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Blood analytes of hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from Florida waters: reference intervals and size-relevant correlations

Authors :
Nicole I. Stacy
Justin R. Perrault
Lawrence D. Wood
Source :
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Vol 11 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2023.

Abstract

Assessments of health variables in wild animal populations have evolved into important tools for characterizing spatiotemporal population trends and fitness, effects of stressors, diseases, and ecosystem health. Blood as a sample matrix can be obtained fairly non-invasively in the field, with preservation and sample processing techniques that allow for readily available routine and advanced diagnostic testing of blood. For wild-caught hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) foraging in southeastern Florida, USA, the objectives of this study were to (1) establish reference intervals for hematological and 24 plasma biochemical analytes, (2) determine length-and body condition-specific relationships with blood analytes, and (3) determine how water temperature influenced plasma biochemical analytes. Reference intervals were established for clinically normal juvenile (n = 26) and subadult (n = 39) hawksbills, with descriptive data reported for adult turtles (n = 3). Although subadults (mainly captured at Palm Beach County) were heavier and larger with greater body depth, juveniles (mainly captured at Monroe County) had a higher body condition index. Positive length-specific correlations were identified for packed cell volume, eosinophils, aspartate aminotransferase, phosphorus, cholesterol, glutamate dehydrogenase, total protein, albumin, and globulins, with negative correlations including alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, calcium, calcium to phosphorus ratio, and glucose. Subadults had less frequent morphological features of red blood cell regeneration compared to juveniles. These findings provide insight into life-stage class differences regarding hematopoiesis, antigenic stimulation, somatic growth, dietary shifts, nutritional status, osmoregulation, metabolism, physical activity or stress levels, and possible habitat differences. Life-stage class is the likely driver for the observed blood analyte differences, in addition to influences from water temperature. The data herein offer baseline information for a snapshot in time for critically endangered hawksbills inhabiting the Florida reef system and for answering individual-and population-relevant questions of relevance to conservation and population management.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2296701X
Volume :
11
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b0b557454ed4c9b81f92313629feec6
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2023.1199688