scholarly journals Colonization and usage of an artificial urban wetland complex by freshwater turtles

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux ◽  
Christina Davy ◽  
Amy Lathrop ◽  
Emma Followes ◽  
Andrew Ramesbottom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Artificial Wetlands ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Emydoidea Blandingii ◽  
Wetland Complex ◽  
Conservation Authorities ◽  
Established Species

Conservation authorities invest heavily in the restoration and/or creation of wetlands to counteract the destruction of habitat caused by urbanization. Monitoring the colonization of these new wetlands is critical to an adaptive management process. We conducted a turtle mark-recapture survey in a 250 ha artificially created wetland complex in a large North American city (Toronto, Ontario). We found that two of Ontario’s eight native turtle species (Snapping turtle (SN), Chelydra serpentina, and Midland Painted (MP) turtle, Chrysemys picta marginata) were abundant and both were confirmed nesting. The Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) was present but not well established. Species richness and turtle density were not equally distributed throughout the wetland complex. We noted SN almost exclusively populated one water body, while other areas of the wetland had a varying representation of both species. The sex ratios of both SN and MP turtles were 1:1. We tracked the movement of Snapping and Blanding’s turtles and found that most turtles explored at least two water bodies in the park, that females explored more water bodies than males, and that 95% of turtles showed fidelity to individual overwintering wetlands. We performed DNA analysis of two Blanding’s turtles found in the created wetlands and could not assign these turtles to any known profiled populations. The genetic data suggest that the turtles probably belong to a remnant local population. We discuss the implications of our results for connectivity of artificial wetlands and the importance of the whole wetland complex to this turtle assemblage.

scholarly journals Leech (Annelida: Hirudinea) Infestations on Canadian Turtles, Including the First Canadian Record of Helobdella modesta from Freshwater Turtles

2009 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Davy ◽  
Kum C. Shim ◽  
Suzanne M. Coombes
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Chrysemys Picta ◽  
Chelydra Serpentina ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Emydoidea Blandingii ◽  
Clemmys Guttata ◽  
Sternotherus Odoratus

We collected leeches from freshwater turtles at two sites in southwestern Ontario. Five leech species (Placobdella parasitica, P. ornata, Helobdella modesta, Erpobdella punctata and Alboglossiphonia heteroclita) were collected from five turtle species (Chrysemys picta, Chelydra serpentina, Clemmys guttata, Emydoidea blandingii and Sternotherus odoratus). We report a new leech record (P. ornata) for C. guttata. The unexpectedly high frequency of H. modesta on freshwater turtles is discussed.

scholarly journals Not only pond sliders: freshwater turtles in the water bodies of the Milan northern urban area (Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-58
Author(s):  
Claudio Foglini
Keyword(s):  
Water Bodies ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Invasive Potential ◽  
Pet Trade ◽  
Emys Orbicularis ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Slider Turtle ◽  
Presence Data ◽  
Frequent Presence

Freshwater turtles represent one of the most common pets released in urban water bodies. In Europe, after the ban on the import of Trachemys scripta, other non-native turtle species now dominate the legal pet trade. Some of these species have high invasive potential, such as the well-known slider turtle, but their diffusion outside their native range is poorly known. This work summarises presence data about non-native freshwater turtles, different from slider turtles T. scripta, into two urban parks located at the northern boundary of the Milan outskirts (Italy, Lombardy). Turtle detections were obtained merging field surveys conducted from 2014 to 2020, with sparse pictures taken by occasional observers. The situation depicted shows, in addition to the ubiquitous spread of slider turtle subspecies and hybrids in both parks, the frequent presence of other multiple genera such as Pseudemys and Graptemys. Isolated individuals of Apalone spinifera, Graptemys ouachitensis, Mauremys sinensis, Pelomedusa subrufa and Sternotherus carinatus were also found. I also detected one Emys orbicularis, probably escaped or released.

Freshwater turtles of the TransFly region of Papua New Guinea - notes on diversity, distribution, reproduction, harvest and trade

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Georges ◽  
Fiorenzo Guarino ◽  
Biatus Bito
Keyword(s):  
Papua New Guinea ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Western Province ◽  
High Diversity

The Chelidae is a family of side-necked turtles restricted in distribution to South America and Australasia. While their biology in Australia is reasonably well known, species in New Guinea are very poorly known despite high diversity, especially in the southern lowlands. In this paper, we report on the diversity, distribution, habitat and reproductive biology of the freshwater turtles of the TransFly region of the Western Province of Papua New Guinea, with special emphasis on reproduction of Emydura subglobosa, Elseya branderhorsti and Elseya novaeguineae. Seven species were captured, with reliable records of an eighth. A key to the freshwater turtles of the TransFly region is provided. Harvest methods, consumption, and trade in turtles by the TransFly communities are documented. There is mounting pressure to take advantage of revenue opportunities afforded by the Asian turtle trade, but this is impeded by lack of transport infrastructure. There is also insufficient demographic information on any New Guinean turtle species to make a reasoned judgment on the level of harvest that would be sustainable. Nor is there sufficient information on captive rearing for most species, and where it is available it is not accessible by local villagers. These knowledge gaps need to be addressed and factored into a management plan that is implemented before local communities can capitalise on the commercial opportunities provided by the turtle fauna without risking collapse of the resource and the implications for their concurrent subsistence economy that would follow.

scholarly journals Plastic ingestion by freshwater turtles: a review and call to action

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam G. Clause ◽  
Aaron J. Celestian ◽  
Gregory B. Pauly
Keyword(s):  
Marine Species ◽  
Marine Turtle ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Implementation Quality ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Marine Turtles ◽  
Conservation Concern

AbstractPlastic pollution, and especially plastic ingestion by animals, is a serious global issue. This problem is well documented in marine systems, but it is relatively understudied in freshwater systems. For turtles, it is unknown how plastic ingestion compares between marine and non-marine species. We review the relevant turtle dietary literature, and find that plastic ingestion is reported for all 7 marine turtle species, but only 5 of 352 non-marine turtle species. In the last 10 years, despite marine turtles representing just 2% of all turtle species, almost 50% of relevant turtle dietary studies involved only marine turtles. These results suggest that the potential threat of plastic ingestion is poorly studied in non-marine turtles. We also examine plastic ingestion frequency in a freshwater turtle population, finding that 7.7% of 65 turtles had ingested plastic. However, plastic-resembling organic material would have inflated our frequency results up to 40% higher were it not for verification using Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, we showcase how non-native turtles can be used as a proxy for understanding the potential for plastic ingestion by co-occurring native turtles of conservation concern. We conclude with recommendations for how scientists studying non-marine turtles can improve the implementation, quality, and discoverability of plastic ingestion research.

Conservation genetics of the endangered Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) illustrate the risks of “bottleneck tests”

2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Davy ◽  
Robert W. Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Population Genetics ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Principal Coordinates Analysis ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Principal Coordinates ◽  
Clemmys Guttata ◽  
Spotted Turtle ◽  
Cast Doubt

Studies of population genetics in turtles have suggested that turtles do not experience genetic impacts of bottlenecks as strongly as expected. However, recent studies cast doubt on two commonly used tests implemented in the program BOTTLENECK, suggesting that these findings should be re-evaluated. The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata (Schneider, 1792)) is endangered both globally and within Canada, but genetic data required to develop effective recovery strategies are unavailable. Here, we conducted the first study of population genetic structure in C. guttata. We then used multiple small populations of C. guttata as replicates to test whether the commonly used program BOTTLENECK could detect the genetic signature of bottlenecks in our study populations, which are all thought to have experienced significant declines in the past 2–3 generations (75 years). Turtles (n = 256) were genotyped at 11 microsatellite loci. A suite of Bayesian population genetics analyses and a principal coordinates analysis identified a minimum of 6 distinct genetic populations and a maximum of 10 differentiated subpopulations across the sampled Canadian range of C. guttata, which corresponded to demographically independent units. BOTTLENECK failed to detect population declines. A literature review found that bottleneck tests in 17 of 18 previous genetic studies of tortoises and freshwater turtles were based on suboptimal sampling, potentially confounding their results. High retention of genetic diversity (allelic richness and heterozygosity) in isolated populations of C. guttata and other turtle species is encouraging for species recovery, but conclusions about the prevalence of genetic bottlenecks in such populations should be re-examined.

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge in West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Diangbha Passah
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Natural Water ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Local Application ◽  
Fish Poison ◽  
Jaintia Hills ◽  
Application Methods ◽  
Natural Water Bodies

Abstract: Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) is local application methods practiced in different sectors especially in fisheries by local population from time immemorial with some changes from time to time. Many of the ITKs are based on scientific values but they are not well documented. The present study aimed to evaluate the Indigenous Traditional Knowledge practiced in West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya. The ITKs identified are divided in three different groups. They are ITK in value added product, ITKs used as fish baits and fish poison and ITKs used as gear for catching fishes from natural water bodies. Keywords: ITK, Jaintia Hills District, Fish poison, Gear, Value added product.

scholarly journals Population status and distribution of freshwater turtles in Taiwan

Oryx ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tien-Hsi Chen ◽  
Kuang-Yang Lue
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Chinese Market ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Mauremys Mutica ◽  
Effective Conservation

AbstractBecause of burgeoning demand in the Chinese market and extensive habitat loss more than half of the freshwater turtle and tortoise species in Asia are categorized as Endangered or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. To investigate the distribution and status of the native freshwater turtle species of Taiwan a trapping programme was conducted during 2001–2007, yielding a total of 1,828 individuals of four native species at 103 sites. Mauremys sinensis was the most abundant and widely distributed species; it was collected from 70 sites and accounted for 78.6% of all turtles captures. Mauremys mutica comprised 17.8% at 46 sites. Pelodiscus sinensis were captured in low numbers at 19 sites. No Mauremys reevesii were collected on the main island of Taiwan but the species was found on Kinmen Island near mainland China. Capture success was low at most sites and overall sex ratios were significantly male-biased in all species, suggesting that the freshwater turtles have suffered from the negative effects of habitat disturbance and extensive exploitation. Effective conservation measures are urgently required to ensure the viability of the native freshwater turtle species of Taiwan.

Haemogregarines from western Palaearctic freshwater turtles (generaEmys, Mauremys) are conspecific withHaemogregarina stepanowiDanilewsky, 1885

Parasitology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
NELA DVOŘÁKOVÁ ◽  
JANA KVIČEROVÁ ◽  
IVO PAPOUŠEK ◽  
HOSSEIN JAVANBAKHT ◽  
GHOULEM TIAR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Specificity ◽  
18S Rdna ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Rdna Sequences ◽  
Mauremys Leprosa ◽  
18S Rdna Sequences ◽  
Western Palaearctic

SUMMARYThe majority ofHaemogregarinaspecies have been based on the morphology of their erythrocytic stages and supposed strict host specificity. The quantity of species with a limited number of overlapping diagnostic traits has led to a considerable mess in haemogregarine taxonomy and significant synonymy. We analysed host specificity, intra- and interspecific variability, evolutionary relationships, and the distribution of the type species of the genusHaemogregarina–H. stepanowi.The morphology of blood stages and 18S rDNA sequences of this haemogregarine from four western Palaearctic hard-shelled freshwater turtles (Emys orbicularis, Mauremys caspica, Mauremys leprosaandMauremys rivulata) were compared withHaemogregarina balli. Additional sequences of 18S rDNA ofHaemogregarina-like isolates collected from three species of African hinged terrapins (genusPelusios) were used to enlarge the dataset for phylogenetic analyses. Thirteen sequences (1085 bp) ofHaemogregarinarepresenting all four western Palaearctic turtle species were identical, corresponding toH. stepanowi, which is closely related to the Nearctic speciesH. balli. In our analyses,Haemogregarinaspp. constituted a monophyletic clade sister to the genusHepatozoon. Haemogregarina stepanowipossesses a wide distribution range from the Maghreb, through Europe, Turkey and the Middle East to Iran. We consider that the genusHaemogregarinahas a low host specificity crossing the family level of its vertebrate hosts and that its distribution is likely to be linked to the vector and definitive host – the leech.

scholarly journals Freshwater Turtles of Belize

EDIS ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Venetia Briggs ◽  
Lauren Watine ◽  
Dustin Smith ◽  
Robin Bijlani ◽  
Rebecca Harvey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Wildlife Ecology ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Fact Sheet

Belize, a country rich in natural resources and diverse wildlife, is home to nine species of freshwater turtles. Among these is the critically endangered hicatee, which has been eliminated in most of its range as a result of hunting and habitat loss. Freshwater turtles live in rivers, creeks, and lagoons, and build their nests on the banks. They eat a variety of plants, aquatic vegetation, and fruits. However, little is known about Belize’s unique turtle species. This 2-page fact sheet will help people identify, understand, and conserve these treasured resources. Written by Venetia Briggs, Lauren Watine, Dustin Smith, Robin Bijlani, Rebecca Harvey, William Giuliano, and Frank Mazzotti, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, January 2013.  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw373  Check out the Facebook album! 

scholarly journals Review of chelid and emydid turtle distributions in southern South America with emphasis on extralimital populations and new records for Argentina

2019 ◽  
pp. 219-229
Author(s):  
Rocio Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
New Records ◽  
Natural Occurrence ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Southern South America ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Anthropogenic Action

There are many cases of animals reported in localities away from natural areas of distribution for the species. With respect to native freshwater turtles of Argentina and bordering countries, several populations (and single specimens) were reported for areas that cast doubts about their origin, due to not only the long distance from other known localities but also the geographical barriers that are in between. The present work provides a review of localities of the native turtle species Hydromedusa tectifera, Phrynops hilarii, Acanthochelys pallidipectoris, A. spixii and Trachemys dorbigni in Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Paraguay and Uruguay, and adds new records for some of these species for Argentina. We also employ an analysis to recognise core and extralimital populations, and a methodology based on five criteria that must be taken into account to elucidate if one extralimital turtle record is the result of anthropogenic action or a case of natural occurrence. Finally, we discuss about the origin of extralimital reports of turtles of the mentioned species.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document