With their suitable habitats significantly affected by climate change and human activities,most of the seven globally recognized sea turtles are facing endangerment.In order to predict their present and future(2090−21...With their suitable habitats significantly affected by climate change and human activities,most of the seven globally recognized sea turtles are facing endangerment.In order to predict their present and future(2090−2100)potentially suitable habitats,we utilized the MaxEnt model,incorporating occurrence data for various sea turtle species and environmental datasets under current conditions,as well as under two climate scenarios from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5).Our findings showed that the key environmental variables,such as temperature and distance from shore predominantly influence the prediction on the potentially suitable habitat for sea turtles.The most highly suitable habitats for sea turtles are predominantly found in the tropical coastal waters bordering continents,including South and North America,Asia,and Australia.Under the climate scenarios of SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 for 2090−2100,the anticipated loss of potential suitable habitats is expected to surpass any potential gains for all sea turtle species.The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle(Lepidochelys kempii)is especially vulnerable,with its potentially suitable habitat area projected to decrease by 0.43%under SSP1-2.6 scenario to 6.15%under SSP5-8.5 scenario.In contrast,the most resilient Dermochelys coriacea is projected with a reduction of 1.02%under SSP1-2.6 and 0.57%under SSP5-8.5 in its potentially suitable habitat.These varying responses to climate change inferred the necessity for species-specific conservation strategies.However,only 9.9%of the integrated potentially suitable habitat is protected within the World Database on Protected Areas(WDPA),which suggested the extending of WDPA for more efficiency on the sea turtle conservation.展开更多
The population of the green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas)is under decline,threatened by bycatch and illegal acquisition despite worldwide protection efforts.However,the confiscation of illegally acquired sea turtles coul...The population of the green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas)is under decline,threatened by bycatch and illegal acquisition despite worldwide protection efforts.However,the confiscation of illegally acquired sea turtles could aid in tracking their origin and movement patterns,crucial for effective conservation strategies.Combining satellite tracking and genetic analysis offers an opportunity to investigate the relationship between the origins and migration directions of green sea turtles in the western Pacific.Here,we applied two methods to investigate the spatial ecology of 18 green turtles caught as bycatch in the South China Sea.Our results revealed the genetic origins and diverse movements of the turtles.Bayesian Mixed Stock Analysis(MSA)suggested that these turtles originated from the rookery of the Xisha Islands(49.6%),central Ryukyu(24.6%),NE Borneo(8%),and the Sulu Sea(5.2%),with other rookeries in meagre proportions(<2%each).Satellite tracking showed the ranges of their travel were smaller than the whole contributed rookery range,but diverse.The haplotype diversity of these turtles is high,and CmP19 stands out as both the most frequent and the most diverse haplotype in terms of swimming destinations.These results indicate that the South China Sea is likely an important transportation hub and mating spot for green turtles.Our findings provided evidence for the rehabilitation of these green turtles in the wild and illustrated the complexity of movement during the green turtle’s life history,and the“mixed backgrounds”of the green turtles also highlight the need for joint conservation efforts of neighbouring countries in the South China Sea.展开更多
The Antarctic Paleogene marine fossil record has been the key to reconstructing the evolution of the Weddellian Sea and final dismemberment of Southern Gondwana.In this context,Eocene marine vertebrates from Seymour(M...The Antarctic Paleogene marine fossil record has been the key to reconstructing the evolution of the Weddellian Sea and final dismemberment of Southern Gondwana.In this context,Eocene marine vertebrates from Seymour(Marambio)Island have provided valuable information.We present the first Eocene record of marine reptiles from the southern Atlantic Coast of South America.This corresponds to several postcranial turtle remains represented by a proximal end of the right humerus,three caudal and one thoracic vertebrae,a fragment of the left pubis,and ten ossicles of the dorsal carapace,coming from the Leticia Formation(late-mid Eocene)at Cabo Tiburones,Tierra del Fuego,Argentina.These materials show severalfeatures such as the size and general morphology of the humerus and vertebrae,and the presence of relatively small,irregular,smooth,and unkeeled ossicles,which allow us to assign them to Dermochelyidae indet.Dermochelyids are a cosmopolitan group ofcryptodiran turtles,registered from the late Cretaceous up to the recent,with some physiological-biological peculiarities(e.g.,endothermy and an exclusive jellyfish-based diet)and characterized by the presence of an osseous carapace formed by ossicles.The new finding from the Leticia Formation is an addition to the scarce and extremely fragmentary record of Eocene dermochelyids from the southern seas like those from the La Meseta and Submeseta formations(Antarctica)and the Waihao and Burnside formations(New Zealand).This new information allows us to discuss the presence of these turtles in such high latitudes in the past and its implication in the evolution of the Weddellian fauna.展开更多
Chinese soft-shelled turtles （Trionyx sinens） in culture farms using an artificial warming system in Zhejiang, China, often show typical signs of white-spot disease such as white spots on their bodies, skin lesions,...Chinese soft-shelled turtles （Trionyx sinens） in culture farms using an artificial warming system in Zhejiang, China, often show typical signs of white-spot disease such as white spots on their bodies, skin lesions, anorexia and eventually death. The sick turtles were mostly 5-80 g in weight. A suspected fungal pathogen was isolated from the sick turtles and verified as Paecilomyces lilacinus by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer （ITS） of its ribosomal DNA （rDNA）. Detailed morphological examinations were also conducted to confirm the white-spot disease.展开更多
Deltamethrin is a widespread environmental hormone with endocrine-disrupting properties, but its effect on embryonic development of reptiles is largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of deltamethrin on embryo...Deltamethrin is a widespread environmental hormone with endocrine-disrupting properties, but its effect on embryonic development of reptiles is largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of deltamethrin on embryonic development and offspring traits in two turtle species, one with parchment-shelled eggs and the other with rigidshelled eggs. Deltamethrin exposure during egg incubation did not affect hatching success and hatchling body size in either species. However, embryonic exposure to deltamethrin resulted in reduced hatchling locomotor performance in the red-eared slider turtle（Trachemys scripta） with parchment-shelled eggs, but not in the Chinese three-keeled pond turtle（Chinemys reevesii） with rigid-shelled eggs. These results suggest that parchment-shelled eggs are likely more vulnerable to deltamethrin than rigid-shelled eggs.展开更多
Morphological changes during the embryonic development of limbs of the green turtle,Chelonia mydas,were studied during the entire period of incubation,using transmission and scanning electron microscopy(TEM and SEM). ...Morphological changes during the embryonic development of limbs of the green turtle,Chelonia mydas,were studied during the entire period of incubation,using transmission and scanning electron microscopy(TEM and SEM). Limb buds were first observed at Stage 2. At that stage,the tip was covered with an apical ectodermal ridge(AER) which began to regress at Stage 6. Associated with AER was the presence of the mesenchymal cells which,consequently,differentiated into muscles,cartilage and bones. The gross features of the skeletal development appeared as a condensation of the cartilaginous structures in the proximal distal region of the limbs. The primordial digits were gradually enclosed by hard keratinized webbed skin. The increase in rate of ossification and skin pigmentation was correlated with the growth of the limbs. The development of the limbs was closely related to the transitional appearance of mucus secretion from the epidermis.展开更多
During the period August 17-28, 2001, in collaboration with the Provincial Bureau of Oceanography & Fisheries of Guangdong and the South China Institute for Endangered Species, the South China Sea Institute of Oce...During the period August 17-28, 2001, in collaboration with the Provincial Bureau of Oceanography & Fisheries of Guangdong and the South China Institute for Endangered Species, the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, a CAS affiliate in the city of Guangzhou, conducted a sea turtle satellite tracking project at Haigui Bay (Fig. 1) in the vicinity of Gangkou Town, Huidong County, Guangdong Province.展开更多
In the study, a total of 20 red-eared turtles （ half male and half female） were selected to conduct the measurement of liver size and intrahepatic blood flow of red-eared turtles by color Doppler ultrasound. The res...In the study, a total of 20 red-eared turtles （ half male and half female） were selected to conduct the measurement of liver size and intrahepatic blood flow of red-eared turtles by color Doppler ultrasound. The results showed that the fight hepatic lobe could be scanned through the right carotid anterior acoustic win- dow, and the left hepatic lobe could be scanned through the left carotid anterior acoustic window, but the vision would be obstructed by the air in trachea. The liver could also be scanned through the left femoral anterior acoustic window and the fight femoral anterior acoustic window when filling of bladder was good. The correla- tion regression analysis suggested that estimated values of liver showed no linear relationship with weight, the longest back curve and the widest back curve. Through the study, the normal indicators for ultrasound examination of red-eared turtle liver were established, in order to provide a reference for examination of turtle liver.展开更多
A biotelemetry experiment is conducted to study the migrant behavior of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in South China Sea and acquire the physical environment data. The method in use is to track the post nesting migra...A biotelemetry experiment is conducted to study the migrant behavior of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in South China Sea and acquire the physical environment data. The method in use is to track the post nesting migrant routes of green turtles through the satellite linked transmitters attached on the back of turtles and the global satellite signal transmitting system of Argos. We obtained the positions of the post nesting migrant routes of three green turtles and environment data, which are important in conservation of green turtles and the research of physical oceanography. Based on the test, the concept, principle and method of biotelemetry are also introduced in this paper with a discussion of the further development of this technique and its applying prospection in future.展开更多
The Jordan＇s NAP （national action plan） provides a set of priority actions for the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. The main threats to the maintenance of stable turt...The Jordan＇s NAP （national action plan） provides a set of priority actions for the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. The main threats to the maintenance of stable turtle populations in Jordan range from opportunistic capture to global threats such fishing mortality and from pollution incidents. Jordan＇s NAP addresses the primary causes of turtle mortality with a series of proposed actions. It includes reducing threats from commercial fisheries, development operations, promoting turtle rescue and rehabilitation along with public awareness activities. It considered also a set of recommendations to reflect the importance of protecting marine turtles in Jordan＇s Gulf of Aqaba. It includes community participation in conservation, capacity of national agencies to carry out management activities and to enforce legislations. To each priority actions identified in NAP, expected results and performance indicators were defined. Hence, the designation of a level of urgency to each specific priority action allowed a phased approach for implementation, subject to budget and available national capacity. Currently, NAP is performing effectively through an integrated network of national working groups including government and non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders.展开更多
Gazetted in 1997, The TCMP （Tobago Cays Marine Park） is the only marine protected area within the territorial boundaries of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Sea turtles are an important species in TCMP, and because t...Gazetted in 1997, The TCMP （Tobago Cays Marine Park） is the only marine protected area within the territorial boundaries of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Sea turtles are an important species in TCMP, and because their globally endangered status have become the focus of an in-water monitoring program, primarily for green turtles （Chelonia mydas）. Preliminary assessment indicated that the TCMP contains an important foraging aggregation of sub-adult green turtles. Since then two additional years of data has been collected; this data was analyzed to assess the health of the turtle population. The data also indicated that the weight was predictable according to carapace width and length and that the population is dominated by larger sub-adults.展开更多
Objective The Early Cretaceous sediments are well-exposed in southern Jilin Province,and yield abundant invertebrate and plant fossils,including the typical EosestheriaEphemeropsis trisetalis-Lycoptera（E-E-L）assembl...Objective The Early Cretaceous sediments are well-exposed in southern Jilin Province,and yield abundant invertebrate and plant fossils,including the typical EosestheriaEphemeropsis trisetalis-Lycoptera（E-E-L）assemblage of the Jehol Biota（Shao Tiequan et al.,2017）.However,vertebrate fossils,especially tetrapods,are extremely rare and there is no formal documents on these fossils.Recently,a new fossil site dominated by fishes and turtles has been discovered in the middle part of the展开更多
Nest site selection represents an important reproductive strategy for sea turtles as it can strongly affect the development and survival of the offsprings and the reproductive fitness of the adults. In this study we a...Nest site selection represents an important reproductive strategy for sea turtles as it can strongly affect the development and survival of the offsprings and the reproductive fitness of the adults. In this study we analyzed the nest site selection of loggerhead and leatherback turtles and the factors correlated with that selection at Inhaca Island. The spatial position of the nests was recorded during sea turtles nests monitoring and six nesting seasons were used. Satellite images of Inhaca were used to characterize some of the beach features that might be correlated with nest site selection. Nest distribution analysis revealed that loggerhead turtles tend to spread their nests along the entire beach, but a higher aggregation of nests was evident at the northern most section of the eastern coast. Leatherback turtles tend to nest in a restricted area, with approximately 40% nests at the central sections of the coast. Beach height was the physical variable significantly correlated to loggerhead＇s nest density （r = 0.309, N = 125, P 〈 0.01） while fin grain particles （specifically 0.125 mm grain size particles） （r = 0.399, N = 125, P 〈 0.01） and organic content （r = 0.218, N = 125, P 〈 0.05） were the variables significantly correlated to leatherback＇s nest density. No other factors investigated affected nest site selection of either species.展开更多
Five species of foraging and breeding sea turtles have been identified in Vietnam, they are Green turtle （Chelonia mydas）, Loggerhead turtle （Caretta caretta）, Olive ridley turtle （Lepidochelys olivacea）, Hawksb...Five species of foraging and breeding sea turtles have been identified in Vietnam, they are Green turtle （Chelonia mydas）, Loggerhead turtle （Caretta caretta）, Olive ridley turtle （Lepidochelys olivacea）, Hawksbill turtle （Eretmochelys imbricata） and Leatherback turtle （Dermochelys coriacea）. Among them, with the exception of Loggerhead turtle （Caretta caretta）, four species have been being lay eggs on the beaches along the country. However, these populations have been strongly suffered by human activities for decades. The number of foraging and breeding Hawksbill and Leatherback sea turtles has dramatically decreased, and Olive Ridley turtle has almost disappeared on their traditional nesting beaches. Beside the reason of harvesting eggs and nesting turtles by catch or by purpose, the developments in coastal areas where sea turtles laying eggs such as in shrimp aquaculture, tourist resort and residential area developments etc., also contributed to this decline of sea turtles. Despite the fact that the recent raising awareness programs on protection and conservation of the sea turtle were very well done with the participation of many organizations and provinces, this important animals still face the risk of extinction in Vietnam.展开更多
People are familiar with modern turtles, but the evolution of turtles remains one of the biggest mysteries in paleontology. The turtle has a unique body form of tetrapods (four-leg vertebrates,or vertebrates except fi...People are familiar with modern turtles, but the evolution of turtles remains one of the biggest mysteries in paleontology. The turtle has a unique body form of tetrapods (four-leg vertebrates,or vertebrates except fishes, such as lizards/crocodiles,birds, and mammals).展开更多
Inspired by the way sea turtles rely on the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation and locomotion,a novel magnetic soft robotic turtle with programmable magnetization has been developed and investigated to achieve bio...Inspired by the way sea turtles rely on the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation and locomotion,a novel magnetic soft robotic turtle with programmable magnetization has been developed and investigated to achieve biomimetic locomotion patterns such as straight-line swimming and turning swimming.The soft robotic turtle(12.50 mm in length and 0.24 g in weight)is integrated with an Ecoflex-based torso and four magnetically programmed acrylic elastomer VHB-based limbs containing samarium-iron–nitrogen particles,and was able to carry a load more than twice its own weight.Similar to the limb locomotion characteristics of sea turtles,the magnetic torque causes the four limbs to mimic sinusoidal bending deformation under the influence of an external magnetic field,so that the turtle swims continuously forward.Significantly,when the bending deformation magnitudes of its left and right limbs differ,the soft robotic turtle switches from straight-line to turning swimming at 6.334 rad/s.Furthermore,the tracking swimming activities of the soft robotic turtle along specific planned paths,such as square-shaped,S-shaped,and double U-shaped maze,is anticipated to be utilized for special detection and targeted drug delivery,among other applications owing to its superior remote directional control ability.展开更多
Seasonal variation of hearing sensitivity has been observed in many vertebrate groups with obvious vocal behaviors.Circulating hormones,conspecific calling signals,and temperature are potential factors that drive thes...Seasonal variation of hearing sensitivity has been observed in many vertebrate groups with obvious vocal behaviors.Circulating hormones,conspecific calling signals,and temperature are potential factors that drive these plasticity patterns.Turtles have a hearing range that appears to be limited to under 1.5 kHz and are often thought to be non-vocal;thus,they are commonly neglected in vocal communication research.In this study,we aimed to determine whether the auditory phenotype exhibits seasonal variation in sensitivity and to analyze the potential factors driving such variation patterns in turtles.We measured hearing sensitivity and sex hormone levels in female(estradiol)and male(testosterone and dihydrotestosterone)Red-eared sliders(Trachemys scripta elegans)during spring and winter.The results showed that auditory brainstem response(ABR)thresholds were significantly lower in spring than in winter at a frequency range of 0.5-0.9 kHz.The hearing-sensitivity bandwidth was wider,and the ABR latency was significantly shorter in spring than in winter.No significant differences were found in estradiol,testosterone,and dihydrotestosterone levels in T.scripta elegans between spring and winter.This study is the first to reveal the seasonal variation of peripheral hearing sensitivity in turtles,a special animal group with limited hearing range and less vocalization.Temperature variations may be used to explain these seasonal effects,but further research is required to confirm our findings.展开更多
The strategic geographical location of Palestine, along with its topography, diversity of ecosystems and climatic changes, create a suitable environment for the presence of reptiles. Zoos in the Gaza Strip have a vari...The strategic geographical location of Palestine, along with its topography, diversity of ecosystems and climatic changes, create a suitable environment for the presence of reptiles. Zoos in the Gaza Strip have a variety of zoo animals including terrestrial, freshwater and marine reptiles. The present study aims to document the Palestinian reptiles held in captivity and/or kept stuffed at zoos in the Gaza Strip. Repeated visits to Gaza zoos were conducted over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2019 to achieve the purpose of the study. Digital cameras and guidebooks were used to document and identify Palestinian reptiles. In addition, interviews were carried out with zoo owners and workers and some reptile hunters who provide live and even dead specimens to Gaza zoos and had their specimens identified and photographed. A total of 29 Palestinian reptile species (one crocodile, four turtles, six lizards and 18 snake species), belonging to 3 orders and 15 families, were recorded as live or preserved specimens at Gaza zoos. The Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), which went extinct in Palestine since the beginning of the 20th century, is the biggest reptilian encountered in the current study. Nearly all these reptiles were trapped using different means in the marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments of the Gaza Strip. Two of the highly threatened global sea turtle species were encountered: the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas). The Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca), which is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, is kept in relatively large numbers in cages at Gaza zoos. The Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus), Palestine Viper (Daboia palaestinae), and Syrian Black Snake (Coluber jugularis asianus) were the most occurring lizard and snake species at Gaza zoos. In conclusion, zoos are good tools that contribute to Palestinians’ knowledge of their wildlife resources. The ecological role of reptiles in their ecosystems requires Palestinians to protect and conserve them as well as all forms of wildlife in a sustainable manner.展开更多
基金The National Key Research and Development Program of China under contract No.2023YFC2811400.
文摘With their suitable habitats significantly affected by climate change and human activities,most of the seven globally recognized sea turtles are facing endangerment.In order to predict their present and future(2090−2100)potentially suitable habitats,we utilized the MaxEnt model,incorporating occurrence data for various sea turtle species and environmental datasets under current conditions,as well as under two climate scenarios from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5).Our findings showed that the key environmental variables,such as temperature and distance from shore predominantly influence the prediction on the potentially suitable habitat for sea turtles.The most highly suitable habitats for sea turtles are predominantly found in the tropical coastal waters bordering continents,including South and North America,Asia,and Australia.Under the climate scenarios of SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 for 2090−2100,the anticipated loss of potential suitable habitats is expected to surpass any potential gains for all sea turtle species.The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle(Lepidochelys kempii)is especially vulnerable,with its potentially suitable habitat area projected to decrease by 0.43%under SSP1-2.6 scenario to 6.15%under SSP5-8.5 scenario.In contrast,the most resilient Dermochelys coriacea is projected with a reduction of 1.02%under SSP1-2.6 and 0.57%under SSP5-8.5 in its potentially suitable habitat.These varying responses to climate change inferred the necessity for species-specific conservation strategies.However,only 9.9%of the integrated potentially suitable habitat is protected within the World Database on Protected Areas(WDPA),which suggested the extending of WDPA for more efficiency on the sea turtle conservation.
基金supported by the Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology,the Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Branch of the China Wildlife Conservation Association,and Ocean Park Hong Kong.
文摘The population of the green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas)is under decline,threatened by bycatch and illegal acquisition despite worldwide protection efforts.However,the confiscation of illegally acquired sea turtles could aid in tracking their origin and movement patterns,crucial for effective conservation strategies.Combining satellite tracking and genetic analysis offers an opportunity to investigate the relationship between the origins and migration directions of green sea turtles in the western Pacific.Here,we applied two methods to investigate the spatial ecology of 18 green turtles caught as bycatch in the South China Sea.Our results revealed the genetic origins and diverse movements of the turtles.Bayesian Mixed Stock Analysis(MSA)suggested that these turtles originated from the rookery of the Xisha Islands(49.6%),central Ryukyu(24.6%),NE Borneo(8%),and the Sulu Sea(5.2%),with other rookeries in meagre proportions(<2%each).Satellite tracking showed the ranges of their travel were smaller than the whole contributed rookery range,but diverse.The haplotype diversity of these turtles is high,and CmP19 stands out as both the most frequent and the most diverse haplotype in terms of swimming destinations.These results indicate that the South China Sea is likely an important transportation hub and mating spot for green turtles.Our findings provided evidence for the rehabilitation of these green turtles in the wild and illustrated the complexity of movement during the green turtle’s life history,and the“mixed backgrounds”of the green turtles also highlight the need for joint conservation efforts of neighbouring countries in the South China Sea.
基金funded by the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica-Proyectos de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica-PICT 2017-0607(to M.Reguero)and PICT 2019-00327(to M.Buono).
文摘The Antarctic Paleogene marine fossil record has been the key to reconstructing the evolution of the Weddellian Sea and final dismemberment of Southern Gondwana.In this context,Eocene marine vertebrates from Seymour(Marambio)Island have provided valuable information.We present the first Eocene record of marine reptiles from the southern Atlantic Coast of South America.This corresponds to several postcranial turtle remains represented by a proximal end of the right humerus,three caudal and one thoracic vertebrae,a fragment of the left pubis,and ten ossicles of the dorsal carapace,coming from the Leticia Formation(late-mid Eocene)at Cabo Tiburones,Tierra del Fuego,Argentina.These materials show severalfeatures such as the size and general morphology of the humerus and vertebrae,and the presence of relatively small,irregular,smooth,and unkeeled ossicles,which allow us to assign them to Dermochelyidae indet.Dermochelyids are a cosmopolitan group ofcryptodiran turtles,registered from the late Cretaceous up to the recent,with some physiological-biological peculiarities(e.g.,endothermy and an exclusive jellyfish-based diet)and characterized by the presence of an osseous carapace formed by ossicles.The new finding from the Leticia Formation is an addition to the scarce and extremely fragmentary record of Eocene dermochelyids from the southern seas like those from the La Meseta and Submeseta formations(Antarctica)and the Waihao and Burnside formations(New Zealand).This new information allows us to discuss the presence of these turtles in such high latitudes in the past and its implication in the evolution of the Weddellian fauna.
基金the Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province, China (No. 2004C26026)the Science and Technology Department of Hangzhou City, China (No. 20051322 B33)
文摘Chinese soft-shelled turtles （Trionyx sinens） in culture farms using an artificial warming system in Zhejiang, China, often show typical signs of white-spot disease such as white spots on their bodies, skin lesions, anorexia and eventually death. The sick turtles were mostly 5-80 g in weight. A suspected fungal pathogen was isolated from the sick turtles and verified as Paecilomyces lilacinus by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer （ITS） of its ribosomal DNA （rDNA）. Detailed morphological examinations were also conducted to confirm the white-spot disease.
文摘Deltamethrin is a widespread environmental hormone with endocrine-disrupting properties, but its effect on embryonic development of reptiles is largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of deltamethrin on embryonic development and offspring traits in two turtle species, one with parchment-shelled eggs and the other with rigidshelled eggs. Deltamethrin exposure during egg incubation did not affect hatching success and hatchling body size in either species. However, embryonic exposure to deltamethrin resulted in reduced hatchling locomotor performance in the red-eared slider turtle（Trachemys scripta） with parchment-shelled eggs, but not in the Chinese three-keeled pond turtle（Chinemys reevesii） with rigid-shelled eggs. These results suggest that parchment-shelled eggs are likely more vulnerable to deltamethrin than rigid-shelled eggs.
文摘Morphological changes during the embryonic development of limbs of the green turtle,Chelonia mydas,were studied during the entire period of incubation,using transmission and scanning electron microscopy(TEM and SEM). Limb buds were first observed at Stage 2. At that stage,the tip was covered with an apical ectodermal ridge(AER) which began to regress at Stage 6. Associated with AER was the presence of the mesenchymal cells which,consequently,differentiated into muscles,cartilage and bones. The gross features of the skeletal development appeared as a condensation of the cartilaginous structures in the proximal distal region of the limbs. The primordial digits were gradually enclosed by hard keratinized webbed skin. The increase in rate of ossification and skin pigmentation was correlated with the growth of the limbs. The development of the limbs was closely related to the transitional appearance of mucus secretion from the epidermis.
基金The test is a research project supported by the CAS sponsored Knowl-edge Innovation Program and Guangdong Province s Bureau of Ocean-ography&Fisheries.Its participants also include Liu Yun,a graduate student at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology,Chan Kinfung of the Hong Kong Agriculture,Fisheries&Conservation Department,and senior engineer Gu Hexiang of the Haigui Bay Nature Reserve.
文摘During the period August 17-28, 2001, in collaboration with the Provincial Bureau of Oceanography & Fisheries of Guangdong and the South China Institute for Endangered Species, the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, a CAS affiliate in the city of Guangzhou, conducted a sea turtle satellite tracking project at Haigui Bay (Fig. 1) in the vicinity of Gangkou Town, Huidong County, Guangdong Province.
文摘In the study, a total of 20 red-eared turtles （ half male and half female） were selected to conduct the measurement of liver size and intrahepatic blood flow of red-eared turtles by color Doppler ultrasound. The results showed that the fight hepatic lobe could be scanned through the right carotid anterior acoustic win- dow, and the left hepatic lobe could be scanned through the left carotid anterior acoustic window, but the vision would be obstructed by the air in trachea. The liver could also be scanned through the left femoral anterior acoustic window and the fight femoral anterior acoustic window when filling of bladder was good. The correla- tion regression analysis suggested that estimated values of liver showed no linear relationship with weight, the longest back curve and the widest back curve. Through the study, the normal indicators for ultrasound examination of red-eared turtle liver were established, in order to provide a reference for examination of turtle liver.
文摘A biotelemetry experiment is conducted to study the migrant behavior of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in South China Sea and acquire the physical environment data. The method in use is to track the post nesting migrant routes of green turtles through the satellite linked transmitters attached on the back of turtles and the global satellite signal transmitting system of Argos. We obtained the positions of the post nesting migrant routes of three green turtles and environment data, which are important in conservation of green turtles and the research of physical oceanography. Based on the test, the concept, principle and method of biotelemetry are also introduced in this paper with a discussion of the further development of this technique and its applying prospection in future.
文摘The Jordan＇s NAP （national action plan） provides a set of priority actions for the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. The main threats to the maintenance of stable turtle populations in Jordan range from opportunistic capture to global threats such fishing mortality and from pollution incidents. Jordan＇s NAP addresses the primary causes of turtle mortality with a series of proposed actions. It includes reducing threats from commercial fisheries, development operations, promoting turtle rescue and rehabilitation along with public awareness activities. It considered also a set of recommendations to reflect the importance of protecting marine turtles in Jordan＇s Gulf of Aqaba. It includes community participation in conservation, capacity of national agencies to carry out management activities and to enforce legislations. To each priority actions identified in NAP, expected results and performance indicators were defined. Hence, the designation of a level of urgency to each specific priority action allowed a phased approach for implementation, subject to budget and available national capacity. Currently, NAP is performing effectively through an integrated network of national working groups including government and non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders.
文摘Gazetted in 1997, The TCMP （Tobago Cays Marine Park） is the only marine protected area within the territorial boundaries of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Sea turtles are an important species in TCMP, and because their globally endangered status have become the focus of an in-water monitoring program, primarily for green turtles （Chelonia mydas）. Preliminary assessment indicated that the TCMP contains an important foraging aggregation of sub-adult green turtles. Since then two additional years of data has been collected; this data was analyzed to assess the health of the turtle population. The data also indicated that the weight was predictable according to carapace width and length and that the population is dominated by larger sub-adults.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grants No.41202012 and 41172009)China Geological Survey(grant No.1212011120149)+1 种基金the Project ‘‘111’’,China(grant No.B-06008)Shandong University of Science&Technology Research Fund(grant No.2015TDJH101)
文摘Objective The Early Cretaceous sediments are well-exposed in southern Jilin Province,and yield abundant invertebrate and plant fossils,including the typical EosestheriaEphemeropsis trisetalis-Lycoptera（E-E-L）assemblage of the Jehol Biota（Shao Tiequan et al.,2017）.However,vertebrate fossils,especially tetrapods,are extremely rare and there is no formal documents on these fossils.Recently,a new fossil site dominated by fishes and turtles has been discovered in the middle part of the
文摘Nest site selection represents an important reproductive strategy for sea turtles as it can strongly affect the development and survival of the offsprings and the reproductive fitness of the adults. In this study we analyzed the nest site selection of loggerhead and leatherback turtles and the factors correlated with that selection at Inhaca Island. The spatial position of the nests was recorded during sea turtles nests monitoring and six nesting seasons were used. Satellite images of Inhaca were used to characterize some of the beach features that might be correlated with nest site selection. Nest distribution analysis revealed that loggerhead turtles tend to spread their nests along the entire beach, but a higher aggregation of nests was evident at the northern most section of the eastern coast. Leatherback turtles tend to nest in a restricted area, with approximately 40% nests at the central sections of the coast. Beach height was the physical variable significantly correlated to loggerhead＇s nest density （r = 0.309, N = 125, P 〈 0.01） while fin grain particles （specifically 0.125 mm grain size particles） （r = 0.399, N = 125, P 〈 0.01） and organic content （r = 0.218, N = 125, P 〈 0.05） were the variables significantly correlated to leatherback＇s nest density. No other factors investigated affected nest site selection of either species.
文摘Five species of foraging and breeding sea turtles have been identified in Vietnam, they are Green turtle （Chelonia mydas）, Loggerhead turtle （Caretta caretta）, Olive ridley turtle （Lepidochelys olivacea）, Hawksbill turtle （Eretmochelys imbricata） and Leatherback turtle （Dermochelys coriacea）. Among them, with the exception of Loggerhead turtle （Caretta caretta）, four species have been being lay eggs on the beaches along the country. However, these populations have been strongly suffered by human activities for decades. The number of foraging and breeding Hawksbill and Leatherback sea turtles has dramatically decreased, and Olive Ridley turtle has almost disappeared on their traditional nesting beaches. Beside the reason of harvesting eggs and nesting turtles by catch or by purpose, the developments in coastal areas where sea turtles laying eggs such as in shrimp aquaculture, tourist resort and residential area developments etc., also contributed to this decline of sea turtles. Despite the fact that the recent raising awareness programs on protection and conservation of the sea turtle were very well done with the participation of many organizations and provinces, this important animals still face the risk of extinction in Vietnam.
文摘People are familiar with modern turtles, but the evolution of turtles remains one of the biggest mysteries in paleontology. The turtle has a unique body form of tetrapods (four-leg vertebrates,or vertebrates except fishes, such as lizards/crocodiles,birds, and mammals).
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant nos.52275290,51905222)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(Grant no.BK20211068)+2 种基金Research Project of State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration(Grant no.MSV202419)Major Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)for Basic Theory and Key Technology of Tri-Co Robots(Grant no.92248301)Opening project of the Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering(Ministry of Education),Jilin University(Grant no.KF2023006).
文摘Inspired by the way sea turtles rely on the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation and locomotion,a novel magnetic soft robotic turtle with programmable magnetization has been developed and investigated to achieve biomimetic locomotion patterns such as straight-line swimming and turning swimming.The soft robotic turtle(12.50 mm in length and 0.24 g in weight)is integrated with an Ecoflex-based torso and four magnetically programmed acrylic elastomer VHB-based limbs containing samarium-iron–nitrogen particles,and was able to carry a load more than twice its own weight.Similar to the limb locomotion characteristics of sea turtles,the magnetic torque causes the four limbs to mimic sinusoidal bending deformation under the influence of an external magnetic field,so that the turtle swims continuously forward.Significantly,when the bending deformation magnitudes of its left and right limbs differ,the soft robotic turtle switches from straight-line to turning swimming at 6.334 rad/s.Furthermore,the tracking swimming activities of the soft robotic turtle along specific planned paths,such as square-shaped,S-shaped,and double U-shaped maze,is anticipated to be utilized for special detection and targeted drug delivery,among other applications owing to its superior remote directional control ability.
基金funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province(320QN256 to TW)the High-level Talent Project of the Hainan Natural Science Foundation(322RC661 to TW)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31860608 to JW)the Specific Research Fund of the Innovation Platform for Academicians of Hainan Province.
文摘Seasonal variation of hearing sensitivity has been observed in many vertebrate groups with obvious vocal behaviors.Circulating hormones,conspecific calling signals,and temperature are potential factors that drive these plasticity patterns.Turtles have a hearing range that appears to be limited to under 1.5 kHz and are often thought to be non-vocal;thus,they are commonly neglected in vocal communication research.In this study,we aimed to determine whether the auditory phenotype exhibits seasonal variation in sensitivity and to analyze the potential factors driving such variation patterns in turtles.We measured hearing sensitivity and sex hormone levels in female(estradiol)and male(testosterone and dihydrotestosterone)Red-eared sliders(Trachemys scripta elegans)during spring and winter.The results showed that auditory brainstem response(ABR)thresholds were significantly lower in spring than in winter at a frequency range of 0.5-0.9 kHz.The hearing-sensitivity bandwidth was wider,and the ABR latency was significantly shorter in spring than in winter.No significant differences were found in estradiol,testosterone,and dihydrotestosterone levels in T.scripta elegans between spring and winter.This study is the first to reveal the seasonal variation of peripheral hearing sensitivity in turtles,a special animal group with limited hearing range and less vocalization.Temperature variations may be used to explain these seasonal effects,but further research is required to confirm our findings.
文摘The strategic geographical location of Palestine, along with its topography, diversity of ecosystems and climatic changes, create a suitable environment for the presence of reptiles. Zoos in the Gaza Strip have a variety of zoo animals including terrestrial, freshwater and marine reptiles. The present study aims to document the Palestinian reptiles held in captivity and/or kept stuffed at zoos in the Gaza Strip. Repeated visits to Gaza zoos were conducted over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2019 to achieve the purpose of the study. Digital cameras and guidebooks were used to document and identify Palestinian reptiles. In addition, interviews were carried out with zoo owners and workers and some reptile hunters who provide live and even dead specimens to Gaza zoos and had their specimens identified and photographed. A total of 29 Palestinian reptile species (one crocodile, four turtles, six lizards and 18 snake species), belonging to 3 orders and 15 families, were recorded as live or preserved specimens at Gaza zoos. The Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), which went extinct in Palestine since the beginning of the 20th century, is the biggest reptilian encountered in the current study. Nearly all these reptiles were trapped using different means in the marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments of the Gaza Strip. Two of the highly threatened global sea turtle species were encountered: the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas). The Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca), which is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, is kept in relatively large numbers in cages at Gaza zoos. The Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus), Palestine Viper (Daboia palaestinae), and Syrian Black Snake (Coluber jugularis asianus) were the most occurring lizard and snake species at Gaza zoos. In conclusion, zoos are good tools that contribute to Palestinians’ knowledge of their wildlife resources. The ecological role of reptiles in their ecosystems requires Palestinians to protect and conserve them as well as all forms of wildlife in a sustainable manner.
