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349 results for “tortoises”
Mapping the geographic origin of captive and confiscated Hermann's tortoises: a genetic toolkit for conservation and forensic analyses
<p>The illegal trade has been threatening tortoise populations worldwide for decades. Nowadays, however, DNA typing and forensic genetic approaches allow us to investigate the geographic origin of confiscated animals and to relocate them into the wild, providing that suitable molecular tools and reference data are available. Here we assess the suitability of a small panel of microsatellite markers to investigate patterns of illegal translocations and to assist forensic genetic applications in the endangered Mediterranean land tortoise <em>Testudo hermanni hermanni</em>. Specific allelic ladders were created for each locus and tested on several reference samples. We used the microsatellite panel to (i) increase our understanding of the population genetic structure in wild populations with new data from previously unsampled geographic areas (overall 461 wild individuals from 28 sampling sites); (ii) detect the presence of non-native individuals in wild populations; and (iii) identify the most likely geographic area of origin of 458 confiscated individuals hosted in Italian seizure and recovery centers. Our analysis initially identified six major genetic clusters corresponding to different geographic macro-areas along the Mediterranean range. Long-distance migrants among wild populations, due to translocations, were found and removed from the reference database. Assignment tests allowed us to allocate approximately 70% of confiscated individuals of unknown origin to one of the six Mediterranean macro-areas. Most of the assigned tortoises belonged to the genetic cluster corresponding to the area where the respective captivity center was located. However, we also found evidence of long-distance origins of confiscated individuals, especially in centers along the Adriatic coast and facing the Balkan regions, a well-known source of illegally traded individuals. Our results clearly show that the microsatellite panel and the reference dataset can play a beneficial role in reintroduction and repatriation projects when confiscated individuals need to be re-assigned to their respective macro-area of origin before release, and can assist future forensic genetic applications in detecting the illegal trade and possession of <em>Testudo hermanni</em> individuals.</p>
First detection of herpesvirus and mycoplasma in free-ranging Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni), and in potential pet vectors
<p>Two types of pathogens cause highly contagious upper respiratory tract diseases (URTD) in Chelonians: testudinid herpesviruses (TeHV) and a mycoplasma (<em>Mycoplasma agassizii</em>). In captivity, these infections are frequent and can provoke outbreaks. Pet trade generates international flow of tortoises, often without sanitary checking; individuals intentionally or accidentally released in the wild may spread pathogens. A better understanding of the transmission of infectious agents from captivity to wild tortoises is needed. Many exotic individuals have been introduced in populations of the endangered western Hermann’s tortoise (<em>Testudo hermanni hermanni</em>), notably spur-thighed tortoises (<em>Testudo graeca</em>). We assessed the presence of TeHV and mycoplasma in native western Hermann’s tortoises and in potential pet vectors in south-eastern France. Using a large sample (N=572 tortoises), this study revealed the worrying presence of herpesvirus in 7 free-ranging individuals (3 sub-populations). Additionally, <em>Mycoplasma agassizii</em> was detected in 15 of the 18 populations sampled with a frequency ranging from 2.5 to 25%. Exotic spur-thighed tortoises showed high frequency of <em>Mycoplasma </em>infection in captivity (18%) and in individuals (50%) found in native Hermann’s tortoise sub-populations, suggesting that this species could be a significant vector. The paucity of information of TeHV on European tortoise’ URTD in natural settings, especially in combination with mycoplasma, prompts for further studies. Indeed, sick tortoises remain concealed and may not be easily detected in the field. Our results indicate that both the prevalence and health impact of URTD are high should be scrutinized in the field.</p>
BiXi: A Mythological Tortoise
**Watch Timelapse Here: https://youtu.be/nMhk1ZE96tI** 贔屭 BiXi, a mythological creature, is the son of dragon. It is able to carry heavy stuff. Learn more on wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bixi People put its sculptures at some special places like temples. Stele or anything it carries must be important. The content I put on the stele is "放啥都可 Put whatever you want! " Source: Objaverse 1.0 / Sketchfab
Fig. 2 in Home Range Of The Spur-Thighed Tortoise, Testudo Graeca (Testudines, Testudinidae), In The National Park Of El-Kala, Algeria
Fig. 2. View of the study area with different habitats.
Fig. 1 in Home Range Of The Spur-Thighed Tortoise, Testudo Graeca (Testudines, Testudinidae), In The National Park Of El-Kala, Algeria
Fig. 1. Location of the study site in the National Park of El Kala, in north-eastern Algeria.
Fig. 3 in Home Range Of The Spur-Thighed Tortoise, Testudo Graeca (Testudines, Testudinidae), In The National Park Of El-Kala, Algeria
Fig. 3. Tortoises locations (A) in relation to Dwarf palm distribution (B) on the study site.
Micro and macroclimatic constraints on the activity of a vulnerable tortoise: a mechanistic approach under a thermal niche view
<p>1. Thermal constraints imposed by the environment limit the activity time of ectotherms and have been a central issue in ecophysiology. Assessing these restrictions is key to determining the vulnerability of species to changing thermal niches and developing conservation strategies. 2. We generate an explicit tortoise model of thermal constraints at both micro and macroclimate scales based on thermophysiology parameters and environmental operative temperatures during a biologically significant period. As a study model, we use a vulnerable species of gopher tortoise (Gopherus evgoodei), whose primary habitat is the tropical dry forests in northwestern Mexico. 4. Our mechanistic model is based on a monitoring of 5-years of environmental operative temperatures (Te). Here, we use the hours of activity (ha) and hours of thermal restriction (hr), calculated from the voluntary temperature range of G. evgoodei with respect to Te, to project and compare the thermal constraints across space and time. In addition, this model was projected using a pessimistic climate change scenario for 2070 (RCP 8.5). 5. The results show that the period of activity of G. evgoodei, predicted by ha and hr, is limited by the frequency and availability of Te and differs significantly throughout the year and among years. In addition, under the RCP 8.5 scenario, we predict that hr will increase considerably and exceed the critical value (3.11 hr) placing this species as highly vulnerable. 6. We discuss and compare the period of potential activity, thermoregulation strategies, and costs and benefits with other Gopherus species. Finally, we identify critical areas to develop management strategies for protecting this Mexican endemic tortoise.</p>
Microsatellite genotypes for temporal monitoring of the Floreana Island Galapagos Giant Tortoise captive breeding program
<p><span>Captive breeding programs benefit from genetic analyses that identify relatedness between individuals, assign parentage to offspring, and track levels of genetic diversity. Monitoring these parameters across breeding cycles is critical to the success of a captive breeding program as it allows conservation managers to iteratively evaluate and adjust program structure. However, in practice, genetic tracking of breeding outcomes is rarely conducted. Here, we examined the first three offspring cohorts (2017 – 2020) of the genetically-informed captive breeding program for the Floreana Island Galapagos giant tortoise, </span><em><span>Chelonoidis niger</span></em><span>. This captive breeding program is unique as the Floreana tortoise has been extinct since the 1800s, but its genome </span><span>persists, in part, in the form of living hybrids with the extant Volcano Wolf tortoise, <em>Chelonoidis becki</em>. Breeding over the study period took place at the Galapagos National Park Directorate breeding facility in four corrals, each containing three females and two males. Using 17 microsatellite markers, we were able to assign parentage to 94 of the 98 offspring produced over the study period. </span><span>We observe that despite the addition of more founders since the pilot breeding program, the effective population size remains low, and changes to the arrangements of breeding corrals may be necessary to encourage more equal reproductive output from the males. </span><span>This study demonstrates the value of hybrids for species restoration and the importance of continually reassessing the outcomes of captive breeding. </span></p>
Tortoise / Armadillo Ocarina
Ocarina in the shape of a tortoise (or possibly an armadillo?). Original is terracotta, glazed on the upper parts, and was purchased from a street vendor in Chicago (Ill.), c. 2004. Scanned using HP/David scanner at Middlebury College Library during trainer certification with kristygd. This model is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license; please credit to "Patrick R. Wallace". See https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode for user license terms. Source: Objaverse 1.0 / Sketchfab
Data from: Reproductive ecology of the critically endangered pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) in the wild
<p>Reproduction of the pancake tortoise in the wild has remained poorly known over the decades. This study fills the knowledge gap by investigating the reproductive ecology of the species in its natural habitats in Kenya. Data were collected using the time-constrained search-and-seize method, group-level scan sampling, radio tracking, and camera-trapping. Our observations revealed a total of 19 mating events that occurred between December and April, predominantly during the rainy seasons. Mating duration averaged 15.2±2.4 minutes. Male-male aggression was observed during the mating season, with the dominant male keeping off all other males and mating with the resident females. Nest preparation events occurred between April and June. Nine nesting events were recorded, but in only five of them was an egg deposited. The nests were dug in loose soil, appeared almost circular, and measured 8.4±0.9 cm wide and 7.0±0.1 cm deep (n=7). The average clutch size was one egg. The eggs were white, hard-shelled, oval, and elongated measuring 4.4±0.4 cm long, 2.7±0.04 cm wide and weighed 17±0.6 g (n=3). Incubation period lasted 177± 5.7 days (n=2), and hatching coincided with the onset of the short rainy season in November, aligned with the availability of abundant food for the tortoises. The hatchlings were minimally wider than long, having an average straight carapace length of 4.5±0.6 cm, an average width of 4.5±0.4 cm, and on average weighed 14.7±3.7g, (N=9). They remained near the nest site for 4-5 days before relocating to tiny rock crevices away from the adult tortoise crevices. Egg and hatchling predation was high, with four of the total of six eggs, observed after they were laid, being destroyed. Three juveniles, out of nine, were also eaten by predators. These findings contribute useful information for the formulation of effective conservation and management strategies for this critically endangered species.</p>
Fig. 1 in A Case of winter activity of the Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789) (Reptilia: Testudinidae) from Bulgaria
Fig. 1. The plantation of Quercus suber and the adult female T. hermanni recorded in it.
Fig. 1 in A Different Perspective on Sex Dimorphism in the Adult Hermann's Tortoise: Geometric Morphometry.
Fig. 1. HS: Humeral suture, PS: Pectoral suture, FS: Femoral suture.
Fig. 1 in Hyalomma aegyptium the dominant hard tick in tortoises Tesdudo hermanni boettgeri found in different regions of Albania
Fig. 1. The study area from the central to south of Albania.
Images 13–20 in Long-horned Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Tortoise Beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) of Tripura, northeastern India with some new additions
Images 13–20. Cassidinae beetles.
Images 1–12 in Long-horned Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Tortoise Beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) of Tripura, northeastern India with some new additions
Images 1–12. Cerambycidae beetles.
Figure 2 in The first substantiated case of trans-oceanic tortoise dispersal
Figure 2. Map showing probable dispersal route.
Figure 3 in The first substantiated case of trans-oceanic tortoise dispersal
Figure 3. Aldabra tortoise at sea off Alphonse in December 2005. Photograph: J. Gerlach.
Navigating agricultural landscapes: Responses of critically endangered giant tortoises to farmland vegetation and infrastructure
<p><strong>Context</strong>: Interactions between wildlife and anthropogenic infrastructure, such as roads, fences, and dams, can influence wildlife movement, and potentially cause human-wildlife conflict. In the Galapagos archipelago, two species of critically endangered giant tortoise encounter infrastructure and human-modified vegetation in farms, which could influence movement choices.</p> <p><strong>Objectives</strong>: We investigated factors influencing tortoise movement and habitat selection in the agricultural landscape of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong>: We examined the movement of 27 tortoises collected using GPS tracking between 2014 and 2020, in relation to the location of vegetation, ponds, fences, and roads.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> We found that tortoises preferred pasture over native vegetation, but there was little difference among their preferences for native vegetation, crops, or invasive vegetation. Tortoises also travelled slower in pasture, and faster in invasive vegetation, compared to crops and native vegetation. Tortoises were more likely to be found closer to ponds than predicted by chance. Our results indicated that most fences were porous to tortoises, with limited impact on their movement. Tortoises were more likely to use areas near roads with low-traffic.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Pastures and ponds are important habitats for tortoises in farms and are likely to be used preferentially by tortoises. Overall, fences and roads did not strongly obstruct tortoise movements, however, this may lead to potential injury to tortoises on roads and property damage for farmers. To best identify priority areas for managing wildlife on farms, we recommend evaluating the combined effects of multiple anthropogenic landscape features on wildlife movements.</p>
Raw data from: Environmental variation structures reproduction and recruitment in long-lived mega-herbivores: Galapagos Giant Tortoises
<p>Understanding drivers of vital rates is important for testing life history theory, predicting population dynamics, and guiding conservation. Migratory, long-lived animals are important to life history theory because they present an extreme among trade-offs in vital rates: delayed maturity, low fecundity, variable recruitment rates, and long generation times. Understanding how vital rates respond to environmental variation has been elusive for such species because of difficulties in studying wide-ranging animals over extended periods. Populations that live on elevation gradients can provide tractable study systems because considerable environmental change occurs over small geographic distances. Galapagos tortoises are an iconic example; they are long-lived, migrate seasonally, face multiple anthropogenic threats, and have cryptic early life history stages for which vital rates are unknown. From 2012–2021, we studied the reproductive ecology of two species of Galapagos tortoises along elevation gradients that coincided with substantial change in climate and vegetation productivity. Specifically, we 1) measured physical and reproductive condition of adult females, 2) tracked the movements of 33 adult females using GPS telemetry, and re-located them seasonally to measure condition, 3) recorded nest temperatures, clutch characteristics, and egg survival from 107 nests, and 4) used radio telemetry to re-locate 104 hatchlings to monitor growth, survival, and movements. We also monitored temperature, rainfall, and primary productivity from field and remotely sensed data along the elevation gradient. Adult females were either elevational migrants or year-round lowland residents. Migrants had higher body condition than residents, and body condition was positively correlated with fecundity. Nests occurred in the hottest, driest part of the tortoise's range, between 6–165m elevation. Clutch size increased with elevation, egg survival declined, and hatchling survival and growth were highest at intermediate elevations. Hatchlings dispersed rapidly between 100–750 m from their nests before becoming sedentary in ranges <0.05 ha. Environmental variability mediated by elevation influenced adult fecundity and juvenile recruitment. Predicted future climates will profoundly impact the relationships between elevation and vital rates of Galapagos tortoises and other species living on elevation gradients. Resilience will be maximized by ensuring connectivity of foraging and reproductive areas within current and possible future elevational ranges of these species.</p>
Online classified adverts reflect the broader United Kingdom trade in turtles and tortoises rather than drive it.
<p>The accompanying file represents a flat dataset as used in the article: "Online classified adverts reflect the broader United Kingdom trade in turtles and tortoises rather than drive it."</p> <p>Any potentially personal or sensitive information was removed at the collection and processing stages and seller names or IDs (as listed on the original adverts) have been anonymised.<br> </p>
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