1
|
Sönmez B, Sağol Ö. Congenital malformation in green turtle embryos and hatchlings. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:925-936. [PMID: 38953157 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Successful embryonic development depends on the interaction between genetic factors and environmental variables. Congenital malformations in sea turtles can result from extreme conditions during the incubation period, reducing hatching success and potentially impeding population recovery. We aimed to characterize the congenital malformations found in green turtle nests, determine their prevalence and severity, and understand their drivers during the 2022 nesting season on Samandağ beach on northern Mediterranean nesting beaches. A total of 2986 examples of congenital malformations were observed in 362 out of 907 green turtle nests. The prevalence of congenital malformations per nest was 39%, and the severity (the number of malformed individuals per nest) was 3.8%. Nests with congenital malformations exhibited a lower mean distance from the sea, a shorter incubation duration (a proxy for incubation temperature), lower hatching success, a larger clutch size, and higher mortality at late embryonic and hatchling stages than nests without congenital malformations. There was no significant difference in total mortality between these two nest types. A total of 52 different congenital malformations were recorded, 2 of which were observed for the first time in sea turtles and 28 for the first time in green turtles. The results suggest that congenital malformations may be related to nest temperature and clutch size, while overall mortality may be independent of malformations. Pigmentation disorders and craniofacial malformations typically coexist in cases of multiple malformations. Long-term monitoring of congenital malformations is crucial, as it can provide clues about the health status of the nesting beach and nesting colony.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bektaş Sönmez
- Suşehri Timur Karabal Vocational School, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Suşehri, Sivas, Türkiye
| | - Özlem Sağol
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Milas Veterinary Faculty, Undergraduate Student, Muğla, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Serrano OS, Garcês A, Pires I, Calderón Mateus JA, Olivera JM, Dávila JJ. Congenital Anomalies in American Crocodile ( Crocodylus acutus, Cuvier, 1807) Embryos from a Farm Breeder in Colombia. Vet Sci 2024; 11:317. [PMID: 39058001 PMCID: PMC11281568 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11070317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus, Cuvier, 1807) (Class Reptilia, Family Crocodylidae) is a crocodile species inhabiting the Neotropics. Congenital defects have been described in almost every vertebrate group. In crocodiles, teratology alterations have been described in captive animals (pets, zoos, farms) such as Crocodylus niloticus or Gavialis gangeticus. The present study aimed to characterize congenital malformations of C. acutus from a farm in Lomas de Matunilla, Ballestas, Bolívar, Colombia. A total of 550 unhatched eggs were examined after embryo death. A total of 61 embryos presented malformations, with 42 different types of anomalies observed. Limb and tail malformations (29%) were the most common malformations observed. Several malformations, such as cephalothoracopagus, thoracopagus, sternopagus, xiphopagus twins, campylorrachis scoliosa, and acrania, were documented in crocodiles for the first time. Research in teratology enhances our understanding of crocodile biology. It plays a role in their conservation and management, thus helping to ensure the long-term viability of these species in their natural habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreia Garcês
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Exotic Service, Teaching Veterinary Hospital University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science—AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Isabel Pires
- Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science—AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - John Alexander Calderón Mateus
- Parque Vivarium del Caribe, Via-Pontezuela-Bayunca, Cartagena 130001, Colombia;
- Cocodrilos de Colombia, Cartagena 130001, Colombia
| | - Juan Medina Olivera
- University of Córdoba, Monteria, Poniente Sur, Córdoba 14071, Colombia;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Geográficas de Investigaciones Geográficas y Ambientales del Caribe (GEOCARIBE), Poniente Sur, Córbora 14071, Colombia
| | - Jhesteiner Julio Dávila
- Grupo de Investigación Biología Evolutiva, Programa de Biología, Facultad de Educación y Ciencias, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, 5-267 Barrio Puerta Roja, Sincelejo 700001, Colombia;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao S, Zhang S, Sun J, He X, Xue S, Zhang W, Li P, Lin L, Qu Y, Ward-Fear G, Chen L, Li H. Nanoplastic pollution changes the intestinal microbiome but not the morphology or behavior of a freshwater turtle. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173178. [PMID: 38750733 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Humans produce 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year, leading to microplastic pollution and widespread environmental contamination, particularly in aquatic environments. This subsequently impacts aquatic organisms in myriad ways, yet the vast majority of research is conducted in marine, rather than freshwater systems. In this study, we exposed eggs and hatchlings of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) to 80-nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and monitored the impacts on development, behavior and the gut microbiome. We demonstrate that 80-nm PS-NPs can penetrate the eggshell and move into developing embryos. This led to metabolic impairments, as evidenced by bradycardia (a decreased heart rate), which persisted until hatching. We found no evidence that nanoplastic exposure affected hatchling morphology, growth rates, or levels of boldness and exploration, yet we discuss some potential caveats here. Exposure to nanoplastics reduced the diversity and homogeneity of gut microbiota in P. sinensis, with the level of disruption correlating to the length of environmental exposure (during incubation only or post-hatching also). Thirteen core genera (with an initial abundance >1 %) shifted after nanoplastic treatment: pathogenic bacteria increased, beneficial probiotic bacteria decreased, and there was an increase in the proportion of negative correlations between bacterial genera. These changes could have profound impacts on the viability of turtles throughout their lives. Our study highlights the toxicity of environmental NPs to the embryonic development and survival of freshwater turtles. We provide insights about population trends of P. sinensis in the wild, and future directions for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Gao
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shufang Zhang
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiahui Sun
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinni He
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shaoshuai Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peng Li
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Longhui Lin
- Herpetological Research Center, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yanfu Qu
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Georgia Ward-Fear
- School of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Lian Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Hong Li
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Guerrero A, Ortega F, Martín de Jesús S, Pérez-García A. Postcranial anomalies of Eocene freshwater pleurodiran and cryptodiran turtles from the Spanish Duero Basin. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38613176 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Testudines are one of the best-represented taxonomic groups among the Paleogene taxa of the Duero Basin (Castile and Leon Autonomous Community, central Spain). Among them, Neochelys (Podocnemidide) and Allaeochelys (Carettochelyidae) are most abundant, allowing the population to be assessed for osteological anomalies. The abundance of postcranial remains of both taxa allows us to identify several individuals with potential anomalies, mostly in their shells. Some of them have already been described in previous studies, but most of them are still unpublished. The objective of this study is to analyze in detail the anomalous Neochelys and Allaeochelys remains. As a result, different categories of causal agents (such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, or trauma) have been identified as potential producers of the anomalies in these freshwater turtles. Information regarding the pathogenesis and healing stages of some of these anomalies is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Guerrero
- Grupo de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, UNED, Madrid, Spain
- EIUNED, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Ortega
- Grupo de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Martín de Jesús
- Colección de Vertebrados Fósiles de la Cuenca del Duero-Sala de las Tortugas de la Universidad de Salamanca, Departamento de Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Adán Pérez-García
- Grupo de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mau A, Sotomayor Rodríguez P, Picknell A, Tepedino A, Capaldo D, Fenton H, Pemberton L, Stewart KM, Dennis MM. In-nest mortality and pathology of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) embryos and hatchlings in St. Kitts and Nevis. J Comp Pathol 2024; 209:13-21. [PMID: 38335915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Strategies to improve the hatch success and survival of critically endangered hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) require knowledge of threats to them including pathological conditions. The objective of this study was to describe the mortality and pathology of embryos and dead-in-nest hatchlings on St. Kitts and Nevis. Over the 2019/20 and 2020/21 nesting seasons, the combined mean (SD) hatch success for the two islands was 81.9% (13.2%) and deceased individuals within excavated nests were early-stage embryos (70.7%), late-stage embryos (17.7%), pipped-hatchlings (8.2%) or dead-in-nest hatchlings (3.4%). From 2017 to 2021, a post-mortem examination was performed on 183 turtles, including histology for 116. Anatomical malformations affected 77 (42.1%) examined turtles and included abnormal scute shape or number (22.4%), dysmelia (8.7%), schistosomus reflexus (7.7%) and compressed carapace (7.7%). Microscopic lesions were found in 49.1% of turtles and included tissue mineralization (26.7%, including renal, fetal membrane, liver, heart or muscle), chorioallantoitis (16.2%) and skeletal muscle degeneration and necrosis (10%). Inflammatory lesions associated with fungal or bacterial infections were in the skin (n = 3), chorioallantois (n = 4), lung (n = 3) or yolk sac (n = 1). These lesions may reflect non-specific terminal conditions but their presence in-nest helps explain some of the mortality and pathology documented in hatchlings that die during rehabilitative care. All of the gonads adequately represented for histological determination of sex were female (n = 62), supporting concern for feminization of Caribbean hawksbill turtle nests. The study identifies lesions that could affect hatch and emergence success. The high frequency of skeletal malformations indicates the need for investigations addressing regional impact and pathogenesis, especially genetic and environmental aetiologies including nest temperature. Immediate examination of live hatchlings on nest emergence is warranted to better determine the prevalence of non-fatal malformations that could impact fitness and population genetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Mau
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies; Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, 944 Garrod Drive, California 95616, USA
| | - Paula Sotomayor Rodríguez
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Angela Picknell
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies; St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Alissa Tepedino
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Dominique Capaldo
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Heather Fenton
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies; Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Zoo, Bradley's Head Road, Mosman 2088, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lemuel Pemberton
- The Nevis Turtle Group, Webbes Ground, Gingerland, Nevis, West Indies
| | - Kimberly M Stewart
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies; St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Michelle M Dennis
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies; Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sousa-Guedes D, Cunha SC, Fernandes JO, Semedo D, Sillero N, Marco A, Bessa F. Can plastic pollution contaminate loggerhead turtle nests? Evaluation of flame retardants (PBDEs) levels in the sand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115550. [PMID: 37722265 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global environmental issue affecting multiple ecosystems, namely sea turtle nesting grounds. We analysed the potential chemical contamination caused by plastic debris in loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests, focusing on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, a class of flame retardants). For that, we conducted a field experiment in a turtle hatchery (Cabo Verde) by placing plastic fragments in the nests at two depths: surface and ~20 cm. We evaluated the nests' success and quantified the levels of PBDEs in the sand using GC-MS/MS. Our results suggest that plastics on the nests' surface can leak contaminants, infiltrating the sand up to 20 cm. Buried plastics showed no relevant leakage of chemicals. While hatching and emergence success was unaffected, we found a relationship between leucistic embryos and contamination levels. Our study highlights the threats of plastic accumulation on beaches, which can potentially leak chemicals and contaminate turtle nests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Sousa-Guedes
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo-Espaciais (CICGE), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111 Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Sara C Cunha
- LAQV/Requimte, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - José O Fernandes
- LAQV/Requimte, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Diana Semedo
- BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111 Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde
| | - Neftalí Sillero
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo-Espaciais (CICGE), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Adolfo Marco
- BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111 Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Filipa Bessa
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sosa-Cornejo I, Martín-Del-Campo R, González-Flores JA, González-Camacho ZB, Cabrera-Cuellar BA, Bielli A, Valdes-Flores JE, Olimón-Andalón V. Leucism: the prevalent congenital malformation in the olive ridley sea turtle of northwestern Mexico. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2022; 152:61-71. [PMID: 36394141 DOI: 10.3354/dao03705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite being the most abundant sea turtle in the world, the olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. There is evidence of congenital malformations in hatchlings, and the associated causes are multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental sources. Santuario Playa Ceuta (SPC) is a sanctuary for the olive ridley, located at the northernmost region of its nesting range in the Mexican Pacific. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the prevalence and severity of congenital malformations in olive ridley embryos/hatchlings in SPC during the 2017 nesting season. We collected 62907 eggs from 643 relocated nests that were moved to a hatchery, of which 4242 eggs with obvious development did not hatch and were analyzed for this study. Hatching success was 53.9%, with 22.5% of nests (n = 145) and 0.54% of eggs (n = 344) showing embryos or hatchlings with malformations. The nest severity index was 2.4 (range: 1-10) malformed embryos or hatchlings per nest, and the organism severity index was 1.4 (range: 1-7) malformations per malformed embryo or hatchling. Leucism was the most prevalent malformation (34.4%; 170/494 total observed), with the craniofacial region showing the greatest diversity of malformations (17/35 types). Given the geographical position of SPC, extreme environmental conditions (e.g. cold, heat, and dryness) could be one of the main causes of teratogenesis in this species. However, more studies are needed regarding the presence of contaminants, genetic factors, health assessments of nesting females, and malformation rates of nests that remain in situ versus those that are relocated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Sosa-Cornejo
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa 80040, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Morphologic and physiologic characteristics of green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings in southeastern Florida, USA. J Comp Physiol B 2022; 192:751-764. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-022-01450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
9
|
NONPIGMENTED VERSUS PIGMENTED: HEALTH VARIABLES AND GENETICS OF ALBINO FLORIDA GREEN TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) HATCHLINGS COMPARED WITH NORMALLY PIGMENTED HATCHLINGS FROM THE SAME CLUTCH. J Wildl Dis 2021; 58:15-29. [PMID: 34699596 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
At the time of hatchling emergence from a nest laid on Juno Beach, Florida, USA, by a normally pigmented green turtle (Chelonia mydas), 23 albino hatchlings and 75 normally pigmented hatchlings were observed. This condition is rarely seen in sea turtles, and little is known about blood analytes and genetics of albino wildlife to date. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess and compare morphometric measurements (mass, minimum straight carapace length, body condition index), carapacial scute anomalies, a suite of hematologic and plasma biochemical analytes, and two glucose analysis methodologies (glucometer and dry chemistry analysis) in albino (n=20) versus normally pigmented (n=24) hatchlings from this nest. Genetic analyses were completed to identify paternal contributions of hatchlings and to test Mendelian inheritance assumptions. Although morphometric measurements, scute anomalies, and leukocyte morphology were similar between albino and normally pigmented hatchlings, several differences were observed in blood analyte data: immature erythrocytes, packed cell volume, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, and glucose concentrations (by both methodologies) were significantly higher, whereas absolute immature heterophils, absolute lymphocytes, number of erythrocyte micronuclei, sodium, and chloride were significantly lower in albino hatchlings compared with normally pigmented hatchlings. Considerations for these differences include a stress response from sampling (e.g., timing of procedures or possibly from photosensitivity or reduced visual acuity in albinos) and different osmoregulation, which may reflect physiologic variations or stress. There was a small positive bias (0.10 mmol/L) with glucose by glucometer, similar to reports in other sea turtle species and confirming its suitability for use in hatchlings. All albino hatchlings analyzed (n=10) were from the same father, but the normally pigmented hatchlings (n=24) were from two other fathers. These findings provide insight into the physiology and genetics of albinism in sea turtles.
Collapse
|
10
|
Köhnk S, Brown R, Liddell A. Finding of a two-headed green turtle embryo during nest monitoring in Baa Atoll, Maldives. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2021; 88:e1-e8. [PMID: 34476952 PMCID: PMC8424721 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v88i1.1940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Green sea turtles are one of the two species of marine turtles known to nest in the Maldives. The prevalent time of nesting seems to be inconsistent throughout the island nation. In this study, sea turtle nesting activity was monitored on the island of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in Baa Atoll over a period of 12 months. A total of 13 nests were confirmed with a median hatching success rate of 89.58% as ascertained by nest excavation. In one of the nests, a severely deformed hatchling with polycephaly, an opening in the neck area and a lordotic spine was found, and we investigated in detail with radiographic images and a necropsy. Our findings support the importance of consistent nesting activity and nest monitoring efforts in the country as a basis for conservation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Köhnk
- Olive Ridley Project, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, United Kingdom; and, Morphology Lab, Center of Natural History, University of Hamburg, Hamburg.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|