Adenovirus and mycoplasma infection in an ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) in Hungary

A female, adult ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) with fatty liver was submitted for virologic examination in Hungary. Signs of an adenovirus infection including degeneration of the liver cells, enlarged nuclei and intranuclear inclusion bodies were detected by light microscopic examination. The presence of an adenovirus was later confirmed by obtaining partial sequence data from the adenoviral DNA-dependent DNA-polymerase. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that this novel chelonian adenovirus was distinct from previously described reptilian adenoviruses, not belonging to any of the recognized genera of the family Adenoviridae. As a part of the routine diagnostic procedure for chelonians the detection of herpes-, rana- and iridoviruses together with Mycoplasma spp. was attempted. Amplicons were generated by a general mycoplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S/23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) intergenic spacer region, as well as, a specific Mycoplasma agassizii PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Based on the analyses of partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene, the Mycoplasma sp. of the ornate box turtle seemed to be identical with the recently described eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) Mycoplasma sp. This is the first report of a novel chelonian adenovirus and a mycoplasma infection in an ornate box turtle (T. ornata ornata) in Europe.     

Comparative study of hematologic and plasma biochemical variables in Eastern Atlantic juvenile and adult nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

Background: Plasma biochemical and hematologic variables are important in the management of endangered sea turtles, such as loggerheads. However, studies on blood biochemistry and hematology of loggerheads are limited, and different concentrations according to variable criteria have been reported. Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish and compare baseline plasma chemistry and hematology values in Eastern Atlantic juvenile and adult nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Methods: Blood samples were collected from 69 healthy juvenile loggerhead sea turtles after their rehabilitation in captivity, and from 34 adult nesting loggerheads after oviposition. Fresh blood was used for leukocyte differential count and PCV determination. Heparinized blood was used for RBC and WBC counts. Plasma biochemical concentrations were measured using an automated biochemical analyzer. For the comparative study, nonparametric statistical analysis was done using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Results: Minimum, maximum, and median concentrations were obtained for 14 hematologic and 15 plasma chemistry variables. Statistically significant differences between juvenile and adult turtles were found for PCV; RBC, WBC, and leukocyte differential counts; total protein, albumin, globulins, calcium, triglycerides, glucose, total cholesterol and urea concentrations; and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Conclusions: Age, size, and reproductive status cause important variations in the hematologic and plasma biochemical results of loggerheads. The reference values obtained in this study may be used as a standard profile, useful for veterinary surgeons involved in sea turtle conservation.     

提高温室亲鳖产卵效果研究

采取塑膜大棚采光保温、锅炉增温及其它措施，使４２０ｍ＾２池水温度保持在２８￣３２℃。亲鳖自１９９５年１月１０日￣１０月１１日，共产卵１８１１穴，２８３３２枚，受精率９４．５％，平均每只雌鳖产卵５．１２穴，８０．０３枚，比常温条件下平均增加产卵３．６穴，６４．８５枚，受精率提高９￥，产卵期延长１５０天。     

巴西彩龟对人造环境适应性的试验研究

在特产动物中，巴西龟具有美食、食疗、观赏的价值已有报道。饲养者逐步增多，多以在自然环境条件下小规模繁殖饲养。笔者通过人造环境饲养试验，进行较为细致的饲养试验观察，初步尝试巴西龟高密度控温饲养的可行性，掌握巴西龟和本地乌龟的基本特征及巴西龟的一些基本生物特性，摄食生理特性和对环境变化的反应。为开展人造环境条件下饲养巴西龟寻找有效途径。     

生态型多层养鳖装置的试验研究

介绍了生态型多层养鳖装置的结构原理。成鳖养殖试验表明，养鳖水经过红萍的生物净化后可以循环使用，水体中NH⁺₄-N含量保持在10 mg/L以下，成功实现高密度、超浅水、集约化养鳖。     

Natal origin of loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, in the neritic habitat off the Italian coasts, Central Mediterranean

Shallow (neritic) waters close to the Italian coasts (Central Mediterranean Sea) are frequently visited by foraging loggerhead turtles, but the nesting populations which rely on this area have not been determined. To estimate the rookery origins of this feeding cohort, mitochondrial DNA control region sequences were analysed from 106 juvenile loggerhead turtles and compared to those published for key nesting populations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions using a Bayesian based stock analysis program. Six distinct haplotypes were detected, of which two have previously been reported from both Mediterranean and Atlantic nesting beaches and one only from Atlantic nesting populations. The remaining three haplotypes could not be assigned to a rookery of origin. Mixed stock analysis indicated that the waters along the Southern Italian coasts are utilised primarily by Mediterranean nesting populations, with approximately 68% of the individuals provided by the genetically homogeneous Greece/South eastern Mediterranean nesting aggregate and 23% by the Turkish management unit. 7% of the loggerhead turtles were assigned to Atlantic stock. Our results suggest that only a small proportion of the Atlantic juveniles which enter the Mediterranean to forage in its pelagic waters utilise also the neritic areas along the Italian coasts. This is consistent with theory of juvenile homing, according to which oceanic stage juveniles preferentially recruit to neritic developmental habitats within their natal region, and implies that the elevated human-induced mortality occurring in this area impacts almost exclusively the smaller and demographically more vulnerable Mediterranean loggerhead turtle stock.     

Effectiveness of different conservation measures for loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests at Zakynthos Island, Greece

In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of different well-tested conservation techniques in an effort to successfully protect sea turtle nests. From an eight-year study on the island of Zakynthos, West Greece, we have experimentally investigated the effectiveness of two different conservation techniques applied to loggerhead sea turtle nests and provided statistical measures to evaluate their conservation value. The categories of nests evaluated include: (i) nests incubated in situ, (ii) translocated into a beach hatchery, or (iii) protected by metal cages. Results of the analysis showed significant interannual variations in hatching success as obtained for each one of the three groups of nests. Significant differences were also observed when comparing hatching success data among the three groups of nests during the eight-year period. Overall, our results indicate that relocation of nests laid at highly threatened locations and the placement of protective cages on nests in situ provide adequate conservation measures that could allow an increase in hatchling production; although their choice and application should be based on the specific conditions and threats of each nest.     

Estimates of sea turtle mortality from poaching and bycatch in Bahía Magdalena, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Bahia Magdalena on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, is an important feeding and nursery ground for black turtles Chelonia mydas, loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta, olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea, and hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata. Despite international and national protection, sea turtles continue to be caught incidentally and hunted for consumption in large numbers. This study examines the mortality of sea turtles in Bahia Magdalena, focusing on (1) species distribution and number of carcasses found, (2) causes of death, (3) size frequency distribution and % juveniles in the catch, and (4) changes in average size over the past years. A total of 1945 turtle carcasses were found from April 2000 to July 2003 along beaches and in towns of the region with loggerhead (44.1%) and black turtles (36.9%) being the dominant species. Slaughter for human consumption was the primary cause of death of carcasses found in towns (95-100%), while carcasses on beaches mostly died of unknown causes (76-100%). Circumstantial evidence suggests however, that incidental bycatch was the main mortality cause on beaches. Black turtles suffered the highest consumption mortality overall (91%), followed by olive ridley (84%), hawksbill (83%) and loggerhead turtles (63%). Over 90% of all turtles found were juveniles or subadults. Carapace length of black turtles declined consistently over the sampling period, while that of loggerhead turtles increased. Our results strongly suggest that turtles are being taken at high and unsustainable rates; this may partially explain why the populations have not recovered despite widespread protection on nesting beaches.     

Comparison of 2 glucose analytical methodologies in immature Kemp’s ridley sea turtles: dry chemistry of plasma versus point-of-care glucometer analysis of whole blood

Blood glucose measurements provide important diagnostic information regarding stress, disease, and nutritional status. Glucose analytical methodologies include dry chemistry analysis (DCA) of plasma and point-of-care (POC) glucometer analysis of whole blood; however, these 2 methods differ in cost, required sample volume, and processing time. Because POC glucometers use built-in equations based on features of mammalian blood to convert whole blood measurements to plasma equivalent units, obtained glucose data must be compared and validated using gold-standard chemistry analytical methodology in reptiles. For in-water, trawl-captured, immature Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) from Georgia, USA, we observed significant, positive agreement between the 2 glucose determination methods; however, the glucometer overestimated glucose concentrations by 1.4 mmol/L on average in comparison to DCA and produced a wider range of results. The discordance of these results suggests that POC glucometer glucose data should be interpreted in the context of methodology- and brand-specific reference intervals along with concurrent packed cell volume data.