred green turtles remain unexplored. Therefore, this study compared the gut microbiological characteristics of wild and artificially bred green turtles (Chelonia mydas) through high-throughput Illumina sequencing technology. The a-diversity of intestinal bacteria in wild green turtles, as determined by Shannon and Chao indices, significantly surpasses that of artificial breeding green turtles (p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were detected in the fungal a-diversity between wild and artificially bred green turtles. Meanwhile, the ß-diversity analysis revealed significant differences between wild and artificially bred green turtles in bacterial and fungal compositions. The community of gut bacteria in artificially bred green turtles had a significantly higher abundance of Fusobacteriota including those belonging to the Paracoccus, Cetobacterium, and Fusobacterium genera than that of the wild green turtle. In contrast, the abundance of bacteria belonging to the phylum Actinobacteriota and genus Nautella significantly decreased. Regarding the fungal community, artificially bred green turtles had a significantly higher abundance of Fusarium, Sterigmatomyces, and Acremonium and a lower abundance of Candida and Rhodotorula than the wild green turtle. The PICRUSt2 analyses demonstrated significant differences in the functions of the gut bacterial flora between groups, particularly in carbohydrate and energy metabolism. Fungal functional guild analysis further revealed that the functions of the intestinal fungal flora of wild and artificially bred green turtles differed significantly in terms of animal pathogens-endophytes-lichen parasites-plant pathogens-soil saprotrophswood saprotrophs. BugBase analysis revealed significant potential pathogenicity and stress tolerance variations between wild and artificially bred green turtles. Collectively, this study elucidates the distinctive characteristics of gut microbiota in wild and artificially bred green turtles while evaluating their health status. These findings offer valuable scientific insights for releasing artificially bred green turtles and other artificially bred wildlife into natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions such as mutualism and facilitation are common in ecosystems established by foundation species; however, their outcomes vary and show conditionality. In a Mexican Caribbean Bay, a seagrass-coralline algae (rhodoliths) mutualism protects the seagrass Thalassia testudinum from green turtle overgrazing. We postulate that the state of the seagrass meadow in this bay depends on the strengths of the interactions among seagrasses, green turtles, and coralline algae. Spatio-temporal changes through satellite imagery showed rhodolith bed developed rapidly from 2009 (undetected) to 2016 (bed of 6934 m2). Typically, such rapid expansion of the rhodoliths does not occur in seagrass meadows. An in situ growth experiment of coralline algae showed that a combination of reduction in light and wave movement (usual in dense seagrass meadows) significantly reduced their growth rates. In the rhodolith beds, the growth rates of the coralline algae Neogoniolithon sp. and Amphiroa sp. were high at 9.5 mm and 15.5 mm per growth tip y−1, respectively. In a second experiment, we found lower mortality in coralline algae within a rhodolith bed compared to algae placed outside the bed, likely explained by the reduced resuspension that we found in a third experiment, and this positive feedback may explain the high population increase in the rhodoliths, once established when the turtles grazed down the seagrass canopy. Therefore, the grazing-protection mutualism between seagrasses and coralline algae is thus conditional and came into existence under a co-occurrence of intensive grazing pressure and rapid population growth of coralline algae facilitated by positive feedback from increased growth and reduced sediment resuspension by the dense rhodolith bed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a sea turtle conservation area, Alas Purwo National Park (APNP) shows different patterns in the four species of turtles that have nesting records, such as an increase in Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), stability in Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), and a decline in Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). During the survey, which lasted from January to July 2023, we discovered that each type of sea turtle preferred nesting sites at specific hypothetical stations, except for the L. olivacea, which nested at all hypothetical stations along Pancur-Cungur Coast. We also discovered that it is highly encouraged to continue relocations that have already been carried out, given the variety of predators encountered during the survey period. This discovery supports the need for in situ conservation at preferred sites for sea turtle species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial light associated with coastal development is becoming a major threat to coastal biodiversity. Sea turtles are coastal breeders, and it is well-known that hatchlings tend to move toward lighter objects on the beach, which prevents them from reaching the sea. It is, therefore, essential to identify the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the nesting beaches. Here, we investigated ALAN levels using imagery from satellites at important green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting beaches in the Mediterranean. Mean August radiance levels at nesting beaches ranged from 0.00473 nW/cm²sr (Northern Cyprus-South Karpaz Beach) to 14.44 nW/cm²sr (Türkiye-Davultepe Beach). Of the thirteen nesting beaches examined, five were below the threshold value of high ALAN effect (>2 nW/cm²sr). A statistically significant increasing trend in mean radiance levels over the years was detected in Kazanlı (r = 0.88, p < 0.01), Samandağ (r = 0.91, p < 0.01), Alata (r = 0.89, p < 0.01), and Davultepe (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). Based on scenarios from previously published scientific results, the present work reveals the negative impact of ALAN, which degrades habitat quality on the core nesting beaches of green turtles in the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Batanes archipelago -- a province designated by the Philippine government as a protected area -- possesses abundant marine resources and diverse ecosystems that serve as optimal habitats for marine turtles to forage, reproduce, and nest. Ivatans, the native inhabitants of Batanes who are also indigenous peoples, possess knowledge of the existence of marine turtles in their coastal waters; however, published reports are still unavailable. This study provides significant data on species identification, observations, and the distribution of nesting areas across the province. This study presents novel findings, revealing that green sea turtles Chelonia mydas and hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata thrive in the coastal waters of Batanes. A household survey using a semi-structured questionnaire (n = 90), 48 key informant interviews, and site monitoring were utilized as data collection methods and examined using descriptive data analysis. We randomly selected respondents from the household surveys from each municipality and pre-identified key informants based on their roles in each municipality (e.g. government officials, fisherfolk leaders). Likewise, 45% of the respondents claimed that they usually encounter marine turtles a few times a week, specifically during their fishing operations. The mapped nesting sites showed a wide range across the province; three were already established by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. The data gathered, and findings of this study serve as a basis for local resource managers -- particularly in implementing initiatives for sustainable management, conservation, and protection of marine turtle biodiversity in Batanes. Before developing conservation and management strategies, involving the community in decision-making is crucial to address potential concerns -- significantly when a specific ethnic group such as the Ivatans on Batanes Island -- is affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This case report offers a comprehensive analysis of the clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and postmortem examinations of three green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) investigated for spirorchiidiasis. These findings highlight the complexity and severity of the disease, emphasizing the presence of systemic, granulomatous inflammation, and its impact on the overall health of sea turtles. This study advocates for continuous research and conservation efforts to mitigate the impact of spirorchiidiasis on marine turtles. Despite the precarious state of marine turtles as a highly endangered species, our understanding of their diseases remains limited. This case report presents a detailed pathological investigation of spirorchiidiasis, a blood fluke infection that poses a substantial threat to marine turtles. This retrospective study examined three cases of spirorchiid-infected sea turtles, specifically, green sea turtles stranded on Jeju Island, South Korea. Premortem examination of the three spirorchiid-infected green sea turtles demonstrated nonspecific clinical symptoms; blood analysis revealed dehydration, malnutrition, and anemia. Computed tomography scans provided insights into severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations, including the mass present in the joint region. Post-mortem examinations consistently indicated severe lung lesions and systemic manifestations, with histopathological examination confirming the presence of spirorchiid ova across various organs. Despite the global prevalence of spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles, disease severity varies regionally. This report provides a detailed demonstration of the pathology of spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles from Northeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic debris is a global threat that impacts threatened species through various lethal and sub‐lethal consequences, as well as overall ecosystem health. This study used a database of over 24,000 beach surveys of marine debris collated by the Australian Marine Debris Initiative from 2012 to 2021, with two key objectives: (1) identify variables that most influence the occurrence of debris hotspots on a continental scale and (2) use these findings to identify likely hotspots of interaction between threatened species and marine debris. The number of particles found in each beach survey was modelled alongside fifteen biological, social, and physical spatial variables including land use, physical oceanography, population, rainfall, distance to waste facilities, ports, and mangroves to identify the significant drivers of debris deposition. The model of best fit for predicting debris particle abundance was calculated using a generalized additive model. Overall, debris was more abundant at sites near catchments with high annual rainfall (mm), intensive land use (km2), and that were nearer to ports (km) and mangroves (km). These results support previous studies which state that mangroves are a significant sink for marine debris, and that large ports and urbanized catchments are significant sources for marine debris. We illustrate the applicability of these models by quantifying significant overlap between debris hotspots and the distributions for four internationally listed threatened species that exhibit debris interactions; green turtle (26,868 km2), dugong (16,164 km2), Australian sea lion (2903 km2) and Flesh‐footed Shearwater (2413 km2). This equates to less than 1% (Flesh‐footed Shearwater, Australian sea lion), over 2% (green sea turtle) and over 5% (dugong) of their habitat being identified as areas of high risk for marine debris interactions. The results of this study hold practical value, informing decision‐making processes, managing debris pollution at continental scales, as well as identifying gaps in species monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mugla Journal of Science & Technology is the property of Mugla Journal of Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Determining the genetic diversity and source rookeries of sea turtles collected from feeding grounds can facilitate effective conservation initiatives. To ascertain the genetic composition and source rookery, we examined a partial sequence of the mitochondrial control region (CR, 796 bp) of 40 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) collected from feeding grounds around the Korean Peninsula between 2014 and 2022. We conducted genetic and mixed-stock analyses (MSA) and identified 10 CR haplotypes previously reported in Japanese populations. In the haplotype network, six, three, and one haplotype(s) grouped with the Japan, Indo-Pacific, and Central South Pacific clades, respectively. The primary rookeries of the green turtles were two distantly remote sites, Ogasawara (OGA) and Central Ryukyu Island (CRI), approximately 1,300 km apart from each other. Comparing three parameters (season, maturity, and specific feeding ground), we noted that OGA was mainly associated with summer and the Jeju Sea, whereas CRI was with fall and the East (Japan) Sea ground. The maturity did not show a distinct pattern. Our results indicate that green turtles in the feeding grounds around the Korean Peninsula originate mainly from the Japan MU and have genetic origins in the Japan, Indo-Pacific, and Central South Pacific clades. Our results provide crucial insights into rookeries and MUs, which are the focus of conservation efforts of the Republic of Korea and potential parties to collaborate for green turtle conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Identifying critical habitats for marine turtles and connectivity between genetic stocks and the foraging grounds they use is a conservation priority worldwide. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are impacted by a wide range of anthropogenic threats that can vary by geographic region and the ontogenetic stage of the individual. In Australia, the strengthening of the East Australian Current due to climate change is increasing ocean temperatures, particularly in southern New South Wales (NSW), which is having large-scale impacts on the distribution and abundance of marine resources. Green turtles are frequently observed in temperate southern NSW waters, but our knowledge of their habitat use, migration patterns and the impact of threatening processes is limited. Methods: To assess the origins of green turtles from foraging grounds in southeastern Australia, samples were obtained from green turtles of all size classes (post-hatchlings to adults) that had stranded along an ~870 km expanse of the NSW coast and Lord Howe Island between 1997 and 2021. Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences for 283 individuals were compared to 25 potential source genetic stocks in the Indo-Pacific using mixed-stock Results: A total of 26 haplotypes were identified in NSW, of which 14 had been previously observed at a rookery, eight had been identified previously, but not at a rookery (i.e. orphan haplotypes), and four were previously undescribed. Mixedstock analysis revealed that NSW waters support multiple genetic stocks but are dominated by those of the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia genetic stocks. A small proportion of green turtles originated from more distant stocks in the Indo-Pacific region. Discussion: Understanding the connectivity between green turtle rookeries and foraging grounds provides an opportunity to assess the impact of anthropogenic threats to turtle stocks, and in turn, prioritize management actions for the conservation of green turtles across regional, national and international jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-articulated remains of a large chelonioid turtle from the Turonian strata (Upper Cretaceous; ca. 93.9–89.8 Myr) near Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo (Verona province, northeastern Italy) are described for the first time. Together with the skeletal elements, the specimen also preserves pebbles inside the thoracic area which are lithologically distinct from the surrounding matrix. These allochthonous clasts are here interpreted as geo-gastroliths, in-life ingested stones that resided in the digestive tract of the animal. This interpretation marks the first reported evidence of geophagy in a fossil marine turtle. SEM-EDS analysis, together with macroscopic petrological characterization, confirm the presence of both siliceous and carbonatic pebbles. These putative geo-gastroliths have morphometries and size ranges more similar to those of gastroliths in different taxa (fossils and extant) than allochthonous "dropstone" clasts from the same deposit that were carried by floating vegetation A dense pitted pattern of superficial erosion is microscopically recognizable on the carbonatic gastroliths, consistent with surface etching due to gastric acids. The occurrence of a similar pattern was demonstrated by the experimental etching of carbonatic pebbles with synthetic gastric juice. Gut contents of modern green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were surveyed for substrate ingestion, providing direct evidence of geophagic behavior in extant chelonioids. Comparison with modern turtle dietary habits may suggests that the pebbles were ingested as a way to supplement calcium after or in preparation for egg deposition, implying that the studied specimen was possibly a gravid female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cornea of various vertebrate is considered a major part in the glop, which acts as a powerful lens, providing a sharp retinal image, and meantime acts as an excellent defensor for other corneal layers. Results: The four reptilian families [Scincidae (Chalcides ocellatus); Chamaeleontidae (Chameleon chameleon); Cheloniidae (Chelonia mydas) and Testudiniae (Testudo kleinmanni)] investigated in the current study were gathered across Egypt. After being taken out of the orbit, the cornea under inquiry was ready for light, specific stain and scanning electron microscopy. The epithelium, stroma, and endothelium are the three corneal layers that are common to all four species of reptiles. All other species lack Bowmen's and Descemet's membranes, with the exception of C. ocellatus and T. kleinmanni. The latter layers of Chalcides ocellatus display a strong affinity for Periodic Acid Schiff stain. Epithelial cells with a variety of forms, from hexagonal to atypical polygonal cells, cover the outer corneal surface. These epithelial cells are coated in short microplicae, microvilli, and microholes of varied diameters. There are a few blebs scattered around their surface. Conclusion: The current study concluded that various habitats have various significant effects on the cornea's microstructure characteristics and its physiological trends to accommodate different environmental surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE Determine the hemolytic effect of an 18-µm microaggregate blood filter during in vitro sea turtle whole blood transfusions as well as describe the average diameter of leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) RBCs. ANIMALS 5 green (Chelonia mydas), 5 loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and 5 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (total n = 15). METHODS Heparinized sea turtle blood was infused at 60 mL/h through a microbore extension set without and then with a postsyringe, inline 18-µm microaggregate blood filter. Pre- and postfiltration PCV, Hct, total solids, sodium, chloride, potassium, glucose, and free plasma hemoglobin concentrations were measured. With the use of light microscopy and archived blood smears, the maximum and minimum diameter of 20 RBCs from each of the 5 leatherback and 5 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were measured with a calibrated ocular micrometer using 400X magnification. RESULTS There were no significant differences between pre- and postfiltration samples for Hct, total solids, sodium, chloride, potassium, glucose, and free plasma hemoglobin concentrations; however, there was a significant median postfiltration decrease in PCV of approximately 4%, representing a 13% decrease of the total RBCs transfused. Average maximum diameters for leatherback and Kemp’s ridley sea turtle RBCs were 19.7 and 16.1 µm, respectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although the 18-µm microaggregate blood filter does not hemolyze transfused sea turtle RBCs and is likely safe for in vivo blood transfusions, the filter’s pores may retain a small proportion of infused RBCs given their diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the Western Indian Ocean region, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding marine turtle nesting on the continental coast of East Africa. Here we present results from a long-term (2000–2020) community-based monitoring programme in and around Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya, covering 30 km of coastline (c. 6% of the national total). Conservation actions effectively protected nesting turtles and resulted in a near-total cessation of illegal egg harvesting in Watamu Marine National Park. Collected data indicate this is an important marine turtle nesting index site in Kenya and the wider region. Green turtle Chelonia mydas nests were most common (95%), followed by olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (4%), with occasional nests of hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata and leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea. Clutches per season increased significantly over the 20-year monitoring period for green turtles (50%) and showed a positive trend for olive ridley turtles. Watamu remains an area at risk from human pressures such as coastal development. Clutch distribution along the Watamu Marine National Park beach has shifted over time, probably because of coastal development and disturbance. Illegal take of adults and eggs continues in areas north and south of the Watamu Marine National Park, possibly slowing rates of recovery. Clutches deemed at risk were moved to a safe location within the National Park, and hatching success was high. Continued conservation efforts, including wider engagement with stakeholders to reduce human pressures, are needed to ensure the perpetuation of this nesting site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine pollution by trace elements is a global concern due to potential toxicity to species and ecosystems. Copper is a fundamental trace element for many organisms; however, it becomes toxic at certain concentrations. The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a good sentinel species, due to its circumglobal distribution, long life cycle, coastal habits when juvenile, and is subject to environmental pollution. Quantifying and comparing copper levels makes it possible to understand the availability of this trace element in nature. During this research, comparisons were made between the levels of copper found in the liver, kidneys, and muscles of 35 turtles, from the United States (Hawaii and Texas), Brazil, and Japan. Copper was found in all specimens. In the liver, animals from Hawaii (91.08 µg g−1), Texas (46.11 µg g−1), and Japan (65.18 µg g−1) had statistically equal means, while those from Brazil (16. 79 µg g−1) had the lowest means. For the kidney, copper means were statistically equal for all Hawaii (3.71 µg g−1), Texas (4.83 µg g−1), Japan (2.47 µg g−1), and Brazil (1.89 µg g−1). In muscle, the means between Texas (0.75 µg g−1) and Japan (0.75 µg g−1) were the same, and the mean for Brazil (0.13 µg g−1) was the lowest. Among the organs, the highest levels of copper were found in the liver (28.33 µg g−1) followed by the kidney (2.25 µg g−1) and with the lowest levels in the muscle (0.33 µg g−1). This is the first study of copper levels among marine vertebrates in distant parts of the globe using similar comparative filters between different locations. Similar levels in turtles from such distant locations may indicate that there is a pantropical pattern of copper distribution in the biota, and that these animals are subject to the process of bioavailability of this metal in the environment and metabolic regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of epoxy and para rubber glue for attaching artificial satellite tags to juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Two groups of 10 juvenile C. mydas each were monitored for two months before and after tag attachment. Measurements and analyses of straight carapace length (SCL), straight carapace width (SCW), weight, and behaviors were conducted. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the final SCL, SCW, and weight of the turtles between the two adhesive treatments. However, the average daily gains in SCL and SCW were significantly different before and after the attachment of epoxy. The most frequently observed behavior in both adhesive groups was buoyancy, which decreased in frequency after tag attachment in both treatments. Other behaviors, such as scratching, startle responses and underwater movement also exhibited changes after attachment, varying with the type of adhesive used. The study demonstrated that natural adhesive materials serve as an alternative method for attaching satellite tags to rapidly growing juvenile sea turtles, minimizing injury and maintaining flexibility to prevent changes in carapace shape. Overall, the findings suggest the potential for using natural adhesive materials in future satellite tagging efforts to minimize negative impacts on sea turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine megafauna are subject to several threats due to the increasing exploitation of marine ecosystems. Mortality is frequently evidenced by the occurrence of stranded individuals in coastal zones; however, conclusive identification of its drivers and causes is challenging.In this study, we explore the hypothesis that bycatch in trawling is one of the anthropic drivers of sea turtle strandings in the temperate Southwest (SW) Atlantic, where green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles forage seasonally.Beach survey data during March, April and May from 2014 to 2018 were used to characterize strandings and relate their spatio‐temporal distribution to physical and anthropic variables.Loggerhead (47.4%) and leatherback turtles (49.3%) were the most common stranded species, whereas green turtles were recorded only occasionally (3.3%). Based on the size distribution, strandings reflected both juvenile and adult mortality, with variations between species. Generalized linear models showed that sea turtle strandings were influenced by winds and sea surface temperature, while there was no evidence of a relationship with fishing effort. Further studies should assess drowning due to bycatch as a cause of turtle death, since interaction with fisheries is commonly reported in the area and drowned animals may or may not wash ashore.This study raises awareness and assesses, for the first time, the mortality of threatened sea turtle species in a poorly known region of its distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea turtles are threatened by factors associated with overfishing. To identify these factors, we investigated the fishing pressure and the ethnozoological knowledge of turtles along the Benin coast. A questionnaire-based field survey was undertaken in 48 villages on the Atlantic coast through structured interviews. In total, 479 fishermen and 15 traditional healers were interviewed between July and August, 2020. The Use Value in terms of the types of utilisation of the body parts of the turtles, and the frequency of citation, were calculated. More than eighty percent of the interviewees confirmed the use of turtles for food, medicine, and artisanal purposes. Communities demonstrated nonspecific preference for the four-known species – leatherback turtle, Olive Ridley turtle, green turtle, or hawksbill turtle --within the research area. The flesh is the most used body part (Use Value = 1.5 for food). Body parts of turtles such as the fat, bones etc. are used to treat several diseases, particularly asthma, fever, hypertension, cough, colds, epilepsy, brittle bones in children, and paralysis. The test used shows that the Use Values of sea turtles vary significantly at the 5 % threshold from one sociolinguistic group to another. Our research indicates that integrating traditional ecological knowledge on animal-based food and medicines could be extremely useful when developing strategies for sustainable management and conservation of marine species, and in particular sea turtles.