Monitoring green sea turtles in Brazilian feeding areas: relating body condition index to fibropapillomatosis prevalence

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (8) ◽  
pp. 1879-1887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silmara Rossi ◽  
Angélica María Sánchez-Sarmiento ◽  
Robson Guimarães dos Santos ◽  
Roberta Ramblas Zamana ◽  
Fabiola Eloisa Setim Prioste ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Green Sea Turtles ◽  
Green Turtles

AbstractFibropapillomatosis (FP) can be an important conservation threat to green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) due to its widespread distribution and complex aetiology. Thus, understanding the impacts of FP in sea turtle populations is a research priority towards conservation efforts. The body condition index (BCI), based on straight carapace length (SCL) and body mass (BM), is an accurate indicator of body-nutritional condition that can be used in routine green turtle health evaluations. This study aimed to compare BCI in FP-free (N = 369) and FP-affected (N = 518) green turtles from Brazilian feeding areas. Body condition indices were evaluated in terms of the South-west Atlantic Fibropapillomatosis Score – FPSSWA (mild, moderate and severe), study sites (five Brazilian states), origin (intentional capture, fishery, stranding and afloat) and sex (when known). Curved and straight carapace lengths, and body mass were recorded in order to calculate BCI. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in BCI among green turtles from different study areas (P = 0.02), and lower BCI values in FP-free than in FP-positive individuals (P < 0.0001). With regards to origin, the highest BCI was found in the intentional capture group (N = 245; 1.47 ± 0.16), followed by fishery (N = 180; 1.46 ± 0.20). Analysis according to sex revealed a higher mean BCI among females than males (P < 0.017). This study provides relevant data on the health and nutritional status of green turtles along the Brazilian coast, in important feeding areas for this species.

scholarly journals Variation in Species Composition, Size and Fitness of Two Multi-Species Sea Turtle Assemblages Using Different Neritic Habitats

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret M. Lamont ◽  
Darren Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Green Turtles ◽  
Sand Bottom

The neritic environment is rich in resources and as such plays a crucial role as foraging habitat for multi-species marine assemblages, including sea turtles. However, this habitat also experiences a wide array of anthropogenic threats. To prioritize conservation funds, targeting areas that support multi-species assemblages is ideal. This is particularly important in the Gulf of Mexico where restoration actions are currently ongoing following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. To better understand these areas in the Gulf of Mexico, we characterized two multi-species aggregations of sea turtles captured in different neritic habitats. We described species composition and size classes of turtles, and calculated body condition index for 642 individuals of three species captured from 2011 to 2019: 13.6% loggerheads (Caretta caretta), 44.9% Kemp’s ridleys (Lepidochelys kempii) and 41.4% green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Species composition differed between the two sites with more loggerheads captured in seagrass and a greater proportion of green turtles captured in sand bottom. Turtles in sand bottom were smaller and weighed less than those captured in seagrass. Although small and large turtles were captured at both sites, the proportions differed between sites. Body condition index of green turtles was lower in sand habitat than seagrass habitat; there was no difference for Kemp’s ridleys or loggerheads. In general, smaller green turtles had a higher body condition index than larger green turtles. We have identified another habitat type used by juvenile sea turtle species in the northern Gulf of Mexico. In addition, we highlight the importance of habitat selection by immature turtles recruiting from the oceanic to the neritic environment, particularly for green turtles.

Male mating success is related to body condition and stress-induced leukocyte response in an anuran with scramble competition

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 391-398
Author(s):  
M.S. Gastón ◽  
M. Vaira
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Scramble Competition ◽  
The Body ◽  
Male Mating ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Index Value ◽  
Leukocyte Response

Competition among males can be a decisive factor for successful mating in anuran explosive breeders with a male-biased population sex ratio. The Yungas Red-belly Toad (Melanophryniscus rubriventris (Vellard, 1947)) is an explosive breeder where males exhibit a classic scramble competition. We studied the body size, body condition, and stress-induced leukocyte response of M. rubriventris males under natural scenarios of scramble competition. We hand-captured adult males (categorised as single, in pairs, or in mating balls) and determined their body mass and length, body condition, and their leukocyte profile. We found that males in pairs had significantly higher body mass than single males and those in mating balls. We found the highest percentage of individuals with better body condition within the paired males who showed significantly higher body condition index value than singles or those in mating balls. Amplectant males (those collected in pairs or in mating balls) had a significantly lower proportion of lymphocytes and higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratios than singles. Amplectant males showed significantly higher proportions of neutrophils or eosinophils than singles. Our results suggest that M. rubriventris males with better body condition can be more successful in acquiring mates, although scramble competition among males can trigger a stress response.

scholarly journals Monitoring green sea turtles in Brazilian feeding areas: relating body condition index to fibropapillomatosis prevalence—CORRIGENDUM

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 327-328
Author(s):  
Silmara Rossi ◽  
Angélica María Sánchez-Sarmiento ◽  
Robson Guimarães dos Santos ◽  
Roberta Ramblas Zamana ◽  
Fabiola Eloisa Setim Prioste ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Green Sea Turtles

scholarly journals Rodent helminths in fragmented Atlantic Forest areas in the western region of the state of Paraná

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danise Benatti ◽  
Luis Felipe Andrietti ◽  
José Flávio Cândido Júnior ◽  
Alexandre Vogliotti ◽  
Marcela Figueirêdo Duarte Moraes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Ecological Indicators ◽  
The Body ◽  
Western Region ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Intensity Of Infection ◽  
New Host ◽  
The Western Region

Abstract Rodents are small mammals that can be parasitized by various helminths. This study aimed to identify and describe the ecological indicators of infection in rodents captured in fragments of the Atlantic Forest in the western region of Paraná State, Brazil. Sixty-eight specimens of five rodent species were collected, necropsied, and inspected in search of helminths. The parasites were stored in 70% ethanol, morphologically identified, and counted for calculation of infection indicators. Fourteen species of helminths and one species of Crustacea were recorded: ten in Akodon montensis, four in Mus musculus, two in Thaptomys nigrita, two in Oligoryzomys nigripes, and one in Euryoryzomys russatus. The registered species of parasites were: Rodentolepis akodontis, Angiostrongylus sp., Protospirura numidica criceticola, Trichuris navonae, Syphacia alata, Syphacia criceti, Syphacia evaginata, Trichofreitasia lenti, Stilestrongylus aculeata, Stilestrongylus eta, Stilestrongylus gracielae, Stilestrongylus franciscanus, Stilestrongylus moreli, Stilestrongylus sp., and Pentastomida gen. sp. A positive correlation between the intensity of infection of T. navonae and T. lenti was observed with the body condition index of the host A. montensis. For all species, this study represents a new register of locality, and for eight of them a new host.

scholarly journals Red blood cell osmotic fragility in healthy loggerhead and green sea turtles

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 908-911
Author(s):  
Rebecca Radisic ◽  
Sean D. Owens ◽  
Charles A. Manire ◽  
Nicole Montgomery ◽  
Doug Mader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Cell ◽  
Red Blood Cell ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Osmotic Fragility ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Green Sea Turtles ◽  
Nacl Concentration ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Rehabilitation Facilities

Loggerhead ( Caretta caretta; Cc) and green sea ( Chelonia mydas; Cm) turtles admitted to rehabilitation facilities may require blood transfusions for supportive treatment of disorders resulting in life-threatening anemia, but, considering the unique erythrocyte chemistry of sea turtles, standardized donor red blood cell (RBC) storage protocols have not been established. Prolonged cold storage and the effects of various anticoagulant-preservative solutions have been associated with increased RBC osmotic fragility across a broad range of species. Increased RBC fragility in stored RBC products has been associated with acute transfusion reactions. The osmotic fragility test is used to measure erythrocyte resistance to hemolysis while being exposed to a series of dilutions of a saline solution. We obtained baseline measurements for osmotic fragility in healthy Cc and Cm. Osmotic fragility testing was performed on samples from 10 Cc to 10 Cm. Fifty percent (50%) RBC hemolysis was identified at a mean NaCl concentration of 0.38% in both species. Results of our study will help guide future studies evaluating optimal storage solutions for sea turtle blood products.

scholarly journals Genetic variation and natural selection on blue tit body condition in different environments

1999 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. MERILÄ ◽  
R. PRZYBYLO ◽  
B. C. SHELDON
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Genetic Variance ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
The Body ◽  
Phenotypic Variance ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Blue Tit ◽  
Feeding Regime ◽  
The Poor

An increasing amount of evidence indicates that different forms of environmental stress influence the expression of genetic variance in quantitative traits and, consequently, their evolvability. We investigated the causal components of phenotypic variance and natural selection on the body condition index (a trait often related to fitness in wild bird populations) of blue tit (Parus caeruleus) nestlings under contrasting environmental conditions. In three different study years, nestlings grown under a poor feeding regime attained lower body condition than their full-sibs grown under a good feeding regime. Genetic influences on condition were large and significant in both feeding regimes, and in all three study years. However, although estimates of additive genetic variance were consistently higher in the poor than in the good environment, heritability estimates for body condition index were very similar in both environments due to higher levels of environmental variance in the poor environment. Evidence for weak genotype×environment interactions was obtained, but these contributed little to variance in nestling condition. Directional natural selection on fledging condition of nestlings was detected, and there were no indications of year or environmental effects on the form and intensity of selection observed, in a sample of 3659 nestlings over four years. However, selection on fledging condition was very weak (standardized selection gradient, β=0·027±0·016 SE), suggesting that, in the current population, the large additive genetic component to fledging condition is not particularly surprising. The results of these analyses are contrasted with those obtained for other populations and species with similar life-histories.

Predation on green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, hatchlings by invasive rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Gronwald ◽  
Quentin Genet ◽  
Margaux Touron
Keyword(s):  
Food Source ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
French Polynesia ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Green Sea Turtle ◽  
Green Sea Turtles ◽  
Invasive Rats

We used camera traps to identify invasive Rattus rattus as predators at a green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, nest in French Polynesia. The footage shows that the hatchlings are a familiar food source for rats and that the control of invasive rats has to be considered for the protection of endangered green sea turtles.

Validation of a Rapid Visual-Assessment Technique for Categorizing the Body Condition of Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Field

Copeia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan A. Thomson ◽  
Derek Burkholder ◽  
Michael R. Heithaus ◽  
Lawrence M. Dill
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Visual Assessment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Assessment Technique ◽  
Green Turtles

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.

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