Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. M. P. B. Fuentes, A. J. B. Santos, A. Abreu-Grobois, R. Briseno-Duenas, J. Al-Khayat, S. Hamza, S. Saliba, D. Anderson, K. W. Rusenko, N. J. Mitchell, M. Gammon, B. P. Bentley, D. Beton, D. T. B. Booth, A. C. Broderick, L. P. Colman, R. T. E. Snape, M. F. Calderon-Campuzano, E. Cuevas, M. C. Lopez-Castro, C. D. Flores-Aguirre, F. Mendez de la Cruz, Y. Segura-Garcia, A. Ruiz-Garcia, S. Fossette, C. R. Gatto, R. D. Reina, M. Girondot, M. Godfrey, V. Guzman-Hernandez, C. E. Hart, Y. Kaska, P. H. Lara, M. A. G. D. Marcovaldi, A. M. LeBlanc, D. Rostal, M. J. Liles, J. Wyneken, A. Lolavar, S. A. Williamson, M. Manoharakrishnan, C. Pusapati, M. Chatting, S. Mohd Salleh, A. R. Patricio, A. Regalla, J. Restrepo, R. Garcia, P. Santidrian Tomillo, C. Sezgin, K. Shanker, F. Tapilatu, O. Turkozan, R. A. Valverde, K. Williams, C. Yilmaz, N. Tolen, R. Nel, J. Tucek, D. Legouvello, M. L. Rivas, C. Gaspar, M. Touron, Q. Genet, M. Salmon, M. R. Araujo, J. B. Freire, V. D. Castheloge, P. R. Jesus, P. D. Ferreira, F. V. Paladino, D. Montero-Flores, D. Sozbilen, J. R. Monsinjon
Summary: Sea turtles are vulnerable to climate change, as warmer temperatures affect their reproductive output. The study finds that phenological shifts alone may not be sufficient to mitigate the impacts of temperature increases on sea turtles, suggesting the need for other adaptive responses or enhancing sea turtle resilience.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yoshiya Yamamura, Kazuki Takeda, Yusuke K. Kawai, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Chiyo Kitayama, Satomi Kondo, Chiho Kezuka, Mari Taniguchi, Mayumi Ishizuka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama
Summary: The research found that green sea turtles exhibited a higher sensitivity to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) compared to rats when administered warfarin, highlighting the importance of protecting turtles following accidental AR exposure incidents.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shreya M. Banerjee, Jamie Adkins Stoll, Camryn D. Allen, Jennifer M. Lynch, Heather S. Harris, Lauren Kenyon, Richard E. Connon, Eleanor J. Sterling, Eugenia Naro-Maciel, Kathryn McFadden, Margaret M. Lamont, James Benge, Nadia B. Fernandez, Jeffrey A. Seminoff, Scott R. Benson, Rebecca L. Lewison, Tomoharu Eguchi, Tammy M. Summers, Jessy R. Hapdei, Marc R. Rice, Summer Martin, T. Todd Jones, Peter H. Dutton, George H. Balazs, Lisa M. Komoroske
Summary: Transcriptomic data has demonstrated the utility of physiological diversity and responses to environmental stressors in marine turtles. The study generated high quality blood transcriptome assemblies for multiple turtle species, showing distinct gene expression signatures between species and foraging aggregations, providing valuable insights into functional genomics underlying diversity and evolutionary ecology in marine turtles.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Camila Miguel, Monica Ryff Moreira Vianna, Marcelo Renan de Deus Santos
Summary: This study evaluated the reproductive success and trace elements concentrations in loggerhead turtles from an area affected by mining waste and compared them with turtles from an unaffected area. Results showed that turtles from the affected area had higher concentrations of certain metals, which may influence incubation period and reproductive success.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam Yaney-Keller, Ricardo San Martin, Richard D. Reina
Summary: Surveying the breeding population of marine turtles, specifically green sea turtles, using a combination of boat and UAV proved to be effective in detecting the presence and determining the sex ratio of turtles at different stages of the nesting season, revealing a shift from male-biased to female-biased as the season progressed. The use of UAVs significantly increased the rate of turtles observed per minute compared to boat surveys, demonstrating UAVs as an important tool in studying difficult-to-observe aspects of sea turtle biology. The departure of males during the peak nesting season is likely due to biological costs and limited foraging opportunities, impacting the overall reproductive strategy of the species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ian Silver-Gorges, Simona A. Ceriani, Matthew Ware, Megan Lamb, Margaret Lamont, Janice Becker, Raymond R. Carthy, Chris Matechik, Joseph Mitchell, Raya Pruner, Mike Reynolds, Bradley Smith, Caitlin Snyder, Mariana M. P. B. Fuentes
Summary: Efforts to focus on the most impactful disturbances at just five sites could increase annual hatchling production by 2.2-6.7% for the Northern Gulf of Mexico loggerheads. Ongoing efforts to mitigate washovers and washouts in Alabama may not be effective against tropical cyclones, which accounted for >80% of washouts in the present study. Further research is needed to understand the adverse side-effects of management actions on predation.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabriel Jorgewich-Cohen, Rafael S. Henrique, Pedro Henrique Dias, Marcelo R. Sanchez-Villagra
Summary: Optimal egg size theory suggests that changes in egg and clutch characteristics are driven by selection, aiming for the largest possible production of offspring with the highest fitness. Our study found that large-bodied turtles tend to produce larger clutches with small and round eggs, while smaller species produce small clutches with large and elongated eggs. We also observed inverse correlations between egg shape and size with clutch size, with different evolutionary rates. Additionally, there is evidence of convergence in reproductive strategies among different turtle lineages. Climatic zone and diet were identified as important ecological factors influencing egg and clutch traits among turtles.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Adriana Trotta, Mariarosaria Marinaro, Alessio Sposato, Michela Galgano, Stefano Ciccarelli, Serena Paci, Marialaura Corrente
Summary: Gram negative organisms are frequently isolated from loggerhead sea turtles and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance dissemination. Clinical isolates from injured animals showed significantly higher antimicrobial resistance rates compared to commensal isolates, except for doxycycline. High antimicrobial resistance rates in loggerheads impact antibiotic therapy choices and conservation programs.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alicia Inurria, Angelo Santana, Ana B. Casal, Pascual Calabuig, Alejandro Suarez-Perez, Jorge Oros
Summary: This study compares the efficacy and effects on acid-base and electrolyte status of four different crystalloids in stranded sea turtles, and finds that the combination of 0.9% NaCl and lactated Ringer's solutions is the most effective in resolving acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Edward McGinley, Avery Cogley, Leslie Palmer, Patricia McCaul, Lilli Longo, Jasmine Silvennoinen, Angela Martin, Josalyn Gomez, Sydney Bachmaier, Michaela Mackey, Chris Kao, Scott Eastman, Catherine Eastman
Summary: This study conducted an 18-month observation on juvenile green sea turtles feeding on algae in the local marinas in Florida. The researchers successfully identified 195 individual turtles and found that the numbers were highest in summer and lowest in winter. These findings provide valuable information for conservation efforts.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Arthur D. Barraza, Kimberly A. Finlayson, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Jason P. van de Merwe
Summary: This paper systematically reviewed the reproductive toxicology of all reptiles, finding maternal transfer of contaminants, sex steroid alterations, sex reversal, developmental abnormalities, and egg contamination as common effects across all reptile taxa. These findings suggest the need for further research into how anthropogenic pollutants impact reproductive output in threatened reptiles.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sude Celik, Damla Beton, Burak Ali Cicek, Robin T. E. Snape, Eyup Baskale
Summary: There are differences in metal accumulation levels in liver, kidney, heart, and muscle samples from green turtles and loggerhead turtles stranded in Northern Cyprus. Some elements in the same tissue significantly differed between the two species, likely due to their different feeding habits and exposure to different levels of metals. Additionally, there were associations among elements within tissues and across different tissues, indicating differential accumulation of elements among organs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Bianca S. Santos, Larry B. Crowder
Summary: Media plays a crucial role in informing individuals about less observable topics, such as remote environmental issues and wildlife. However, the media's disproportionate focus on threats like pollution and resource use in sea turtle conservation may not align with scientific consensus, potentially leading to public misinformation.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Roy D. Nagle, Travis J. Russell, Christopher J. Grant, Melissa Innerst, Seth J. Strawser
Summary: Natal philopatry is important for population genetics and habitat connectivity, but long-term mark-recapture studies on this are rare. This study found that a few long-lived "Super Moms" have greatly contributed to the population viability of Northern Map Turtles by returning to their birthplace to nest. The timing of release and exposure to contaminants in the Juniata River also influenced the probability of turtles returning.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Flora Siegwalt, Lorene Jeantet, Pierre Lelong, Jordan Martin, Marc Girondot, Paco Bustamante, Abdelwahab Benhalilou, Celine Murgale, Lucas Andreani, Francois Jacaria, Guilhem Campistron, Anthony Lathiere, Charlene Barotin, Gaelle Buret-Rochas, Philippe Barre, Gaelle Hielard, Alexandre Arque, Sidney Regis, Nicolas Lecerf, Cedric Frouin, Fabien Lefebvre, Nathalie Aubert, Mosiah Arthus, Denis Etienne, Jean-Pierre Allenou, Cesar Delnatte, Rachelle Lafolle, Florence Thobor, Pascale Chevallier, Tao Chevallier, Muriel Lepori, Cindy Assio, Clement Grand, Marc Bonola, Yannick Tursi, Pierre-Walter Varkala, Stephane Meslier, Anthony Landreau, Yvon Le Maho, Caroline Habold, Jean-Patrice Robin, Damien Chevallier
Summary: The invasion of Halophila stipulacea has had an impact on the foraging behavior and food resource selection of green turtles. The consequences of their increased consumption of this invasive species on the turtles' growth and survival remain to be determined. Urgent protection is necessary to ensure the long-term adaptation of green turtles to this new foraging environment, safeguarding native seagrass beds and immature turtles from human disturbances.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Luciana Medeiros, Milani Chaloupka, Alan B. Bolten, Eduardo M. von Muhlen, Alexsandro Santos, Ana C. J. Marcondes, Joao C. A. Thome, Maria Angela Marcovaldi, Karen A. Bjorndal
Summary: Trindade Island in Brazil is a remote volcanic island with a genetically distinct and the largest green turtle nesting aggregation in the southwest Atlantic. The study finds that the population of green turtles on Trindade Island remains stable, which contrasts with the increasing trends observed in other areas of the Atlantic.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Raphael T. F. Coimbra, Rafael F. Magalhaes, Priscila Lemes, Flavia R. Miranda, Fabricio R. Santos
Summary: In this study, the phylogeography, distribution, ecology, and historical demography of the Brazilian populations of giant anteaters were investigated. The research found two distinct mtDNA clusters and highlighted the importance of the Brazilian Cerrado as a priority biome for the conservation of the species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sibelle Torres Vilaca, Anelise Torres Hahn, Eugenia Naro-Maciel, F. Alberto Abreu-Grobois, Brian W. Bowen, Jaqueline C. Castilhos, Claudio Ciofi, Nancy N. FitzSimmons, Michael P. Jensen, Angela Formia, Colin J. Limpus, Chiara Natali, Luciano S. Soares, Benoit de Thoisy, Scott D. Whiting, Sandro L. Bonatto
Summary: The study on marine turtles' historical biogeography provides insight into the genetic diversity, connectivity, and population demography of globally distributed species. The findings reveal significant genetic structure among different regions, with the Atlantic Ocean and Indo-West Pacific being more closely related. The dispersal pattern of olive ridleys suggests a male-biased dispersal, and the Atlantic Ocean exhibits the lowest genetic diversity.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Flavia R. Miranda, Guilherme S. T. Garbino, Fabio A. Machado, Fernando A. Perini, Fabricio R. Santos, Daniel M. Casali
Summary: A taxonomic revision of maned sloths revealed the presence of two species: the northern maned sloth and the southern maned sloth. These species diverged in the Early Pliocene and are distributed allopatrically. The conservation status of both species needs to be reassessed.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sarah Maria Vargas, Ana Carolina Barcelos, Rita Gomes Rocha, Paula Guimaraes, Lais Amorim, Arturo Martinelli, Fabricio Rodrigues Santos, Jose Erickson, Ana Claudia Jorge Marcondes, Sandra Ludwig
Summary: This study conducted genetic assessment of the South West Atlantic subpopulation of leatherback turtles and found genetic differences and two different genetic clusters. The low number of reproductive females in the subpopulation may be due to breeding occurrence in other nesting areas, as well as mating behaviors and inbreeding avoidance. The low remigration rates estimated for the subpopulation may be related to high mortality rates at sea.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Fabricio R. Santos, Jose E. Santos-Junior
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Roberto Biello, Andrea Brunelli, Giulia Sozio, Katja Havenstein, Alessio Mortelliti, Valerio Ketmaier, Sibelle Torres Vilaca, Giorgio Bertorelle
Summary: The negative impact of habitat fragmentation due to human activities on different species co-existing in the same area can vary, affecting the development of environmental protection plans. This study examined the effects of natural and anthropic landscape features on gene flow patterns in two sympatric species with different specializations. The results revealed that the dispersal abilities of a generalist and specialist species were reflected in their genetic structure despite extensive habitat changes caused by human activities. The negative effects of fragmentation due to urbanization were partially mitigated by cultivated terrains subdivided by hedgerows for both species.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sibelle T. Vilaca, Francesco Maroso, Paulo Lara, Benoit de Thoisy, Damien Chevallier, Larissa Souza Arantes, Fabricio R. Santos, Giorgio Bertorelle, Camila J. Mazzoni
Summary: Hybridization and introgression patterns in the Brazilian sea turtle population were investigated using RAD-Seq markers, mitogenomes, and satellite telemetry. The study found that all adult hybrids were first generation (F1) and most displayed loggerhead migratory behavior. Paternal leakage and different proportions of mitochondria from maternal and paternal species were also detected.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jose R. Sandoval, Susana Revollo, Cinthia Cuellar, Daniela R. Lacerda, Marilza S. Jota, Ricardo Fujita, Fabricio R. Santos
Summary: During the colonial period in South America, the genetic makeup of autochthonous populations was impacted and reconfigured due to relocation by European missionary reductions and other factors. This study used DNA comparison studies to explore the genetic relationships among Takanan and Panoan-speaking peoples in the Amazonian areas of Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. The results revealed a shared ancestry between these groups, consistent with linguistic evidence and indicating an early Arawak expansion in the western Amazonia.
ANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sibelle T. Vilaca, Michael E. Donaldson, Andrea Benazzo, Tyler J. Wheeldon, Maria Teresa Vizzari, Giorgio Bertorelle, Brent R. Patterson, Christopher J. Kyle
Summary: Eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) in southeastern Canada have been a topic of controversy. Mitochondrial DNA analysis suggests that they evolved in North America, while nuclear genome studies indicate they are a hybrid entity. By sequencing whole genomes, it was discovered that eastern wolves are a distinct taxonomic entity that evolved separately from grey wolves for about 67,000 years with a hybridization event with coyotes about 37,000 years ago. Great Lakes wolves originated from admixture between grey wolves and eastern wolves after the last glaciation, while eastern coyotes originated from admixture between western coyotes and eastern wolves in the last century. Eastern wolf nuclear genomes show signs of historical and contemporary gene flow with grey wolves and coyotes.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Caroline Batistim Oswald, Rafael Felix de Magalhaes, Paulo C. A. Garcia, Fabricio R. Santos, Selvino Neckel-Oliveira
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of the threatened frog Ischnocnema manezinho and confirms its restricted range to Santa Catarina Island in Brazil. It also highlights the threat posed by urban expansion and emphasizes the need for protection and monitoring.
Article
Ecology
Madison Wikston, Brie-Anne A. Breton, Sibelle Torres Vilaca, Amanda M. M. Bennett, Christopher J. J. Kyle, David V. V. Beresford, David Lesbarreres, Chris C. C. Wilson, David M. M. Green, Marie-Josee Fortin, Dennis L. L. Murray
Summary: Documenting biodiversity and species occurrence is challenging due to the complex life history and behavior of anurans. Traditional amphibian monitoring techniques may be complemented by the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys, which have shown promising results. In this study, we compared the efficacy of eDNA detection using quantitative PCR (qPCR) with three conventional survey methods for anuran detection. Our results showed that all methods had imperfect detection, but eDNA surveys detected the highest species richness and required fewer sampling events. The composition of amphibian communities varied among survey methods and sampling events, highlighting the need for multiple monitoring methods tailored to individual species or communities.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
Anna L. Gosling, Edana Lord, James Boocock, Sophia Cameron-Christie, K. Ann Horsburgh, Olga Kardailsky, Stefan Prost, Stephen Wilcox, David Addison, Adam Thompson, John Kalolo, Andrew C. Clarke, Elizabeth A. Matisoo-Smith
Summary: This study compares the genomic data of the current population and ancient individuals from Tokelau, finding less genetic diversity compared to other Polynesian populations. Rare mitochondrial lineages suggest prehistoric settlement by people from the northwest. Ancient DNA data supports the previous population abandonment and resettlement on Atafu, the northernmost atoll of Tokelau, from a population of Samoan or Samoan-origin. The study also reveals links between Tokelau and other atoll populations in the western Pacific.
JOURNAL OF ISLAND & COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Jaqueline C. De Castilhos, Bruno Giffoni, Luciana Medeiros, Alexsandro Santos, Frederico Tognin, Augusto Cesar Coelho Dias Da Silva, Fabio Lira Das Candeias Oliveira, Ederson Luiz Fonseca, Marilda Ines Weber, Ana Carolina Correa De Melo, Joao Artur Gonzalez De Abreu, Maria Angela Marcovaldi, Manjula Tiwari
Summary: Northeastern Brazil has seen a significant increase in the number of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles nests over the past 16 years. The annual nest counts have been trending upwards, with a particularly large increase observed every two years. There has been a 50-fold increase in nesting numbers since 1991/1992. Despite this positive trend, incidental catch in trawl fishery poses a significant threat to the population stability of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in Brazil.
HERPETOLOGICAL CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY
(2022)