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Haematologic and plasma biochemical reference intervals for flatback turtles Natator depressus

Authors :
EJ Young
KS Warren
SD Whiting
NS Stephens
M Bruce
R Donaldson
B Jackson
L Yeap
R Vaughan-Higgins
Source :
Endangered Species Research, Vol 53, Pp 181-198 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Inter-Research, 2024.

Abstract

Blood reference intervals (RIs) provide an indication of systemic health and are central to any baseline health survey. RIs are available for all sea turtle species, except for the flatback turtle Natator depressus. We developed the first nesting and foraging flatback turtle RIs from a healthy reference population of 211 individuals. We found flatback turtle RIs were generally similar to other published sea turtle RIs. For flatback turtles, we detected significant differences in blood reference values (RVs) by life stage (nesting vs. foraging), sex, and location, as well as by measurement technique (laboratory vs. field). Clinically significant differences justified the establishment of separate RIs for nesting and foraging flatback turtles and for laboratory and field techniques. Clinical application of these blood RIs for individuals in rehabilitation includes disease diagnosis, health monitoring, and the development of prognostic indicators. As sea turtles are regarded as sentinels of environmental health, flatback turtle baseline health data will also be useful for population health monitoring and as a reference for future studies where changes in RIs may indicate an environment in decline.

Subjects

Subjects :
Zoology
QL1-991
Botany
QK1-989

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
18635407 and 16134796
Volume :
53
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Endangered Species Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.05562b70f08469ea163612ddc32d642
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01299