scholarly journals Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 Prevalence and First Confirmed Case of Sea Turtle Fibropapillomatosis in Grenada, West Indies

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1490
Author(s):  
Amanda James ◽  
Annie Page-Karjian ◽  
Kate E. Charles ◽  
Jonnel Edwards ◽  
Christopher R. Gregory ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
West Indies ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Dermochelys Coriacea ◽  
Neoplastic Disease ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Eretmochelys Imbricata ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
The Impact

Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) is strongly associated with fibropapillomatosis, a neoplastic disease of sea turtles that can result in debilitation and mortality. The objectives of this study were to examine green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles in Grenada, West Indies, for fibropapillomatosis and to utilize ChHV5-specific PCR, degenerate herpesvirus PCR, and serology to non-invasively evaluate the prevalence of ChHV5 infection and exposure. One-hundred and sixty-seven turtles examined from 2017 to 2019 demonstrated no external fibropapilloma-like lesions and no amplification of ChHV5 DNA from whole blood or skin biopsies. An ELISA performed on serum detected ChHV5-specific IgY in 18/52 (34.6%) of green turtles tested. In 2020, an adult, female green turtle presented for necropsy from the inshore waters of Grenada with severe emaciation and cutaneous fibropapillomas. Multiple tumors tested positive for ChHV5 by qPCR, providing the first confirmed case of ChHV5-associated fibropapillomatosis in Grenada. These results indicate that active ChHV5 infection is rare, although viral exposure in green sea turtles is relatively high. The impact of fibropapillomatosis in Grenada is suggested to be low at the present time and further studies comparing host genetics and immunologic factors, as well as examination into extrinsic factors that may influence disease, are warranted.

scholarly journals Strandings of sea turtles on beaches around the oil capital in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-538
Author(s):  
Raísa da Silva Costa Rêgo ◽  
Eric Azevedo Cazetta ◽  
Caio Henrique Gonçalves Cutrim ◽  
Amanda Soares Miranda ◽  
Ana Paula Albano Araújo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
The State ◽  
Dermochelys Coriacea ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Long Beach ◽  
Eretmochelys Imbricata ◽  
Lepidochelys Olivacea ◽  
The North

The south-western region of the Atlantic Ocean has feeding and nesting areas for the five species of sea turtles registered in Brazil, which are in different degrees of extinction threat, mainly due to anthropogenic factors. Fishing and the ingestion of solid waste, were identified as causing stranding and the mortality of sea turtles. In this work, data from the monitoring of beaches in the Municipalities of Macaé and Rio das Ostras, important oil zone in Brazil, in the north-central region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, were used in order to analyse the effects of seasonality on the sea turtle stranding. The monitoring was carried out daily from September 2017 to June 2019, in a study area covering 23.8 km long beach. Stranding data were obtained from active (n = 126) and passive (n = 66) monitoring of beaches and included the records of Chelonia mydas (n = 151), Caretta caretta (n = 23), Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 14), Dermochelys coriacea (n = 2) and Eretmochelys imbricata (n = 1). The largest stranding record occurred in the summer (n = 61) and spring (n = 60), a period compatible with the reproductive season of the species. The results obtained in this study emphasise the importance of the analysis of strandings of sea turtles, which provide relevant data on the biology of the group, the intra and interspecific dynamics and the state of conservation of these animals.

scholarly journals First field observation of the predation by Jaguar (Panthera onca) on Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) at Nancite Beach, Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-23
Author(s):  
Sergio Escobar-Lasso ◽  
Luis Fonseca ◽  
Wilbert N. Villachica ◽  
Hansel Herrera ◽  
Roldán A. Valverde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Dermochelys Coriacea ◽  
Olive Ridley ◽  
Eretmochelys Imbricata ◽  
Lepidochelys Olivacea ◽  
Santa Rosa National Park ◽  
Key Resources

Jaguars have been recorded preying on adult female sea turtles on their nesting beaches in Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico and Suriname (Fretey 1977, Autar 1994, Cuevas et al. 2014, Guildera et al. 2015). Jaguars prey on Green (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles (see Fretey 1977, Autar 1994, Carrillo et al. 1994, Chinchilla 1997, Tröeng 2000, Heithaus et al. 2008, Veríssimo et al. 2012, Arroyo-Arce et al. 2014, Cuevas et al. 2014, Arroyo-Arce & Salom-Pérez 2015, Guildera et al. 2015). The capture effort and risk of injury associated with the predation of nesting sea turtles is expected to be lower relative to other prey species in the jaguar’s diet (Cavalcanti & Gese 2010). Additionally, they can be key resources when other pr ey availability is low (Veríssimo et al. 2012).

Estimating past and present sex ratios of sea turtles in Suriname

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew H. Godfrey ◽  
N. Mrosovsky ◽  
R. Barreto
Keyword(s):  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Sex Ratios ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Dermochelys Coriacea ◽  
Green Turtles ◽  
Sand Temperature ◽  
Turtle Conservation ◽  
Sea Turtle Conservation

Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles in Suriname lay eggs over several months of the year. During this nesting season, changes in rainfall produce changes in sand temperature, which in turn influence the sexual differentiation of incubating sea turtle embryos. The overall sex ratio of leatherback and green sea turtle hatchlings produced at Matapica beach in Suriname was investigated. Estimates of the sex ratios of these turtles in 1993 (green turtles 63.8% female, leatherbacks 69.4% female) were roughly 10% more female-biased than those from an earlier study in 1982. For both species, a significant negative relationship was found between monthly rainfall and monthly sex ratios. Using this relationship and data on rainfall in the past, it was possible to estimate overall sex ratios for an additional 12 years. These estimates varied considerably among different years, ranging from 20 to 90% female in the case of green turtles. Nevertheless, males tended to be produced primarily in April and May, while some females were produced in all months. Such seasonal patterns of production of turtles of different sexes have implications for sea turtle conservation programs that involve manipulating or harvesting eggs.

scholarly journals Population dynamic between vulnerable coastal jaguars (Panthera onca) and endangered green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Butera ◽  
Jaime Restrepo
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Green Sea Turtles ◽  
Turtle Population ◽  
Nest Depredation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nest Predators

New-born sea turtles face a number of predators between the time the mothers lay eggs on the beach to when the hatchlings grow into larger juveniles. Nest depredation impacts reproductive success of nesting sea turtles, reducing the number of new turtles that make it to the sea. On Tortuguero beach nest predators include; dogs, coati, and raccoons. Nest depredation within Tortuguero National Park (TNP) has decreased dramatically since 1979. This decrease in nest depredation is linked to the increased jaguar population within TNP as the aforementioned species are considered the jaguars natural prey. Although jaguars prey on nesting turtles, they also control the populations of nest predators. Even more, jaguars have been demonstrated to change their behaviour to suit their preference in prey species therefore the nest predator distribution in TNP was examined to investigate whether changes in jaguar prey preference had an effect. Nest predation and the number of adult turtles lost to jaguar depredation were examined to determine the significance of the threat jaguars pose to the sea turtle population. This study investigates the predator prey relationship between jaguars, nest predators, and nesting female sea turtles; aiming to assessing the impact that jaguars have on the turtle's population.

scholarly journals Lipid profiling suggests species specificity and minimal seasonal variation in Pacific Green and Hawksbill Turtle plasma

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0253916
Author(s):  
Chelsea E. Clyde-Brockway ◽  
Christina R. Ferreira ◽  
Elizabeth A. Flaherty ◽  
Frank V. Paladino
Keyword(s):  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Multiple Reaction Monitoring ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Lipid Classes ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Lipid Profiling ◽  
Eretmochelys Imbricata ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Hawksbill Turtles

In this study, we applied multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-profiling to explore the relative ion intensity of lipid classes in plasma samples from sea turtles in order to profile lipids relevant to sea turtle physiology and investigate how dynamic ocean environments affect these profiles. We collected plasma samples from foraging green (Chelonia mydas, n = 28) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata, n = 16) turtles live captured in North Pacific Costa Rica in 2017. From these samples, we identified 623 MRMs belonging to 10 lipid classes (sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, free fatty acid, cholesteryl ester, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, ceramide, and triacylglyceride) and one metabolite group (acyl-carnitine) present in sea turtle plasma. The relative ion intensities of most lipids (80%) were consistent between species, across seasons, and were not correlated to body size or estimated sex. Of the differences we observed, the most pronounced was the differences in relative ion intensity between species. We identified 123 lipids that had species-specific relative ion intensities. While some of this variability is likely due to green and hawksbill turtles consuming different food items, we found indications of a phylogenetic component as well. Of these, we identified 47 lipids that varied by season, most belonging to the structural phospholipid classes. Overall, more lipids (n = 39) had higher relative ion intensity in the upwelling (colder) season compared to the non-upwelling season (n = 8). Further, we found more variability in hawksbill turtles than green turtles. Here, we provide the framework in which to apply future lipid profiling in the assessment of health, physiology, and behavior in endangered sea turtles.

scholarly journals Quantifying Illegal Extraction of Sea Turtles in Costa Rica

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Pheasey ◽  
George Glen ◽  
Nicole L. Allison ◽  
Luis G. Fonseca ◽  
Didiher Chacón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Wildlife Trade ◽  
Caribbean Coast ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Illegal Wildlife Trade ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Impact

Estimates of illegal wildlife trade vary significantly and are often based on incomplete datasets, inferences from CITES permits or customs seizures. As a result, annual global estimates of illegal wildlife trade can vary by several billions of US dollars. Translating these figures into species extraction rates is equally challenging, and estimating illegal take accurately is not achievable for many species. Due to their nesting strategies that allow for census data collection, sea turtles offer an exception. On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, three sea turtle species (leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea; green, Chelonia mydas; and hawksbill, Eretmochelys imbricata) are exploited by poachers. Despite the consumption of turtle eggs and meat being illegal, they are consumed as a cultural food source and seasonal treat. Conservation programmes monitor nesting beaches, collect abundance data and record poaching events. Despite the availability of robust long-term datasets, quantifying the rate of poaching has yet to be undertaken. Using data from the globally important nesting beach, Tortuguero, as well as beaches Playa Norte and Pacuare on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, we modelled the spatial and temporal distribution of poaching of the three sea turtle species. Here, we present data from 2006 to 2019 on a stretch of coastline covering c.37 km. We identified poaching hotspots that correlated with populated areas. While the poaching hotspots persisted over time, we found poaching is declining at each of our sites. However, we urge caution when interpreting this result as the impact of poaching varies between species. Given their low abundance on these beaches, the poaching pressure on leatherback and hawksbill turtles is far greater than the impact on the abundant green turtles. We attribute the decline in poaching to supply-side conservation interventions in place at these beaches. Finally, we highlight the value of data sharing and collaborations between conservation NGOs.

scholarly journals Association of ocean macroplastic debris with stranded sea turtles in the Central Gulf of Thailand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jindarha Prampramote ◽  
Worakan Boonhoh ◽  
Sutsiree Intongead ◽  
Watchara Sakornwimol ◽  
Pimchanok Prachamkhai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Gulf Of Thailand ◽  
Marine Life ◽  
Green Sea Turtles ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Ftir Spectrometer ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The impact of macroplastic debris (> 5 mm in size) on marine life is a global concern but is rarely investigated in Thailand. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between stranded sea turtles and macroplastics found in the Central Gulf of Thailand. The turtle (n = 388) stranding record between 2017-2020 was analysed retrospectively to determine their size, species, and interaction with macroplastics. Thereafter, between 2019-2020, macroplastics were collected, from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of dead turtles and from the beaches where stranded turtles were found. A stereomicroscope was used to visually categorise the macroplastics, and the plastic composition was analysed using a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were found to account for the majority of stranded turtles (74%, n = 251), and macroplastics were discovered in 74% of cases of entanglement and ingestion. At the juvenile stage, the stranded turtle was strongly related to macroplastics. Immature turtles were more likely to become entangled than adult turtles. Entangled turtles had a greater survival rate than turtles that had consumed plastic. The plastic fibres were the majority of macroplastics found in the GI tracts (62%, n = 152/244) and on the beach (64%, n = 74/115). Most fibres from GI tracts (83%, n = 126/152) and the beaches (93%, n = 68/74) were identified as the fishing net comprised of polyethylene or polypropylene. We concluded that fishing nets made of polyethylene or polypropylene might be one of the significant causes of sea turtle stranding in the Central Gulf of Thailand, and this issue requires immediate resolution.

Trace metal concentrations in livers and kidneys of sea turtles from south-eastern Queensland, Australia

1998 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 409 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Pople ◽  
A. N. Gordon ◽  
J. Ng
Keyword(s):  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Metal Concentrations ◽  
Eretmochelys Imbricata ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Lepidochelys Olivacea ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Obvious Association ◽  
High Concentrations

The concentrations of some or all of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) were determined in the livers and kidneys of 50 stranded sea turtles (38 Chelonia mydas, eight Caretta caretta, three Eretmochelys imbricata, one Lepidochelys olivacea) from the Moreton Bay region of south-eastern Queensland, Australia. Concentrations of Cd, Se and Zn in the kidney tended to decrease with age, whereas concentrations of Zn in the liver tended to increase. Concentrations of Cd in all sea turtle species (1.7–75.9 µg g-1 wet weight) were amongst the highest recorded for marine vertebrates globally. Although there was no obvious association between metal concentrations and particular diseases in C. mydas, the high concentrations of Cd found in edible turtle tissues may pose a threat to the health of indigenous people whose diet includes C. mydas.

scholarly journals Checklist of sea turtles endohelminth in Neotropical region

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Werneck ◽  
R. J. Da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Loggerhead Turtle ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Dermochelys Coriacea ◽  
Olive Ridley ◽  
Eretmochelys Imbricata ◽  
Leatherback Turtle ◽  
Lepidochelys Olivacea ◽  
The Caribbean

SummaryThis paper presents a list of parasites described in sea turtles from the Neotropical region. Through the review of literature the occurrence of 79 taxa of helminthes parasites were observed, mostly consisting of the Phylum Platyhelminthes with 76 species distributed in 14 families and 2 families of the Phylum Nematoda within 3 species. Regarding the parasite records, the most studied host was the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) followed by the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Overall helminths were reported in 12 countries and in the Caribbean Sea region. This checklist is the largest compilation of data on helminths found in sea turtles in the Neotropical region.

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