A management plan for a declining population of the Souss valley tortoise in an arid steppe-land of west-central Morocco

The endangered Moorish tortoise Testudo graeca is the unique terrestrial chelonian species in North-west Africa. In west-central Morocco, the endemic subspecies, the Souss valley tortoise T. g. soussensis, occupies semi-arid to arid low-quality habitats, and is subject to serious threats. A long-term mark-recapture programme from 2001 to 2012 allowed estimating population size and structure, sex ratio, and survivorship in one of the well-known populations in a degraded and overgrazed arid steppe-land of west-central Morocco. Spring population size considerably decreased to more than half in less than 10 years, with a mean density lower than 3 ind.ha-1 in 2012 compared to its last known density estimat-ed in 2003. In spring 2012, the population structure exhibited an unbalanced male-biased sex ratio (61:39) and a scarcity of juveniles (<5%). We identified five major conservation problems in the study area: (i) habitat destruction and overgrazing; (ii) over-collecting of tortoises for pet trade , iii) direct dis-turbance; iv) tortoise handling mostly for field research, and v) increased extinction risk due to the small population size. We carried out a population viability analysis using the VORTEX software based on published and obtained data on population and life history parameters. With no management action, the population will go extinct during the forthcoming 40 years after the last estimate. The most efficient management option for a long-term persistence of the population would be reducing the nest and neo-nate mortality by 90%. To attenuate the impact of the threatening factors, we developed a management plan that includes population reinforcement and habitat restoration options.

Further molecular assessment of the distribution of Spanish sand racers (Lacertidae; Psammodromus)

Three related and morphologically similar small Psammodromus species (P. hispanicus complex) occur in the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean France, Psammodromus hispanicus, Psammo-dromus occidentalis, and Psammodromus edwarsianus. Despite recent works, overall ranges of the species remain partially uncertain, in particular for Westernmost part of Iberia and South-western France. Here we include data from 15 additional specimens that were sequenced for part of the mitochon-drial gene Cytochrome b to allow comparison with published data. We provide genetic confirma-tion that P. edwarsianus is the species of the complex occurring in France, and that P. occidentalis occurs on coastal and inland Portugal. Within P. occidentalis notable diversity occurs for this marker, which warrants further investigation. Some areas, particularly southern Portugal, still need assessment to clarify the distribution of these mostly cryptic species across the region.

Prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in the vulnerable spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) from the central-western of Morocco

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild Testudo graeca tortoises in Morocco. A total of 102 tortoises sampled in two arid areas: Central Jbilets Mountains (CJM) and Sidi Kaouki Forest (SKF) were macroscopically examined and subjected to qualitative (flotation and Baermann techniques) and quantitative (McMaster technique) microscopic examinations. The identified gastrointestinal parasites belong to two nematode families (Pharyngodonidae and Ascarididae) and three protozoa families (Balantidiidae, Eimeriidae and Entamoebidae). 92.1% of tortoises were determined to harbor one or more parasite types. Oxyurid adults were the most frequently encountered with a prevalence of 22.7% and 72.4% in CJM and SKF, respectively. Nematode eggs were found in almost all individuals of both populations studied. The prevalence of protozoa was 9.1% and 3.4% in CJM and SKF, respectively. Oxyurid adults showed the highest intensity in SKF (36.5 ± 30.2) whereas, ascarid adults are absent in CJM. Statistical analysis showed that the prevalence of infection by ascarids was significantly higher in adults than in juveniles. The intensity of infection by ascarid and oxyurid eggs differed significantly between sexes and localities, respectively. Our results showed a difference of infection between the two localities, which could be in relation with habitat quality. SKF is affected by both agriculture and overgrazing. In addition, the tortoises from this locality are active for a large part of the year, which increases their chance of encountering the parasites.

From troubles to solutions: conservation of Mediterranean tortoises under global change

Chelonians are among the animal groups with the poorest conservation status. Since tortoises are long-lived species that need very long time to reach sexual maturity, they are extremely vulnerable to human pressure. Despite their endangered status, there are no common strategies for the development of conservation actions. At the “Mediterranean workshop to develop tortoise conservation strategies”, scientists, conservation associations, environmental managers, IUCN advisers and CITES inspectors met in October 2019 in Alicante (Spain). The aims were to update the diagnosis of the conservation status of the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) and to suggest strategies that guarantee their preservation at the Mediterranean Region. The main conclusions are summarized by: i) Mediterranean tortoises are wild endangered species that must be protected in, and together with, their natural habitat. Their main threats are habitat loss and fragmentation and pet trade, but we should also pay attention to wildfires, spread of diseases, the introduction of exotic species or lineages and climate change. ii) Long-term efforts and stablished protocols are needed to accurately diagnose and monitor the conservation status of wild populations, as well as flows among captive and wild animals. iii) Tortoise trade should be banned because it threatens the conservation of wild populations of tortoises. Illegal practices related to tortoises should be decidedly persecuted. People should consider tortoises as wild animals that are endangered and deserving of protection. It is possible to enjoy them by responsibly observing them in their habitat. iv) Tortoises may carry pathogens or parasites and their sanitary status cannot be fully assessed. They should always be considered potential vectors of tortoise diseases and of zoonosis. Hygiene protocols should be implemented when managing them. v) The researchers attending this workshop aimed to develop a scientific network for the long-term monitoring of graeca and T. hermanni populations in the Mediterranean Region. They will need the support from public administrations.

Ecological features of a Rana iberica population inhabiting a human-altered ecosystem

In this work, data are presented about spatial use and behaviour of Iberian brown frog (Rana iberica) during and after the breeding season in Pontevedra (north-western Spain). Field data were collected between November 2008 and February 2010 at a human-altered stream. The results suggest that there was a change in habitat use between the breeding and the non-breeding seasons. Rana iberica individuals concentrated in the upper part of the stream during the breeding season (November-March), moving to lower parts of the stream during late spring and summer. The estimated monthly frog abundance was inversely correlated to the recorded mean daily minimum temperatures.

Sea turtle bycatch by different types of fisheries in southern Spain

The bycatch of sea turtles by industrial fisheries is receiving an increasing attention in recent years due to the high impact it causes on these endangered species. This issue was evaluated in southern Spain waters that harbors an important feeding ground of loggerhead and leatherback turtles, including the endangered Eastern Atlantic loggerhead population. To quantify the impact that different fisheries represents to sea turtles, 272 fishermen answered to detailed illustrated questionnaires in all the main ports of Andalusia and Murcia (Spain) during 2014. This study has updated the knowledge of turtle bycatch in the southwestern Mediterranean revealing a widespread impact of fisheries on sea turtles. Fishermen recognized an annual catch of 2.3 turtles per boat. Considering the census of industrial fishing boats in the study area (1182), more than 2840 sea turtles could be bycaught per year in the study area. Most of captures (96.2%) were produced during the summer. These results suggest a severe impact of most of legal fisheries (surface longline, pursue seine, trawling and small scale fisheries) on loggerhead feeding grounds in the southwestern Mediterranean. Fishermen suggests that drift fishing conducted by foreign or illegal fishermen and almadrabas are also causing a significant bycatch of turtles. Several measures such as reviewing compliance of current fishing and environmental regulations, modifying turtle technics to reduce turtle bycatch, facilitating the rescue and handle of wound turtles and their transport to the port for recovery, and recognizing the efforts of anglers to perform a more sustainable fishing, are recommended to mitigate this impact.

First report of hybridization between Mauremys leprosa and Mauremys sinensis highlights the risk of exotic Mauremys spp. pet trade

The global exponential growth in the number of exotic turtle species exploited in the pet trade market facilitates hybridization events between distantly related species. The 1997 EU trade ban on red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans), followed by the Spanish ban on all T. scripta subspecies in 2011, resulted in the importation of other chelonians (e.g. Graptemys spp., Pseudemys spp., Mauremys spp.), mainly from America and Asia to Spain. The importation of the Chinese stripe-necked pond turtle, Mauremys sinensis, via the pet trade market resulted in its release into natural environments across Europe, including the Iberian Peninsula where it co-occurs with the Western Mediterranean pond turtle, Mauremys leprosa. We maintained three M. leprosa females and two M. sinensis males in captivity, and analysed the obtained offspring (two hatchlings) with mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and nuclear (R35) genetic markers. Both morphological (i.e. with intermediate morphological characters) and genetic (heterozygous hatchlings) results confirmed the hybridization between these two species and raise concern about the negative effects of acclimatised Mauremys sinensis across the Mauremys leprosa range.

Biometric and sexual dimorphism variation of Hydromedusa tectifera in Brazil

Body size has a strong influence on the ecology and evolution of organisms’ life history. Turtle species can exhibit variation in body size and shape between populations of conspecifics through usually broad geographical scales. This prediction is timely to be tested in this study with the species Hydromedusa tectifera. We aimed to evaluate the variation in body size between and sexual dimorphism within populations of H. tectifera in two areas in Brazil. Sampling occurred in Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul states in order to obtain morphometric measures of carapace and plastron of the individuals. We observed sexual dimorphism within populations. In Rio Grande do Sul state, females were larger than males in most of the carapace and plastron measures. In Minas Gerais state, males were larger than females regarding maximum carapace width. Overall, individuals from Rio Grande do Sul state were larger than those from Minas Gerais state. We discuss possible factors that might cause variation in morphology within and between populations of conspecifics. Research on morphology is encouraged to facilitate comparisons among populations in geographically broad areas.

Environmental characterization of microhabitats used by amphibians in the Tensift region of Morocco: An explanatory assessment using Artificial Neural Networks

An adequate understanding of the relationship between amphibians and their habitat has been among the main challenges in herpetology in recent decades, particularly given the role of global change in the rapid declines of this group worldwide. Using the Artificial Neural Networks approach (ANN), we examined the environmental factors determining the occurrence of amphibians in the aquatic ecosystems in Tensift region of Morocco. We applied this modeling technique to 14 environmental factors and the presence of amphibian species collected from 40 sites. The results showed that the ANN is a useful approach to evaluate the effects of habitat factors on species occurrence. The model correctly classified all species with high performance. The best result was obtained for Bufo spinosus data, with a recognition percentage of 93.6% and a prediction performance of 99.4%. Of all factors studied, altitude was key in explaining the species distribution and richness, followed by hydroperiod and conductivity, for almost all species. The importance of other factors varied according to species. Principal Component Analysis differentiated a community composed by three species of Bufonidae (Bufotes boulengeri, Sclerophrys mauritanica and Barbarophryne brongersmai) that are close to Hyla meridionalis, while Bufo spinosus, Discoglossus scovazzi and Pelophylax saharicus were influenced by other environmental factors. The results provide important new information that will support conservation decision making for the protection of amphibian populations and their habitats in the studied region

New records on the distribution of the Spanish sand racer species (Squamata, Psammodromus) in Spain, Iberian Peninsula

The genus Psammodromus (Lacertidae) comprises six species. Three of the species are morphologically similar, phylogenetically closely related, and are distributed in the Iberian Peninsula (besides P. algirus): P. occidentalis (Western Iberia), P. hispanicus (Central Spain), and P. edwarsianus (Eastern Spain). Previous studies have shown these three species to have allopatric distributions in Iberia, though there are still many areas such as Andalucía where it is unclear which species of Psammodromus occurs. In this study we present nine new records of Psammodromus from key places in southern Spain. Since the three Iberian species are difficult to differentiate by morphology, specimens were genetically identified using mitochondrial DNA data and compared to all six species of the genus. Here we present an updated distribution map of Psammodromus specimens identified with molecular methods, increasing the ranges of all three species. We also propose wider regions of potential sympatry between P. occidentalis and P. hispanicus, and P. edwarsianus and P. hispanicus than previously recorded.