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Bezerra MF, Barrios-Rodriguez CA, Rezende CE, López-Castro MC, Lacerda LD. Trophic ecology of sympatric sea turtles in the tropical Atlantic coast of Brazil. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106406. [PMID: 38377937 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106406] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The Tropical Atlantic coast of Brazil is a hotspot area for multiple sea turtle species at all life stages. The multiple nearshore reefs and beaches, oceanic islands, and the only atoll in the south Atlantic Ocean, are suitable for year-round foraging, migration corridors, and nesting activities of five sea turtle species. Still, relatively few studies have assessed trophic niche among sympatric sea turtles which can provide a better understanding of how closely related species compete/partition the available resources. Using multiple biogeochemical tracers (i.e., nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotopes, and mercury (Hg)), we disentangled the trophic niches of four sea turtle species - the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the loggerhead turtle (Caretta), the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) - co-occurring in nesting and foraging habitats along the northeastern coast of Brazil. We found interspecific differences in isotopic and contamination niches, as well as intraspecific niche variation associated with life stage. Differences in the estimation niche models associated to life-stage in C. caretta support the notion of ontogenetic shift in habitat and diet composition previously reported for this species. Oceanic habitat signatures were observed in juvenile green turtles and adult olive turtles, while nearshore habitat signatures were observed in adult hawksbill turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises F Bezerra
- Universidade Federal Do Ceará - Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR-UFC). Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Cesar A Barrios-Rodriguez
- Universidade Federal Do Ceará - Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR-UFC). Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Carlos E Rezende
- Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz D Lacerda
- Universidade Federal Do Ceará - Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR-UFC). Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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2
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Barrios-Rodriguez CA, Bezerra MF, Ristau N, Mendonça DM, Pires TT, de Souza Paulino LR, Lacerda LDD. Biological and ecological traits rather than geography control mercury (Hg) in scutes of marine turtles from the Southwest Atlantic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116085. [PMID: 38325203 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116085] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The use of sentinel species in monitoring programs for toxic metals such as mercury (Hg) is essential to understand these pollutants' impact on the environment. For this purpose, it is essential to use organisms that have a lifespan compatible with the residence time of Hg in the oceans, and preferably with a wide geographical distribution, such as sea turtles. Here, we assess the regional variability of Hg concentrations using carapace scutes of four sea turtle species along the foraging and spawning area in the northeast coastline of Brazil. Mercury concentrations in samples showed no relationship with the environmental Hg levels (obtained from literature). Rather, Hg concentrations varied according to species-specific biological, and ecological traits. Characteristics such as the ontogenetic shift in the diet of Chelonia mydas, capital breeding in females, depth of foraging in oceanic waters, and selectivity of food items, such as in Eretmochelys imbricata, significantly influenced Hg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Augusto Barrios-Rodriguez
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Moises Fernandes Bezerra
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Drude de Lacerda
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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3
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Luna-Ortiz A, Marín-Capuz G, Abella E, Crespo-Picazo JL, Escribano F, Félix G, Giralt S, Tomás J, Pegueroles C, Pascual M, Carreras C. New colonisers drive the increase of the emerging loggerhead turtle nesting in Western Mediterranean. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1506. [PMID: 38233518 PMCID: PMC10794258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51664-w] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is sensitive to climate change and is responding by colonising the Western Mediterranean. To understand the rapid nesting increase in recent years in Spain, we sampled 45 hatchlings from 8 nests between 2016 and 2019. We sequenced a mtDNA D-loop region, genotyped 2291 SNPs using 2bRAD and collected data on clutch size, hatching success, and incubation duration. We confirmed that the colonisation has a Mediterranean and Atlantic mixed origin and we detected that these nests were laid by different females, except for two nests within the same season. Our results suggest that the recent increase in nesting is due to an increase in the number of colonising individuals rather than females born in the same area returning to breed. We hypothesize that this increase in the number of colonisers results from successful conservation efforts, feminisation of the populations of origin and earlier sexual maturation. However, the percentage of offspring females produced in Spain suggests that future returning individuals will aid to the settlement of the new population. These results allow defining the current status of this colonisation although future efforts are needed to detect remigrants to confirm the establishment of a resident population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Luna-Ortiz
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics and IrBio, University of Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gisela Marín-Capuz
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics and IrBio, University of Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Abella
- BETA Technological Center, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, Carretera Roda 70, 08500, Vic, Spain
| | - José Luis Crespo-Picazo
- Fundació Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, 46013, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fernando Escribano
- Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre "El Valle", Ctra. Subida a El Valle, 62, 30150, La Alberca de las Torres, Murcia, Spain
| | - Guillem Félix
- Consorci per a la Recuperació de la Fauna de les Illes Balears (COFIB), Servei de Protecció d'Espècies. Conselleria Agricultura, Pesca i Medi Natural. Govern de les Illes Balears, Carretera Palma- Sineu, Km 15,400, 07142, Santa Eugènia, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Silvia Giralt
- Fundación para la Conservación y la Recuperación de Animales Marinos (CRAM), 08820, El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Tomás
- Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, University of Valencia, Apdo, 22085, 46071, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cinta Pegueroles
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics and IrBio, University of Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Pascual
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics and IrBio, University of Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Carreras
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics and IrBio, University of Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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Barrios-Rodríguez CA, de Lacerda LD, Fernandes-Bezerra M. A Pilot Study of Mercury Distribution in the Carapace of Four Species of Sea Turtles from Northeastern Brazil. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 110:99. [PMID: 37243788 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Scutes present very complex morphologies with different growth rates at different areas of the carapace that can change the accumulation process of essential and non-essential metals. To infer the effects of morphology and growth on Hg concentrations in scutes, we mapped them in the carapace of one individual of four species of sea turtles sampled along the Brazilian coast. The results showed that Hg concentrations were higher in the vertebral scutes of Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata suggesting variation in growth rates of different carapace areas since the vertebral area is the first to develop prior to costal areas. Caretta caretta and Lepidochelys olivacea did not show differences between carapace areas. The preliminary data from this pilot study indicate that vertebral scutes may be suitable for monitoring Hg in C. mydas and E. imbricata, since they reflect longer exposure period. A species-to-species comparison of Hg concentrations is not possible due to the small number of sampled individuals, nevertheless, E. imbricata showed remarkably lower Hg concentrations compared to the other three species. Further studies are required for all four species, with a larger number of individuals, preferentially of varying life stages, due to the unknown effects of different diets, Hg exposure, and migration histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Augusto Barrios-Rodríguez
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. Abolição, 3207, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60165-081, Brasil.
| | - Luiz Drude de Lacerda
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. Abolição, 3207, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60165-081, Brasil
| | - Moises Fernandes-Bezerra
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. Abolição, 3207, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60165-081, Brasil
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Vilaça ST, Maroso F, Lara P, de Thoisy B, Chevallier D, Arantes LS, Santos FR, Bertorelle G, Mazzoni CJ. Evidence of backcross inviability and mitochondrial DNA paternal leakage in sea turtle hybrids. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:628-643. [PMID: 36336814 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hybridization is known to be part of many species' evolutionary history. Sea turtles have a fascinating hybridization system in which species separated by as much as 43 million years are still capable of hybridizing. Indeed, the largest nesting populations in Brazil of loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) have a high incidence of hybrids between these two species. A third species, olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea), is also known to hybridize although at a smaller scale. Here, we used restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) markers, mitogenomes, and satellite-telemetry to investigate the patterns of hybridization and introgression in the Brazilian sea turtle population and their relationship with the migratory behaviours between feeding and nesting aggregations. We also explicitly test if the mixing of two divergent genomes in sea turtle hybrids causes mitochondrial paternal leakage. We developed a new species-specific PCR-assay capable of detecting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inheritance from both parental species and performed ultra-deep sequencing to estimate the abundance of each mtDNA type. Our results show that all adult hybrids are first generation (F1) and most display a loggerhead migratory behaviour. We detected paternal leakage in F1 hybrids and different proportions of mitochondria from maternal and paternal species. Although previous studies showed no significant fitness decrease in hatchlings, our results support genetically-related hybrid breakdown possibly caused by cytonuclear incompatibility. Further research on hybrids from other populations in addition to Brazil and between different species will show if backcross inviability and mitochondrial paternal leakage is observed across sea turtle species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibelle T Vilaça
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Maroso
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paulo Lara
- Fundação Projeto Tamar, Mata de São João, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Damien Chevallier
- BOREA, National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), CNRS 8067, SU, IRD 207, UCN, UA, Martinique, France
| | - Larissa Souza Arantes
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabricio R Santos
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade e Evolução Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Giorgio Bertorelle
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Camila J Mazzoni
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
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Rêgo RDSC, Cazetta EA, Cutrim CHG, Miranda AS, Araújo APA, Araújo VA. Strandings of sea turtles on beaches around the oil capital in Brazil. NEOTROPICAL BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e68662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The south-western region of the Atlantic Ocean has feeding and nesting areas for the five species of sea turtles registered in Brazil, which are in different degrees of extinction threat, mainly due to anthropogenic factors. Fishing and the ingestion of solid waste, were identified as causing stranding and the mortality of sea turtles. In this work, data from the monitoring of beaches in the Municipalities of Macaé and Rio das Ostras, important oil zone in Brazil, in the north-central region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, were used in order to analyse the effects of seasonality on the sea turtle stranding. The monitoring was carried out daily from September 2017 to June 2019, in a study area covering 23.8 km long beach. Stranding data were obtained from active (n = 126) and passive (n = 66) monitoring of beaches and included the records of Chelonia mydas (n = 151), Caretta caretta (n = 23), Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 14), Dermochelys coriacea (n = 2) and Eretmochelys imbricata (n = 1). The largest stranding record occurred in the summer (n = 61) and spring (n = 60), a period compatible with the reproductive season of the species. The results obtained in this study emphasise the importance of the analysis of strandings of sea turtles, which provide relevant data on the biology of the group, the intra and interspecific dynamics and the state of conservation of these animals.
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7
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Filippos LS, Taniguchi S, Baldassin P, Pires T, Montone RC. Persistent organic pollutants in plasma and stable isotopes in red blood cells of Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea sea turtles that nest in Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112283. [PMID: 33799149 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Studies of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in sea turtles are reported, but there are still spatial data gaps worldwide. POP contamination of live female blood plasma from Caretta caretta (n = 28), Chelonia mydas (n = 31) and Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 19), which nest in Brazil and feed along the South Atlantic Ocean, was investigated. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes from red blood cells (RBC) were also evaluated to obtain information about trophic ecology. C. caretta had the highest POP concentrations, followed by L. olivacea and C. mydas. PCBs predominated in all species, and the major OCPs were the DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and derivatives) and Lindane. POPs and stable isotopes revealed intra- and interspecific variations, which reflect the high plasticity in the use of habitat and food resources, making individuals within the same population susceptible to different exposures to pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana S Filippos
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil.
| | - Satie Taniguchi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Paula Baldassin
- Instituto BW, Professora Suely Brasil Flores, 88, CEP 28.970-000, Praia Seca, Araruama, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thaís Pires
- Fundação Projeto Tamar, Rua Rubens Guelli 134/307, Itaigara, Salvador, CEP: 41815-135, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rosalinda C Montone
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil
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Soares LS, Bjorndal KA, Bolten AB, Wayne ML, Castilhos JC, Weber MI, López-Mendilaharsu M, Marcovaldi MA, Vilaça ST, Naro-Maciel E. Reproductive output, foraging destinations, and isotopic niche of olive ridley and loggerhead sea turtles, and their hybrids, in Brazil. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridization is a fundamental evolutionary and ecological process with significant conservation ramifications. Sea turtle hybridization occurs at unusually high frequencies along the northeastern coast of Brazil. To better understand the process, we studied the reproductive output, migration patterns (through satellite telemetry), and isotopic niches of loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta and olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea and their hybrids. We classified 154 nesting females as loggerhead (n = 91), olive ridley (n = 38), or hybrid (n = 25) based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Further, we compared nesting female morphological data and reproductive parameters (clutch size, emergence success, hatchling production, incubation period) of 405 nests among hybrids and parental species. We found no significant differences among the 3 groups when hatchling production was corrected for female body size, indicating that hybrids and parental species produce similar numbers of hatchlings per clutch. Satellite tracking of 8 post-nesting hybrid females revealed shared foraging grounds with both parental species, as well as neritic migrations between foraging and nesting areas similar to those previously reported for loggerheads and olive ridleys. Analyses of 13C and 15N isotope values (n = 69) further confirmed this pattern, as hybrid isotopic niches overlapped extensively with both parental species. Thus, given the similarities presented between hybrids and their parental species in reproductive, ecological, and behavioral characteristics, we conclude that these hybrids may persist along with other sea turtle nesting populations in the area, with research and conservation implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- LS Soares
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - KA Bjorndal
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - AB Bolten
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - ML Wayne
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - JC Castilhos
- Projeto TAMAR/Fundação Pró-TAMAR, Aracaju, SE 49035-730, Brazil
| | - MI Weber
- Projeto TAMAR/Fundação Pró-TAMAR, Aracaju, SE 49035-730, Brazil
| | | | - MA Marcovaldi
- Projeto TAMAR/Fundação Pró-TAMAR, Salvador, BA 41510-045, Brazil
| | - ST Vilaça
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - E Naro-Maciel
- Liberal Studies, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
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9
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Fujisaki I, Hart KM, Bucklin D, Iverson AR, Rubio C, Lamont MM, Gonzales Diaz Miron RJ, Burchfield PM, Peña J, Shaver DJ. Predicting multi-species foraging hotspots for marine turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantifying the distribution of animals and identifying underlying characteristics that define suitable habitat are essential for effective conservation of free-ranging species. Prioritizing areas for conservation is important in managing a geographic extent that has a high level of disturbance and limited conservation resources. We examined the potential use of a species distribution model ensemble for multi-species conservation in marine habitats. Using satellite telemetry locations during foraging as input data, and ensemble ecological niche models, we predicted foraging areas for 2 nesting marine turtle species within the Gulf of Mexico (GoM): Kemp’s ridley Lepidochelys kempii (n = 63) and loggerhead Caretta caretta (n = 63). We considered 7 geophysical, biological, and climatic variables and compared contributing factors for each species’ foraging habitat selection. For both species, predicted suitable foraging habitats encompassed large areas along the GoM coast, but only intersected with each other in relatively small areas. Highly parameterized models resulted in overall greater fits, suggesting that multiple factors influence habitat selection by these species. Model validation results were mixed: cross-validation resulted in high prediction accuracy for both species, but an evaluation against independent data resulted in a low omission rate (5%) for Kemp’s ridleys and a high omission rate (72%) for loggerheads. The relatively small intersection of model-predicted foraging areas for these 2 species within the study area may indicate possible niche differentiations. The high omission rate for loggerheads indicates our samples likely underrepresent the population and illustrates the challenges in predicting suitable foraging extents for species that make dynamic movements and have greater individual variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Fujisaki
- University of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Davie, FL 33314, USA
| | - KM Hart
- US Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Davie, FL 33314, USA
| | - D Bucklin
- University of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Davie, FL 33314, USA
| | - AR Iverson
- University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - C Rubio
- National Park Service, Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, TX 78480, USA
| | - MM Lamont
- US Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
| | | | | | - J Peña
- Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - DJ Shaver
- National Park Service, Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, TX 78480, USA
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Genomic evidence of recent hybridization between sea turtles at Abrolhos Archipelago and its association to low reproductive output. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12847. [PMID: 32733067 PMCID: PMC7393485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69613-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridization between sea turtle species occurs with particularly high frequency at two adjacent nesting areas in northeastern Brazil. To understand the outcomes of hybridization and their consequences for sea turtle conservation, we need to evaluate the extent of hybridization occurrence and possible deleterious effects in the hybrid progeny. Thus, we investigated the hypothesis of the existence of a new hybrid spot offshore of Brazil’s northeastern coast. The Abrolhos Archipelago is surrounded by the largest and richest coral reefs in the South Atlantic and is known to be a nesting site for loggerhead turtles (Carettacaretta). In this study, we performed a multidisciplinary investigation into levels of hybridization in sea turtles and their reproductive output in the Abrolhos beaches. Genetic data from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and six autosomal markers showed that there are first-generation hybrid females nesting in Abrolhos, resulting from crossings between hawksbill males (Eretmochelysimbricata) and loggerhead females, and backcrossed hatchlings from both parental species. The type and extent of hybridization were characterized using genomic data obtained with the 3RAD method, which confirmed backcrossing between F1 hybrids and loggerhead turtles. The reproductive output data of Abrolhos nests suggests a disadvantage of hybrids when compared to loggerheads. For the first time, we have shown the association between hybridization and low reproductive success, which may represent a threat to sea turtle conservation.
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11
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Meiofauna Life on Loggerhead Sea Turtles-Diversely Structured Abundance and Biodiversity Hotspots That Challenge the Meiofauna Paradox. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12050203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sea turtles migrate thousands of miles annually between foraging and breeding areas, carrying dozens of epibiont species with them on their journeys. Most sea turtle epibiont studies have focused on large-sized organisms, those visible to the naked eye. Here, we report previously undocumented levels of epibiont abundance and biodiversity for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), by focusing on the microscopic meiofauna. During the peak of the 2018 loggerhead nesting season at St. George Island, Florida, USA, we sampled all epibionts from 24 carapaces. From the subsamples, we identified 38,874 meiofauna individuals belonging to 20 higher taxa. This means 810,753 individuals were recovered in our survey, with an average of 33,781 individuals per carapace. Of 6992 identified nematodes, 111 different genera were observed. To our knowledge, such levels of sea turtle epibiont abundance and diversity have never been recorded. Loggerhead carapaces are without doubt hotspots of meiofaunal and nematode diversity, especially compared to other non-sedimentary substrates. The posterior carapace sections harbored higher diversity and evenness compared to the anterior and middle sections, suggesting increased colonization and potentially facilitation favoring posterior carapace epibiosis, or increased disturbance on the anterior and middle carapace sections. Our findings also shed new light on the meiofauna paradox: “How do small, benthic meiofauna organisms become cosmopolitan over large geographic ranges?” Considering high loggerhead epibiont colonization, the large distances loggerheads migrate for reproduction and feeding, and the evolutionary age and sheer numbers of sea turtles worldwide, potentially large-scale exchange and dispersal for meiofauna through phoresis is implied. We distinguished different groups of loggerhead carapaces based on divergent epibiont communities, suggesting distinct epibiont colonization processes. These epibiont observations hold potential for investigating loggerhead movements and, hence, their conservation.
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López-Mendilaharsu M, Giffoni B, Monteiro D, Prosdocimi L, Vélez-Rubio GM, Fallabrino A, Estrades A, Santos AS, Lara PH, Pires T, Tiwari M, Bolten AB, Marcovaldi MÂ. Multiple-threats analysis for loggerhead sea turtles in the southwest Atlantic Ocean. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Priority-setting approaches for widely distributed and long-lived species can be challenging. This is especially true for sea turtles, which are species of conservation concern. The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed analysis of threats to identify, quantify and prioritize the main impacts to the loggerhead Caretta caretta population in the southwest Atlantic (SWA) region. A matrix of relative threats was constructed. Threats were identified and classified for 8 different life stages (nesting females, eggs, hatchlings, swim-frenzy transitional stage, juveniles-neritic, juveniles-oceanic, adults-neritic, adults-oceanic) and for 3 ecosystems inhabited by sea turtles (terrestrial, neritic and oceanic). Results indicated that fisheries bycatch represents a major threat for loggerheads in the SWA. The trawl fishery was identified as the main source of mortality for neritic juvenile and adult turtles, whereas juveniles in oceanic areas are mostly impacted by surface longlines. In terrestrial environments, eggs and hatchlings are mainly affected by habitat alteration and by native and exotic predators. Loggerheads have shown a positive nesting trend at their main nesting beaches in the SWA, probably due to long-term conservation efforts to reduce mortality of the different life stages within the terrestrial zone. However, the high mortality rates of juveniles and sub-adults documented at some known foraging grounds represent a reason for concern, as this may affect the overall population trend in the future. This threat analysis provides a tool to review the goals of national action plans, prioritize actions and optimize the allocation of management resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- M López-Mendilaharsu
- Fundação Pró-Tamar, Rua Rubens Guelli 134/ 307, Itaigara - Salvador, CEP: 41815-135 Bahia, Brazil
| | - B Giffoni
- Fundação Pró-Tamar, Rua Rubens Guelli 134/ 307, Itaigara - Salvador, CEP: 41815-135 Bahia, Brazil
| | - D Monteiro
- Núcleo de Educação e Monitoramento Ambiental - NEMA, Rua Maria Araújo 450, 96207-480 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, EcoMega, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, FURG, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - L Prosdocimi
- Programa Regional de Investigación y Conservación de Tortugas Marinas de la Argentina (PRICTMA), 1609 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - GM Vélez-Rubio
- Karumbé NGO, Zoo Villa Dolores, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro Universitario Regional del Este (CURE), Universidad de la República, 27000 Rocha, Uruguay
| | - A Fallabrino
- Karumbé NGO, Zoo Villa Dolores, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Estrades
- Karumbé NGO, Zoo Villa Dolores, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - AS Santos
- Fundação Pró-Tamar, Rua Rubens Guelli 134/ 307, Itaigara - Salvador, CEP: 41815-135 Bahia, Brazil
| | - PH Lara
- Fundação Pró-Tamar, Rua Rubens Guelli 134/ 307, Itaigara - Salvador, CEP: 41815-135 Bahia, Brazil
| | - T Pires
- Fundação Pró-Tamar, Rua Rubens Guelli 134/ 307, Itaigara - Salvador, CEP: 41815-135 Bahia, Brazil
| | - M Tiwari
- NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment Program, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California 92034, USA
| | - AB Bolten
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - MÂ Marcovaldi
- Fundação Pró-Tamar, Rua Rubens Guelli 134/ 307, Itaigara - Salvador, CEP: 41815-135 Bahia, Brazil
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13
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Casale P, Ceriani SA. Sea turtle populations are overestimated worldwide from remigration intervals: correction for bias. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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14
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Shimada T, Limpus CJ, Hamann M, Bell I, Esteban N, Groom R, Hays GC. Fidelity to foraging sites after long migrations. J Anim Ecol 2019; 89:1008-1016. [PMID: 31785174 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Patterns of animal movement associated with foraging lie at the heart of many ecological studies and often animals face decisions of staying in an environment they know versus relocating to new sites. The lack of knowledge of new foraging sites means there is risk associated with a decision to relocate (e.g. poor foraging) as well as a potential benefit (e.g. improved foraging). Using a unique long-term satellite tracking dataset for several sea turtle species, combined with capture-mark-recapture data extending over 50 years, we show how, across species, individuals generally maintain tight fidelity to specific foraging sites after extended (up to almost 10,000 km) migration to and from distant breeding sites as well as across many decades. Migrating individuals often travelled through suitable foraging areas en route to their 'home' site and so extended their journeys to maintain foraging site fidelity. We explore the likely mechanistic underpinnings of this trait, which is also seen in some migrating birds, and suggest that individuals will forgo areas of suitable forage encountered en route during migration when they have poor knowledge of the long-term suitability of those sites, making relocation to those sites risky.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Shimada
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia.,Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Colin J Limpus
- Threatened Species Unit, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Mark Hamann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Ian Bell
- Threatened Species Unit, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Nicole Esteban
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rachel Groom
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Northern Territory Government of Australia, Palmerston, NT, Australia
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15
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Santos EAP, Silva ACCD, Sforza R, Oliveira FLC, Weber MI, Castilhos JC, López-Mendilaharsu M, Marcovaldi MAAG, Ramos RMA, DiMatteo A. Olive ridley inter-nesting and post-nesting movements along the Brazilian coast and Atlantic Ocean. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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16
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Dalleau M, Kramer‐Schadt S, Gangat Y, Bourjea J, Lajoie G, Grimm V. Modeling the emergence of migratory corridors and foraging hot spots of the green sea turtle. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:10317-10342. [PMID: 31624552 PMCID: PMC6787826 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors shape the spatial distribution and dynamics of populations. Understanding how these factors interact with movement behavior is critical for efficient conservation, in particular for migratory species. Adult female green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, migrate between foraging and nesting sites that are generally separated by thousands of kilometers. As an emblematic endangered species, green turtles have been intensively studied, with a focus on nesting, migration, and foraging. Nevertheless, few attempts integrated these behaviors and their trade-offs by considering the spatial configurations of foraging and nesting grounds as well as environmental heterogeneity like oceanic currents and food distribution. We developed an individual-based model to investigate the impact of local environmental conditions on emerging migratory corridors and reproductive output and to thereby identify conservation priority sites. The model integrates movement, nesting, and foraging behavior. Despite being largely conceptual, the model captured realistic movement patterns which confirm field studies. The spatial distribution of migratory corridors and foraging hot spots was mostly constrained by features of the regional landscape, such as nesting site locations, distribution of feeding patches, and oceanic currents. These constraints also explained the mixing patterns in regional forager communities. By implementing alternative decision strategies of the turtles, we found that foraging site fidelity and nesting investment, two characteristics of green turtles' biology, are favorable strategies under unpredictable environmental conditions affecting their habitats. Based on our results, we propose specific guidelines for the regional conservation of green turtles as well as future research suggestions advancing spatial ecology of sea turtles. Being implemented in an easy to learn open-source software, our model can coevolve with the collection and analysis of new data on energy budget and movement into a generic tool for sea turtle research and conservation. Our modeling approach could also be useful for supporting the conservation of other migratory marine animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayeul Dalleau
- Centre d'Etude et de Découverte des Tortues Marines (CEDTM)Saint Leu/La RéunionFrance
| | - Stephanie Kramer‐Schadt
- Department of Ecological DynamicsLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife ResearchBerlinGermany
- Department of EcologyTechnische Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Yassine Gangat
- LIM‐IREMIA, EA2525University of La Réunion, PTUSainte‐Clotilde/La RéunionFrance
| | - Jérôme Bourjea
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MerMARBECUniversité de MontpellierCNRSIfremerIRDSète CedexFrance
| | - Gilles Lajoie
- UMR Espace‐DevUniversity of La RéunionSaint‐DenisFrance
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Ecological ModellingHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZLeipzigGermany
- Department of Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdam‐GolmGermany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigLeipzigGermany
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17
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Farias DSDD, Alencar AEBD, Bomfim ADC, Fragoso ABDL, Rossi S, Moura GJBD, Gavilan SA, Silva FJDL. Marine Turtles Stranded in Northeastern Brazil: Composition, Spatio-Temporal Distribution, and Anthropogenic Interactions. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1309.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Solon Dias de Farias
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, CP 1511, CEP 59078-970, Natal, RN, Brazil [; ; simonealmeidaleandro@gmail
| | - Ana Emília Barboza de Alencar
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca (PCCB – UERN), Laboratório de Monitoramento de Biota Marinha, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Central, CEP 59600-000, Mossoró, RN, Brazil [; ; flavio
| | - Aline da Costa Bomfim
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, CP 1511, CEP 59078-970, Natal, RN, Brazil [; ; simonealmeidaleandro@gmail
| | - Ana Bernadete de Lima Fragoso
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca (PCCB – UERN), Laboratório de Monitoramento de Biota Marinha, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Central, CEP 59600-000, Mossoró, RN, Brazil [; ; flavio
| | - Silmara Rossi
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, CP 1511, CEP 59078-970, Natal, RN, Brazil [; ; simonealmeidaleandro@gmail
| | - Geraldo Jorge Barbosa de Moura
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE). Laboratório de Estudos Herpetológicos e Paleoherpetológicos, CEP 52171-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil []
| | - Simone Almeida Gavilan
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, CP 1511, CEP 59078-970, Natal, RN, Brazil [; ; simonealmeidaleandro@gmail
| | - Flávio José de Lima Silva
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca (PCCB – UERN), Laboratório de Monitoramento de Biota Marinha, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Central, CEP 59600-000, Mossoró, RN, Brazil [; ; flavio
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18
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Omeyer LCM, Fuller WJ, Godley BJ, Snape RTE, Broderick AC. The effect of biologging systems on reproduction, growth and survival of adult sea turtles. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2019; 7:2. [PMID: 30723544 PMCID: PMC6350314 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-018-0145-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemetry and biologging systems, 'tracking' hereafter, have been instrumental in meeting the challenges associated with studying the ecology and behaviour of cryptic, wide-ranging marine mega-vertebrates. Over recent decades, globally, sea turtle tracking has increased exponentially, across species and life-stages, despite a paucity of studies investigating the effects of such devices on study animals. Indeed, such studies are key to informing whether data collected are unbiased and, whether derived estimates can be considered typical of the population at large. METHODS Here, using a 26-year individual-based monitoring dataset on sympatric green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles, we provide the first analysis of the effects of device attachment on reproduction, growth and survival of nesting females. RESULTS We found no significant difference in growth and reproductive correlates between tracked and non-tracked females in the years following device attachment. Similarly, when comparing pre- and post-tracking data, we found no significant difference in the reproductive correlates of tracked females for either species or significant carry-over effects of device attachment on reproductive correlates in green turtles. The latter was not investigated for loggerhead turtles due to small sample size. Finally, we found no significant effects of device attachment on return rates or survival of tracked females for either species. CONCLUSION While there were no significant detrimental effects of device attachment on adult sea turtles in this region, our study highlights the need for other similar studies elsewhere and the value of long-term individual-based monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C. M. Omeyer
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE United Kingdom
| | - Wayne J. Fuller
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Mersin 10, North Cyprus Turkey
- Society for the Protection of Turtles, PK.65 Kyrenia, Mersin 10, North Cyprus Turkey
| | - Brendan J. Godley
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE United Kingdom
| | - Robin T. E. Snape
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE United Kingdom
- Society for the Protection of Turtles, PK.65 Kyrenia, Mersin 10, North Cyprus Turkey
| | - Annette C. Broderick
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE United Kingdom
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19
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RODRIGUEZ CÉSARAUGUSTOB, BEZERRA MOISESF, REZENDE CARLOSEDUARDODE, BASTOS WANDERLEYR, LACERDA LUIZDDE. Mercury and methylmercury in carapace of the marine turtle Caretta caretta, in northeastern Brazil and its potential for environmental monitoring. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2019; 91:e20180672. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920180672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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20
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Mansfield KL, Mendilaharsu ML, Putman NF, Dei Marcovaldi MAG, Sacco AE, Lopez G, Pires T, Swimmer Y. First satellite tracks of South Atlantic sea turtle 'lost years': seasonal variation in trans-equatorial movement. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.1730. [PMID: 29212722 PMCID: PMC5740273 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the South Atlantic Ocean, few data exist regarding the dispersal of young oceanic sea turtles. We characterized the movements of laboratory-reared yearling loggerhead turtles from Brazilian rookeries using novel telemetry techniques, testing for differences in dispersal during different periods of the sea turtle hatching season that correspond to seasonal changes in ocean currents. Oceanographic drifters deployed alongside satellite-tagged turtles allowed us to explore the mechanisms of dispersal (passive drift or active swimming). Early in the hatching season turtles transited south with strong southward currents. Late in the hatching season, when currents flowed in the opposite direction, turtles uniformly moved northwards across the Equator. However, the movement of individuals differed from what was predicted by surface currents alone. Swimming velocity inferred from track data and an ocean circulation model strongly suggest that turtles' swimming plays a role in maintaining their position within frontal zones seaward of the continental shelf. The long nesting season of adults and behaviour of post-hatchlings exposes young turtles to seasonally varying ocean conditions that lead some individuals further into the South Atlantic and others into the Northern Hemisphere. Such migratory route diversity may ultimately buffer the population against environmental changes or anthropologic threats, fostering population resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nathan F Putman
- LGL Ecological Research Associates, Inc., Bryan, TX 77801, USA.,Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | | | - Alexander E Sacco
- Marine Turtle Research Group, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Gustave Lopez
- Projeto TAMAR/Fundação Pró-TAMAR, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Thais Pires
- Projeto TAMAR/Fundação Pró-TAMAR, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Yonat Swimmer
- NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
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21
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Splendiani A, Fioravanti T, Giovannotti M, D’Amore A, Furii G, Totaro G, Nisi Cerioni P, Lucchetti A, Caputo Barucchi V. Mitochondrial DNA reveals the natal origin of Caretta caretta (Testudines: Cheloniidae) stranded or bycaught along the Southwestern Adriatic coasts. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2017.1400597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Splendiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona, Italy
| | - T. Fioravanti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona, Italy
| | - M. Giovannotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona, Italy
| | - A. D’Amore
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona, Italy
| | - G. Furii
- Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine di Legambiente (CRTM) , Manfredonia, Italy
| | - G. Totaro
- Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine di Legambiente (CRTM) , Manfredonia, Italy
| | - P. Nisi Cerioni
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona, Italy
| | - A. Lucchetti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine Sezione Pesca Marittima , Ancona, Italy
| | - V. Caputo Barucchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona, Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine Sezione Pesca Marittima , Ancona, Italy
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22
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Omeyer LCM, Godley BJ, Broderick AC. Growth rates of adult sea turtles. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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23
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Rees ALF, Carreras C, Broderick AC, Margaritoulis D, Stringell TB, Godley BJ. Linking loggerhead locations: using multiple methods to determine the origin of sea turtles in feeding grounds. MARINE BIOLOGY 2017; 164:30. [PMID: 28133395 PMCID: PMC5236075 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-016-3055-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Many marine megavertebrate taxa, including sea turtles, disperse widely from their hatching or birthing locations but display natal homing as adults. We used flipper tagging, satellite tracking and genetics to identify the origin of loggerhead turtles living in Amvrakikos Gulf, Greece. This location has been identified as hosting regionally important numbers of large-juvenile to adult sized turtles that display long-term residency and/or association to the area, and also presents a male biased sex ratio for adults. A total of 20 individuals were linked to nesting areas in Greece through flipper tagging and satellite telemetry, with the majority (16) associated with Zakynthos Island. One additional female was tracked from Amvrakikos Gulf to Turkey where she likely nested. Mitochondrial DNA mixed stock analyses of turtles captured in Amvrakikos Gulf (n = 95) indicated 82% of individuals originated from Greek nesting stocks, mainly from Zakynthos Island (63%), with lesser contributions from central Turkey, Cyprus and Libya. These results suggest that the male-biased sex ratio found in Amvrakikos Gulf may be driven by the fact that males breed twice as frequently on Zakynthos, resulting in their using foraging grounds of greater proximity to the breeding site. Conservation measures in localised foraging habitats for the protection of marine vertebrates, such as sea turtles, may have positive impacts on several disparate breeding stocks and the use of multiple methods to determine source populations can indicate the relative effectiveness of these measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- ALan F. Rees
- ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Solomou 57, 104 32 Athens, Greece
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Carlos Carreras
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics and IRBio, University of Barcelona, Av.Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annette C. Broderick
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Dimitris Margaritoulis
- ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Solomou 57, 104 32 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas B. Stringell
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Brendan J. Godley
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
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24
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Coastal leatherback turtles reveal conservation hotspot. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37851. [PMID: 27886262 PMCID: PMC5122952 DOI: 10.1038/srep37851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the world’s largest reptile – the leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea – conducts flexible foraging migrations that can cover thousands of kilometres between nesting sites and distant foraging areas. The vast distances that may be travelled by migrating leatherback turtles have greatly complicated conservation efforts for this species worldwide. However, we demonstrate, using a combination of satellite telemetry and stable isotope analysis, that approximately half of the nesting leatherbacks from an important rookery in South Africa do not migrate to distant foraging areas, but rather, forage in the coastal waters of the nearby Mozambique Channel. Moreover, this coastal cohort appears to remain resident year-round in shallow waters (<50 m depth) in a relatively fixed area. Stable isotope analyses further indicate that the Mozambique Channel also hosts large numbers of loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta. The rare presence of a resident coastal aggregation of leatherback turtles not only presents a unique opportunity for conservation, but alongside the presence of loggerhead turtles and other endangered marine megafauna in the Mozambique Channel, highlights the importance of this area as a marine biodiversity hotspot.
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25
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Vander Zanden HB, Bolten AB, Tucker AD, Hart KM, Lamont MM, Fujisaki I, Reich KJ, Addison DS, Mansfield KL, Phillips KF, Pajuelo M, Bjorndal KA. Biomarkers reveal sea turtles remained in oiled areas following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:2145-2155. [PMID: 27755731 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Assessments of large-scale disasters, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, are problematic because while measurements of post-disturbance conditions are common, measurements of pre-disturbance baselines are only rarely available. Without adequate observations of pre-disaster organismal and environmental conditions, it is impossible to assess the impact of such catastrophes on animal populations and ecological communities. Here, we use long-term biological tissue records to provide pre-disaster data for a vulnerable marine organism. Keratin samples from the carapace of loggerhead sea turtles record the foraging history for up to 18 years, allowing us to evaluate the effect of the oil spill on sea turtle foraging patterns. Samples were collected from 76 satellite-tracked adult loggerheads in 2011 and 2012, approximately one to two years after the spill. Of the 10 individuals that foraged in areas exposed to surface oil, none demonstrated significant changes in foraging patterns post spill. The observed long-term fidelity to foraging sites indicates that loggerheads in the northern Gulf of Mexico likely remained in established foraging sites, regardless of the introduction of oil and chemical dispersants. More research is needed to address potential long-term health consequences to turtles in this region. Mobile marine organisms present challenges for researchers to monitor effects of environmental disasters, both spatially and temporally. We demonstrate that biological tissues can reveal long-term histories of animal behavior and provide critical pre-disaster baselines following an anthropogenic disturbance or natural disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B Vander Zanden
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, 115 S 1460 E Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, USA.
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525 Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA.
| | - Alan B Bolten
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525 Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| | - Anton D Tucker
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Florida, 34236, USA
| | - Kristen M Hart
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 3321 College Ave, Davie, Florida, 33314, USA
| | - Margaret M Lamont
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 7920 NW 71St St, Gainesville, Florida, 32653, USA
| | - Ikuko Fujisaki
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3205 College Ave, Davie, Florida, 33314, USA
| | - Kimberly J Reich
- Texas A & M Galveston, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, Texas, 77553, USA
| | - David S Addison
- Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, Florida, 34102, USA
| | - Katherine L Mansfield
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr, Orlando, Florida, 32816, USA
| | - Katrina F Phillips
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr, Orlando, Florida, 32816, USA
| | - Mariela Pajuelo
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525 Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| | - Karen A Bjorndal
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525 Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
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Zanden HBV, Tucker AD, Hart KM, Lamont MM, Fuisaki I, Addison D, Mansfield KL, Phillips KF, Wunder MB, Bowen GJ, Pajuelo M, Bolten AB, Bjorndal KA. Determining origin in a migratory marine vertebrate: a novel method to integrate stable isotopes and satellite tracking. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2015; 25:320-335. [PMID: 26263657 DOI: 10.1890/14-0581.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Stable isotope analysis is a useful tool to track animal movements in both terrestrial and marine environments. These intrinsic markers are assimilated through the diet and may exhibit spatial gradients as a result of biogeochemical processes at the base of the food web. In the marine environment, maps to predict the spatial distribution of stable isotopes are limited, and thus determining geographic origin has been reliant upon integrating satellite telemetry and stable isotope data. Migratory sea turtles regularly move between foraging and reproductive areas. Whereas most nesting populations can be easily accessed and regularly monitored, little is known about the demographic trends in foraging populations. The purpose of the present study was to examine migration patterns of loggerhead nesting aggregations in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), where sea turtles have been historically understudied. Two methods of geographic assignment using stable isotope values in known-origin samples from satellite telemetry were compared: (1) a nominal approach through discriminant analysis and (2) a novel continuous-surface approach using bivariate carbon and nitrogen isoscapes (isotopic landscapes) developed for this study. Tissue samples for stable isotope analysis were obtained from 60 satellite-tracked individuals at five nesting beaches within the GoM. Both methodological approaches for assignment resulted in high accuracy of foraging area determination, though each has advantages and disadvantages. The nominal approach is more appropriate when defined boundaries are necessary, but up to 42% of the individuals could not be considered in this approach. All individuals can be included in the continuous-surface approach, and individual results can be aggregated to identify geographic hotspots of foraging area use, though the accuracy rate was lower than nominal assignment. The methodological validation provides a foundation for future sea turtle studies in the region to inexpensively determine geographic origin for large numbers of untracked individuals. Regular monitoring of sea turtle nesting aggregations with stable isotope sampling can be used to fill critical data gaps regarding habitat use and migration patterns. Probabilistic assignment to origin with isoscapes has not been previously used in the marine environment, but the methods presented here could also be applied to other migratory marine species.
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Hart KM, Lamont MM, Sartain AR, Fujisaki I. Migration, foraging, and residency patterns for Northern Gulf loggerheads: implications of local threats and international movements. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103453. [PMID: 25076053 PMCID: PMC4116210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGoM) loggerheads (Caretta caretta) make up one of the smallest subpopulations of this threatened species and have declining nest numbers. We used satellite telemetry and a switching state-space model to identify distinct foraging areas used by 59 NGoM loggerheads tagged during 2010–2013. We tagged turtles after nesting at three sites, 1 in Alabama (Gulf Shores; n = 37) and 2 in Florida (St. Joseph Peninsula; n = 20 and Eglin Air Force Base; n = 2). Peak migration time was 22 July to 9 August during which >40% of turtles were in migration mode; the mean post-nesting migration period was 23.0 d (±13.8 d SD). After displacement from nesting beaches, 44 turtles traveled to foraging sites where they remained resident throughout tracking durations. Selected foraging locations were variable distances from tagging sites, and in 5 geographic regions; no turtles selected foraging sites outside the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Foraging sites delineated using 50% kernel density estimation were located a mean distance of 47.6 km from land and in water with mean depth of −32.5 m; other foraging sites, delineated using minimum convex polygons, were located a mean distance of 43.0 km from land and in water with a mean depth of −24.9 m. Foraging sites overlapped with known trawling activities, oil and gas extraction activities, and the footprint of surface oiling during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill (n = 10). Our results highlight the year-round use of habitats in the GoM by loggerheads that nest in the NGoM. Our findings indicate that protection of females in this subpopulation requires both international collaborations and management of threats that spatially overlap with distinct foraging habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M. Hart
- Southeast Ecological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Davie, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Margaret M. Lamont
- Southeast Ecological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Autumn R. Sartain
- Scientific R&D, Support to U.S. Geological Survey Southeast Ecological Science Center, Cherokee Nation Technology, Solutions, LLC, Davie, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ikuko Fujisaki
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, Florida, United States of America
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Walcott J, Eckert S, Oxenford HA, Horrocks JA. Use of a towed camera system to investigate benthic habitat use by inter-nesting female hawksbill sea turtles. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2014. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Foley AM, Schroeder BA, Hardy R, MacPherson SL, Nicholas M. Long-term behavior at foraging sites of adult female loggerhead sea turtles ( Caretta caretta) from three Florida rookeries. MARINE BIOLOGY 2014; 161:1251-1262. [PMID: 24882883 PMCID: PMC4033788 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-014-2415-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We used satellite telemetry to study behavior at foraging sites of 40 adult female loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from three Florida (USA) rookeries. Foraging sites were located in four countries (USA, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Cuba). We were able to determine home range for 32 of the loggerheads. One turtle moved through several temporary residence areas, but the rest had a primary residence area in which they spent all or most of their time (usually >11 months per year). Twenty-four had a primary residence area that was <500 km2 (mean = 191). Seven had a primary residence area that was ≥500 km2 (range = 573-1,907). Primary residence areas were mostly restricted to depths <100 m. Loggerheads appeared to favor areas with larger-grained sediment (gravel and rock) over areas with smaller-grained sediment (mud). Short-term departures from primary residence areas were either looping excursions, typically involving 1-2 weeks of continuous travel, or movement to a secondary residence area where turtles spent 25-45 days before returning to their primary residence area. Ten turtles had a secondary residence area, and six used it as an overwintering site. For those six turtles, the primary residence area was in shallow water (<17 m) in the northern half of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), and overwintering sites were farther offshore or farther south. We documented long winter dive times (>4 h) for the first time in the GOM. Characterizing behaviors at foraging sites helps inform and assess loggerhead recovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen M. Foley
- Jacksonville Field Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Jacksonville, FL 32218 USA
| | - Barbara A. Schroeder
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA
| | - Robert Hardy
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 USA
| | | | - Mark Nicholas
- National Park Service, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 USA
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Proietti MC, Reisser J, Marins LF, Marcovaldi MA, Soares LS, Monteiro DS, Wijeratne S, Pattiaratchi C, Secchi ER. Hawksbill × loggerhead sea turtle hybrids at Bahia, Brazil: where do their offspring go? PeerJ 2014; 2:e255. [PMID: 24688839 PMCID: PMC3932845 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridization between hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) breeding groups is unusually common in Bahia state, Brazil. Such hybridization is possible because hawksbill and loggerhead nesting activities overlap temporally and spatially along the coast of this state. Nevertheless, the destinations of their offspring are not yet known. This study is the first to identify immature hawksbill × loggerhead hybrids (n = 4) from this rookery by analyzing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 157 immature turtles morphologically identified as hawksbills. We also compare for the first time modeled dispersal patterns of hawksbill, loggerhead, and hybrid offspring considering hatching season and oceanic phase duration of turtles. Particle movements varied according to season, with a higher proportion of particles dispersing southwards throughout loggerhead and hybrid hatching seasons, and northwards during hawksbill season. Hybrids from Bahia were not present in important hawksbill feeding grounds of Brazil, being detected only at areas more common for loggerheads. The genetic and oceanographic findings of this work indicate that these immature hybrids, which are morphologically similar to hawksbills, could be adopting behavioral traits typical of loggerheads, such as feeding in temperate waters of the western South Atlantic. Understanding the distribution, ecology, and migrations of these hybrids is essential for the development of adequate conservation and management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira C Proietti
- Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande , Rio Grande , Brazil
| | - Julia Reisser
- School of Environmental Systems Engineering & Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia ; CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship , Perth , Australia
| | - Luis F Marins
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande , Rio Grande , Brazil
| | | | - Luciano S Soares
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research & Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville , FL , USA
| | - Danielle S Monteiro
- Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande , Rio Grande , Brazil ; Núcleo de Educação e Monitoramento Ambiental , Rio Grande , Brazil
| | - Sarath Wijeratne
- School of Environmental Systems Engineering & Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
| | - Charitha Pattiaratchi
- School of Environmental Systems Engineering & Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
| | - Eduardo R Secchi
- Núcleo de Educação e Monitoramento Ambiental , Rio Grande , Brazil
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Foley AM, Schroeder BA, Hardy R, MacPherson SL, Nicholas M, Coyne MS. Postnesting migratory behavior of loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta from three Florida rookeries. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2013. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Hart KM, Lamont MM, Sartain AR, Fujisaki I, Stephens BS. Movements and habitat-use of loggerhead sea turtles in the northern Gulf of Mexico during the reproductive period. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66921. [PMID: 23843971 PMCID: PMC3700946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nesting strategies and use of important in-water habitats for far-ranging marine turtles can be determined using satellite telemetry. Because of a lack of information on habitat-use by marine turtles in the northern Gulf of Mexico, we used satellite transmitters in 2010 through 2012 to track movements of 39 adult female breeding loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) tagged on nesting beaches at three sites in Florida and Alabama. During the nesting season, recaptured turtles emerged to nest 1 to 5 times, with mean distance between emergences of 27.5 km; however, several turtles nested on beaches separated by ∼250 km within a single season. Mean total distances traveled throughout inter-nesting periods for all turtles was 1422.0±930.8 km. In-water inter-nesting sites, delineated using 50% kernel density estimation (KDE), were located a mean distance of 33.0 km from land, in water with mean depth of −31.6 m; other in-water inter-nesting sites, delineated using minimum convex polygon (MCP) approach, were located a mean 13.8 km from land and in water with a mean depth of −15.8 m. Mean size of in-water inter-nesting habitats were 61.9 km2 (50% KDEs, n = 10) and 741.4 km2 (MCPs, n = 30); these areas overlapped significantly with trawling and oil and gas extraction activities. Abundance estimates for this nesting subpopulation may be inaccurate in light of how much spread there is between nests of the same individual. Further, our results also have consequences for critical habitat designations for northern Gulf loggerheads, as protection of one nesting beach would not encompass the entire range used by turtles during breeding seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Hart
- Southeast Ecological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Davie, Florida, United States of America.
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Shaver DJ, Hart KM, Fujisaki I, Rubio C, Sartain AR, Peña J, Burchfield PM, Gamez DG, Ortiz J. Foraging area fidelity for Kemp's ridleys in the Gulf of Mexico. Ecol Evol 2013; 3:2002-12. [PMID: 23919146 PMCID: PMC3728941 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
For many marine species, locations of key foraging areas are not well defined. We used satellite telemetry and switching state-space modeling (SSM) to identify distinct foraging areas used by Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) tagged after nesting during 1998–2011 at Padre Island National Seashore, Texas, USA (PAIS; N = 22), and Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico (RN; N = 9). Overall, turtles traveled a mean distance of 793.1 km (±347.8 SD) to foraging sites, where 24 of 31 turtles showed foraging area fidelity (FAF) over time (N = 22 in USA, N = 2 in Mexico). Multiple turtles foraged along their migratory route, prior to arrival at their “final” foraging sites. We identified new foraging “hotspots” where adult female Kemp's ridley turtles spent 44% of their time during tracking (i.e., 2641/6009 tracking days in foraging mode). Nearshore Gulf of Mexico waters served as foraging habitat for all turtles tracked in this study; final foraging sites were located in water <68 m deep and a mean distance of 33.2 km (±25.3 SD) from the nearest mainland coast. Distance to release site, distance to mainland shore, annual mean sea surface temperature, bathymetry, and net primary production were significant predictors of sites where turtles spent large numbers of days in foraging mode. Spatial similarity of particular foraging sites selected by different turtles over the 13-year tracking period indicates that these areas represent critical foraging habitat, particularly in waters off Louisiana. Furthermore, the wide distribution of foraging sites indicates that a foraging corridor exists for Kemp's ridleys in the Gulf. Our results highlight the need for further study of environmental and bathymetric components of foraging sites and prey resources contained therein, as well as international cooperation to protect essential at-sea foraging habitats for this imperiled species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna J Shaver
- National Park Service Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, TX, 78480-1300
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Marcovaldi MÂ, Lopez GG, Soares LS, López-Mendilaharsu M. Satellite tracking of hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata nesting in northern Bahia, Brazil: turtle movements and foraging destinations. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2012. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Hawkes LA, Witt MJ, Broderick AC, Coker JW, Coyne MS, Dodd M, Frick MG, Godfrey MH, Griffin DB, Murphy SR, Murphy TM, Williams KL, Godley BJ. Home on the range: spatial ecology of loggerhead turtles in Atlantic waters of the USA. DIVERS DISTRIB 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2011.00768.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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