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The Scorpion Mud Turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) has been recognized by most recent authors to be a single species (3 subspecies) ranging from Tamaulipas, Mexico, to northern Argentina. However, recent molecular analyses have demonstrated that it is not monophyletic, but rather paraphyletic relative to other Neotropical Kinosternon. Based on extensive genetic sampling across the range of this species, a recent paper elevated the 3 subspecies (albogulare, cruentatum, and scorpioides) to species status, confirmed the divergence of Pacific and Atlantic versant populations of K. cruentatum, and recommended that both be given species status. However, the type locality of K. cruentatum is imprecise, making the allocation of the name problematic. Our study sought to determine the provenance of the type using morphometric analysis of specimens from across the range. That analysis demonstrates unequivocally that the type of K. cruentatum was collected on the Atlantic versant, likely from an eastern population. Furthermore, the analysis also revealed that the type of K. mexicanum, previously synonymized with K. cruentatum, was collected from along the Pacific versant. Hence, the name K. cruentatum should be restricted to populations in Atlantic drainages, and the name K. mexicanum should be restricted to Pacific drainages. Our analysis also indicated divergence among the 3 allopatric Atlantic versant populations, but future genetic work will be needed to determine whether they merit taxonomic recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wetlands is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Aquatic turtles are essential contributors to many freshwater ecosystems, but they face a myriad of threats, necessitating periodic monitoring of population status. Increasing turtle trapping efficiency has the potential to improve conservation efforts, particularly when population sizes are low or sampling conditions are suboptimal. In an effort to improve trapping efficiency, we added LED lights to turtle traps in an attempt to attract kinosternid turtles. Our investigation into the effectiveness of LED lights as an attractant was based on evidence suggesting that these turtles may forage using both visual and olfactory cues. Lights significantly increased captures of kinosternid turtles during early spring, but the increased efficiency did not persist later in the season, possibly due to lights facilitating escape from traps as turtle activity levels increased. To our knowledge, this study is the first research into the efficacy of using lights to increase trapping success of freshwater turtles. Given our encouraging results during early spring and the low cost of LED lights, we encourage researchers to explore the possibility of adding lights to traps to increase captures in challenging trapping conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small smooth-shelled kinosternoid from the late Campanian Cerro del Pueblo Formation and the early Maastrichtian Canyon del Tule Formation of Coahuila, Mexico that is abundantly represented by isolated elements is described as Yelmochelys rosarioae gen. et sp. nov. A phylogenetic analysis concludes that Y. rosarioae is a representative of the stem lineage of the Kinosternidae. Inclusion of Y. rosarioae in Kinosternidae is supported by presence of a groove for the musk duct, the loss of the eleventh peripheral and twelfth marginal, reduced articulation between the plastron and carapace, and diamond-shaped vertebral scales. A basal position within Kinosternidae is indicated by the presence of distinct abdominal scales that meet at the midline and the presence of a relatively long costiform processes. The inclusion of Y. rosarioae in Kinosternidae supports the hypothesis that Kinosternidae and Dermatemydidae had diverged by the Late Campanian.

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

We record the presence of Kinosternon leucostomum postinguinale (DUMÉRIL and BIBRON, 1851) populations in the department of Quindío, Central Cordillera of Colombia. Despite the turtle is found in the neighboring departments of Tolima and Valle del Cauca, this is the first evidence of its distribution on this locality. We present biological and ecological records of individuals in the lower and middle area of La Vieja basin inhabiting small tributaries and ponds between pastures. Currently it is unknown whether the species was introduced or ignored until now.

The loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus minor) and eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) are widespread species considered common throughout much of their respective ranges. Florida populations of S. minor and S. odoratus inhabit a variety of habitats, including freshwater springs and spring runs. We sampled populations of S. minor and S. odoratus from May 2000 through July 2015 as part of a long-term freshwater turtle assemblage study in a state-protected spring-run complex in central Florida. For each species, we 1) generated population estimates, 2) quantified survivorship and recruitment, and 3) calculated sex ratios, biomass, and density. Population estimates were 3417 for S. minor and 1977 for S. odoratus. Sex ratios were approximately 1:1 for both species, and density and biomass estimates were higher than most previous studies. Annual apparent survivorship was higher in male S. minor than in females, but the opposite was true for S. odoratus. Lambda values (k) suggest stable to slowly increasing populations for both species. Population growth rates for S. odoratus were equally influenced by both adult female mortality and mortality of first-year turtles, while those for S. minor were influenced by only adult female mortality. The lower fecundity values for S. odoratus may increase the importance of younger age classes in maintaining populations. Healthy populations of common species are important in maintaining overall community functions, as they often provide the base for many ecosystems. Therefore, it is prudent to promote conservation of common species to protect ecosystem structures and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known concerning predation of rough-footed mud turtles (Kinosternon hirtipes), a species of conservation concern in Texas, USA. During field studies conducted from 2007 to 2016, we documented 8 instances (1 juvenile, 2 males, and 5 females) of predation among individuals of one of the few (<10) remaining populations of K. hirtipes in Texas. Predation was attributed to raccoons (Procyon lotor; n = 5) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa; n = 2); the predator responsible for the death of one of the turtles could not be determined. Turtles are vulnerable to predation when exposed by low water levels in ponds, when making overland movements between ponds, and during nesting forays ashore. To reduce the likelihood of predation, we recommend maintaining adequate water levels in wetlands, linking wetlands with ditches, encouraging the growth of aquatic vegetation, and providing experimental raccoon-proof nest mounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speciation is the result of an accumulation of reproductive barriers between populations, but pinpointing the factors involved is often difficult. However, hybrid zones can form when these barriers are not complete, especially when lineages come into contact in intermediate or modified habitats. We examine a hybrid zone between two closely related riverine turtle species, Sternotherus depressus and S. peltifer, and use dual‐digest RAD sequencing to understand how this hybrid zone formed and elucidate genomic patterns of reproductive isolation. First, the geographical extent and timing of formation of the hybrid zone is established to provide context for understanding the role of extrinsic and intrinsic reproductive isolating mechanisms in this system. The strength of selection on taxon‐specific contributions to maintenance of the hybrid zone is then inferred using a Bayesian genomic cline model. These analyses identify a role for selection inhibiting introgression in some genomic regions at one end of the hybrid zone and promoting introgression in many loci at the other. When selective pressures necessary to generate outliers to the genomic cline are considered with the geographical and temporal context of this hybrid zone, we conclude that habitat‐specific selection probably limits introgression from S. depressus to S. peltifer in the direction of river flow. However, selection is mediating rapid, unidirectional introgression from S. peltifer to S. depressus, which is probably facilitated by anthropogenic habitat alteration. These findings indicate a potentially imminent threat of population‐level genomic extinction for an already imperiled species due to ongoing human‐caused habitat alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capture-mark-recapture and radiotelemetry was used in a population of the Mexican mud turtle (Kinosternon integrum) in the Patzcuaro Basin. Calculated population size was 60 individuals. Sex ratio was skewed to females (1:4.75). Home range of the tracked females ranged from 0.08 to 2.7 ha and indicates a high fidelity with their aquatic and terrestrial microhabitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population ecology and demographic data are fundamental for species management and conservation planning. For Mexican kinosternid turtles there is a need for basic natural history and population ecology data. The Rough-footed Mud Turtle (Kinosternon hirtipes murrayi) is one of the lesser-studied species, even though it is broadly distributed, occurring from Western Texas to Central Mexico. We conducted a study on the species in Michoacán, Mexico for two years. Basic population parameters were estimated, and telemetry was used to measure home range size and movements of males and females. Population size in a 1.42-hectare wetland was calculated to be 301 (± SE 5.89) individuals, mainly adults. The adult sex ratio was skewed toward males (3.1:1). Female home range size was larger than that of males, and males moved larger distances between relocation events. The radio-tracked individuals did not leave the water during winter months and during the dry season. Habitat degradation due to eutrophication may be affecting population survivorship and recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Coal combustion is a major energy source in the US. The solid waste product of coal combustion, coal combustion residue (CCR), contains potentially toxic trace elements. Before 1980, the US primarily disposed of CCR in aquatic settling basins. Animals use these basins as habitat and can be exposed to CCR, potentially affecting their physiology. To investigate the effects of CCR on eastern mud turtles (Kinosternon subrubrum), we sampled 30 turtles exposed to CCRs and 17 unexposed turtles captured in 2015–2016 from the Savannah River Site (Aiken, SC, USA). For captured turtles, we (1) quantified accumulation of CCR in claw and blood samples, (2) used bacterial killing assays to assess influences of CCR on immune responses, (3) compared hemogregarine parasite loads, and (4) compared metabolic rates via flow-through respirometry between CCR-exposed and unexposed turtles when increased temperature was introduced as an added stressor. Turtles exposed to CCR accumulated CCR-associated trace elements, corroborating previous studies. Blood Se and Sr levels and claw As, Se, and Sr levels were significantly higher in turtles from contaminated sites. Average bacterial killing efficiency was not significantly different between groups. Neither prevalence nor average parasite load significantly differed between CCR-exposed and reference turtles, although parasite load increased with turtle size. Regardless of site, temperature had a significant impact on turtle metabolic rates; as temperature increased, turtle metabolic rates increased. The effect of temperature on turtle metabolic rates was less pronounced for CCR-exposed turtles, which resulted in CCR-exposed turtles having lower metabolic rates than reference turtles at 30 and 35 °C. Our results demonstrate that turtles accumulate CCR from their environment and that accumulation of CCR is associated with changes in turtle physiological functions when additional stressors are present. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Turtles accumulated trace elements when exposed to coal combustion residues. • Immune responses were not impacted by trace element accumulation. • Hemogregarine levels were lower in turtles exposed to coal combustion residues. • Temperature impacted metabolic rates; effect less pronounced in exposed turtles. Eastern mud turtles exposed to coal combustion residues accumulated high concentrations of trace elements and had depressed standard metabolic rates when exposed to an additional stressor, though immune response was not affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the Sonoran Desert located in the United States of America and Mexico, a wide variety of epidemic species in the desert islands, and extremely rich biodiversity of the area. It discusses the aquatic habitat of the region and endangered species Sonoyta mud turtle. The primary threat is discussed such as groundwater pumping, drought, and habitat contamination and discusses people and communities' actions to preserve and restore the species.

In many jurisdictions, rare species and their habitats can receive protection if species are assessed as being at risk of declining. The assessment process requires data on habitat occupancy as well as identification of threats to a species critical habitat, both of which are difficult to obtain when the species occurs across large spatial scales. Such is the case for Eastern Musk Turtles (Sternotherus odoratus), which are obligate coastal wetland species in the Laurentian Great Lakes. We use data collected between 2003 and 2015 to map occupancy and conditional occupancy for musk turtles in coastal wetlands of eastern Georgian Bay (Lake Huron) to identify threats to resident wetland habitat. Data collected from a synoptic survey of 58 coastal wetlands were used to create occupancy models, estimate detection probability, and to conduct a sensitivity analysis to determine model robustness. We had a 64–71% probability of detecting musk turtles, whenever present in the wetland, and an area under curve value of 0.82 confirmed high model accuracy. Coastal wetlands that supported musk turtles were associated with higher proportions of forest cover, lower densities of roads, buildings, and docks within 1 km of the wetland, and more-variable bathymetric slopes. High conditional occupancy across the majority of our study area indicates that, at present, habitat in eastern Georgian Bay is in good condition; however, land-use alterations and development should be limited to ensure the persistence of this population of musk turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adult female of Williams' mud turtle, Pelusios williamsi long-term captive, that was allegedly caught wild in Kenya was found to have developed papilloma-like skin lesions. Excised tumors were examined histologically after routine processing with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) stained slides, examined for the presence of viral particles by electron microscopy employing negative staining, and examined for the presence of viral DNA by PCR. Microscopic features in pretreatment biopsies were fully diagnostic and consistent with multifocal squamous cell papilloma. Viral-type inclusion bodies were not identified. Turtle was found to be infected by reptilian herpesvirus. Association with herpesvirus and vast multiplicity of tumors thwarted surgical solution. An autogenous vaccine was prepared using 5 g of excised fresh tissue, aseptically ground, treated with diluted formalin, centrifuged to obtain a supernatant, and subsequently exposed to UV light. Autogenous vaccine induced substantial areas of necrosis of the papillomatous lesions noted by the loss of cytological architecture, nuclear loss, and by edema. The outer edges of the healing biopsies appeared to be regenerating. Therefore, our vaccine application could be considered as effective. It is difficult to treat and eliminate herpesvirus infection because of its cryptic presence and sudden onset of disease. Successful application of autogenous vaccine could be a potentially promising strategy, which deserves further testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Kinosternon in Mexico is represented by 12 species of which only 2 inhabit the lowlands of the central Pacific region ( Kinosternon chimalhuaca and Kinosternon integrum). Based on 15 standard morphological attributes and coloration patterns of 9 individuals, we describe a new microendemic mud turtle species from the central Pacific versant of Mexico. The suite of morphological traits exhibited by Kinosternon sp. nov. clearly differentiates it from other species within the genus Kinosternon by a combination of proportions of plastron and carapace scutes, body size, and a large yellow rostral shield in males. The new species inhabits small streams and ponds in and near the city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Unfortunately, natural populations are unknown so far. The habitat is damaged by urban growth, and only one female is known. The available information would suggest that Kinosternon vogti sp. nov ., is one of the most threatened freshwater turtle species. An urgent conservation program is necessary as well as explorations in the area to find viable populations of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the breeding of the turtle species Kinosternon baurii in captivity. It talks about the appearance of the mud turtle species in Florida. It discusses its habitat and their behavior. It also discusses their physiology. It discusses the description of the neonates of the turtles and the hatchlings from their eggs.

The article discusses the farming of turtles in Brazil where the aquatic chelonians and their eggs are considered as a source of protein. It mainly talks about the farming of the mud turtles. It talks about their physiology, habitat and the ecology they live in. It discusses the pattern of the shells of the turtles.

The article discusses the Kinosternon herrerai species of mud turtles' behaviour. It discusses their morphology and physiology. It talks about their ecology and the colonies formed by them.It also discusses the reproduction procedures of the turtle. It focuses on the food the turtle eats and their methods of producing eggs.

The article discusses the different species of turtles including the mud turtles and musk turtles. It talks about their appearance, behaviour, ecology, and their swimming habits. It also discusses the turtle conservation procedures. It discusses the species of the turtles from North, Central and South America.

Presentamos un nuevo reporte de la tortuga escorpión Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides para el departamento de Norte de Santander, Colombia. Este espécimen fue colectado en el bosque seco tropical del departamento, el cual es uno de los ecosistemas más amenazados y menos protegidos del país; esto agravado por problemas locales de contaminación y de transformación del uso del suelo, motivos por los que la presencia y conservación de K. s. Scorpioides se encuentra en riesgo.

New Pleistocene fossilized turtle remains from five localities of western Ecuador (Santa Elena Province) are described here. All these shell (carapace and plastron) fossil remains come from the Tablazo Formation and belong to three different lineages of cryptodires (“hidden-necked” turtles). The most abundant remains belong to geoemydids, attributed here to the genus Rhinoclemmys (indeterminate species). Less abundant in occurrence are the kinosternidids, attributed to Kinosternon (indeterminate species), and the first fossil record of chelydrids, Chelydra(indeterminate species), in the entirety of Central and South America.

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencia Animal - RECIA is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencia Animal - RECIA 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.)

Hapalorhynchus Stunkard, 1922 is emended based on morphological study of existing museum specimens (type and voucher specimens) and newly-collected specimens infecting musk turtles (Testudines: Kinosternidae: Sternotherus spp.) from rivers in Alabama and Florida (USA). Hapalorhynchus conecuhensis n. sp. is described from an innominate musk turtle, Sternotherus cf. minor , (type host) from Blue Spring (31°5′27.64″N, 86°30′53.21″W; Pensacola Bay Basin, Alabama) and the loggerhead musk turtle, Sternotherus minor (Agassiz, 1857) from the Wacissa River (30°20′24.73″N, 83°59′27.56″W; Apalachee Bay Basin, Florida). It differs from congeners by lacking a body constriction at level of the ventral sucker, paired anterior caeca, and a transverse ovary as well as by having a small ventral sucker, proportionally short posterior caeca, nearly equally-sized anterior and posterior testes, a small cirrus sac, and a uterus extending dorsal to the ovary and the anterior testis. Specimens of Hapalorhynchus reelfooti Byrd, 1939 infected loggerhead musk turtles, stripe-necked musk turtles ( Sternotherus peltifer Smith and Glass, 1947), Eastern musk turtles ( Sternotherus odoratus [Latreille in Sonnini and Latreille, 1801]), and S. cf. minor . Those of Hapalorhynchus cf. stunkardi infected S. minor and S. odoratus . Sternothorus minor , S. peltifer , and S. cf. minor plus S. minor and S. odoratus are new host records for H. reelfooti and H. cf. stunkardi , respectively. This is the first report of an infected musk turtle from the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers (Mobile-Tensaw River Basin), Pensacola Bay Basin, or Apalachee Bay Basin. Sequence analysis of the large subunit rDNA (28S) showed a strongly-supported clade for Hapalorhynchus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the trade network of the Scorpion Mud Turtle, Kinosternon scorpioides, on Marajó Island, Brazil, from hunting to the final product consumption. We conducted semi-structured interviews at the urban centers of the cities of Soure, Salvaterra and Cachoeira do Arari, where we investigated: A) the socioeconomic profile of the merchants and their activity; B) the origin, form and the frequency of marketing K. scorpioides; and C) the demand for the product. Scorpion Mud Turtle hunting was carried out using the following methods: hand-collection (100%), probing (62%) and burning (54%). They were hunted for two reasons: personal consumption and sale, which was conducted in urban centers. The hunters knew the empirical aspects of the species biology in the wild: habitat, trophic ecology, and reproduction, among others. The trade of K. scorpioides is still a strong activity on Marajó Island, and the legal regulations are not enough to inhibit this practice, which poses a threat to the future of this species in this area. The establishment of educational efforts and captive breeding programs of this species will contribute to employment, to local family income, and to the conservation of this genetic resource. These efforts also be important for that the local population could produce and consume this species in a more sustainable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater-turtle ecologists rely on effective baits to capture target species. We conducted a bait-preference study for Sternotherus odoratus (Eastern Musk Turtle) in 2 phases during the 2014, 2015, and 2016 field seasons at Comal Springs, New Braunfels, TX. During Phase 1, we compared the effectiveness of buffalo chicken to other malodourous or previously used successful baits for capturing Eastern Musk Turtles. During Phase 2, we compared catch rates when using buffalo chicken, raw chicken, or fried chicken as bait. We also tested for differences in the effectiveness of buffalo chicken as a bait choice between sexes and among seasons. During Phase 1, we captured 231 of 276 Eastern Musk Turtles (84%) in traps baited with buffalo chicken. During Phase 2, we captured 46 of 72 Eastern Musk Turtles (63.9%) in traps baited with buffalo chicken. We captured significantly more turtles when we used Buffalo chicken in comparison to all other baits. Our results indicate that buffalo chicken is an effective novel bait that could be used to increase capture rates of Eastern Musk Turtles. Additional studies are needed in other portions of the Eastern Musk Turtle’s range to determine if the attraction to buffalo chicken as a trap bait is a local or widespread phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new record of the Scorpion Turtle Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides for the department of Norte de Santander, Colombia. This specimen was collected in the tropical dry forest of the department, which is one of the most threatened and least protected ecosystems in the country; this exacerbated by local problems related with pollution and land-use transformation, threatening the presence and conservation of K. s. scorpioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turtles in the Kinosternidae are well-known to have unique shell shapes and shell constructions, including hinged plastrons in many species. Members of this group also live in a wide range of habitats. Despite this variability, and the likely importance of shell shape in determining fitness across this clade's range, no studies have comprehensively surveyed the variation in shell shape in this clade, nor the allometric or ecomorphological patterns possible among these species. This study used geometric morphometric methods to quantify shape in the shells of 25 of the 26 species in Kinosternidae. We assessed carapace strength using finite element modeling and calculated several morphometric measures that are correlated with the ability of turtles to right themselves when overturned. These morphological and functional data were used to describe patterns of morphological and functional evolution, and to test hypotheses about the ecological or functional morphology within this group. No patterns in ecomorphology were identified. A relationship between posterior plastral kinesis and shell morphology and strength was found, however, indicating that different mechanisms of defense exert a stronger influence on shell shape than environmental pressures. Such mechanisms are likely important for turtles that cannot rely solely on shell strength for defense as a result of their small size. In addition, morphological proxies for righting performance indicate that kinosternids are unexceptional among turtles regarding this function. This is the first large-scale study of functional and ecological morphology in this clade, but much opportunity remains for discovering finer scale patterns of variation and unique functional characteristics associated with the unique shell shapes of this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The swear turtle "jurará" (Kinosternon scorpioides) is a mud turtle of the Amazon region exposed to disordering capture in the rural areas of Maranhão, Brazil. Despite its popularity in these areas, little meaningful information regarding the reproductive morphology is currently available, fact that impedes the adoption of policies for preservation of the species. To obtain more information, we studied the ovarian morphology adult jurará females kept in captivity by morphological and morphometric analysis in the dry and rainy season. The results revealed that all females were sexually mature and were in a vitellogenic period. The ovaries are two irregular structures composed by follicles in different stages of development (primary, secondary and tertiary) scattered in a stroma of loose connective highly vascularized tissue. The ovary weight was 6.25±4.23g and 2.27±1.42g, for the right and left one respectively. The gonadosomatic indexes were 2.06% for the dry season and 1.79% for the rainy season. The average of the follicles was 29.83 units per ovary. Microscopically, the mature ovaries revealed a basal layer composed by four cellular layers: the inner and outer theca, stratum granulosum with perivitelline membrane and zona radiata with vitelline membrane. No significant differences were observed in the ovaries either in the dry or wet period.