Conservation units alone are insufficient to protect Brazilian Amazonian chelonians.

The creation of protected areas (PAs) is not always based on science; consequently, some aquatic species may not receive the same level of protection as terrestrial ones. The objective of this study was to identify priority areas for the conservation of chelonians in the Brazilian Amazon basin and assess the contribution of PAs, distinguishing between Full Protection Areas, Sustainable Use Areas, and Indigenous Lands for group protection. The entire species modeling procedure was carried out using Species Distribution Models. Location records were obtained from platforms such as SpeciesLink, GBIF, the Hydroatlas database, and WorldClim for bioclimatic variables adjusted with algorithms like Maximum Entropy, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Gaussian-Bayesian. Indigenous lands cover more than 50% of the distribution areas of chelonian species in the Brazilian Amazon. Protected areas with higher conservation importance (Full Protection Areas and Sustainable Use Areas) hold less than 15% of the combined species distribution. Researchers face significant challenges when making decisions with models, especially in conservation efforts involving diverse taxa that differ significantly from one another within a group of individuals.

Comparative study of the ciliary body and iris morphology in the anterior eye chamber of five different vertebrate classes.

One crucial component of the optical system is the ciliary body (CB). This body secretes the aqueous humour, which is essential to maintain the internal eye pressure as well as the clearness of the lens and cornea. The histological study was designed to provide the morphological differences of CB and iris in the anterior eye chambers of the following vertebrate classes: fish (grass carp), amphibians (Arabian toad), reptiles (semiaquatic turtle, fan-footed gecko, ocellated skink, Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard, Arabian horned viper), birds (common pigeon, common quail, common kestrel), and mammals (BALB/c mouse, rabbit, golden hamster, desert hedgehog, lesser Egyptian jerboa, Egyptian fruit bat). The results showed distinct morphological appearances of the CB and iris in each species, ranging from fish to mammals. The present comparative study concluded that the morphological structure of the CB and iris is the adaptation of species to either their lifestyle or survival in specific habitats.

Roles of estrogen receptors during sexual reversal in Pelodiscus sinensis.

BACKGROUND: The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism, with the males growing faster and larger than the females. During breeding, all-male offspring can be obtained using 17ß-estradiol (E2). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying E2-induced sexual reversal have not yet been elucidated. Previous studies have investigated the molecular sequence and expression characteristics of estrogen receptors (ERs). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, primary liver cells and embryos of P. sinensis were treated with ER agonists or inhibitors. Cell incubation experiments revealed that nuclear ERs (nERs) were the main pathway for the transmission of estrogen signals. Our results showed that ERα agonist (ERα-ag) upregulated the expression of Rspo1, whereas ERα inhibitor (ERα-Inh) downregulated its expression. The expression of Dmrt1 was enhanced after ERα-Inh + G-ag treatment, indicating that the regulation of male genes may not act through a single estrogen receptor, but a combination of ERs. In embryos, only the ERα-ag remarkably promoted the expression levels of Rspo1, Wnt4, and ß-catenin, whereas the ERα-Inh had a suppressive effect. Additionally, Dmrt1, Amh, and Sox9 expression levels were downregulated after ERß inhibitor (ERß-Inh) treatment. GPER agonist (G-ag) has a significant promotion effect on Rspo1, Wnt4, and ß-catenin, while the inhibitor G-Inh does not affect male-related genes. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these results suggest that ERs play different roles during sexual reversal in P. sinensis and ERα may be the main carrier of estrogen-induced sexual reversal in P. sinensis. Further studies need to be performed to analyze the mechanism of ER action.

First evidence of marine turtle gastroliths in a fossil specimen: Paleobiological implications in comparison to modern analogues.

Semi-articulated remains of a large chelonioid turtle from the Turonian strata (Upper Cretaceous; ca. 93.9-89.8 Myr) near Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo (Verona province, northeastern Italy) are described for the first time. Together with the skeletal elements, the specimen also preserves pebbles inside the thoracic area which are lithologically distinct from the surrounding matrix. These allochthonous clasts are here interpreted as geo-gastroliths, in-life ingested stones that resided in the digestive tract of the animal. This interpretation marks the first reported evidence of geophagy in a fossil marine turtle. SEM-EDS analysis, together with macroscopic petrological characterization, confirm the presence of both siliceous and carbonatic pebbles. These putative geo-gastroliths have morphometries and size ranges more similar to those of gastroliths in different taxa (fossils and extant) than allochthonous "dropstone" clasts from the same deposit that were carried by floating vegetation A dense pitted pattern of superficial erosion is microscopically recognizable on the carbonatic gastroliths, consistent with surface etching due to gastric acids. The occurrence of a similar pattern was demonstrated by the experimental etching of carbonatic pebbles with synthetic gastric juice. Gut contents of modern green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were surveyed for substrate ingestion, providing direct evidence of geophagic behavior in extant chelonioids. Comparison with modern turtle dietary habits may suggests that the pebbles were ingested as a way to supplement calcium after or in preparation for egg deposition, implying that the studied specimen was possibly a gravid female.

Frequency-dependent temporary threshold shifts in the Eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta picta).

Testudines are a highly threatened group facing an array of stressors, including alteration of their sensory environment. Underwater noise pollution has the potential to induce hearing loss and disrupt detection of biologically important acoustic cues and signals. To examine the conditions that induce temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in hearing in the freshwater Eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta picta), three individuals were exposed to band limited continuous white noise (50-1000 Hz) of varying durations and amplitudes (sound exposure levels ranged from 151 to 171 dB re 1 µPa2 s). Control and post-exposure auditory thresholds were measured and compared at 400 and 600 Hz using auditory evoked potential methods. TTS occurred in all individuals at both test frequencies, with shifts of 6.1-41.4 dB. While the numbers of TTS occurrences were equal between frequencies, greater shifts were observed at 600 Hz, a frequency of higher auditory sensitivity, compared to 400 Hz. The onset of TTS occurred at 154 dB re 1 µPa2 s for 600 Hz, compared to 158 dB re 1 µPa2 s at 400 Hz. The 400-Hz onset and patterns of TTS growth and recovery were similar to those observed in previously studied Trachemys scripta elegans, suggesting TTS may be comparable across Emydidae species.

Geographic patterns of distribution and ecological niche of the snake-necked turtle genus Hydromedusa.

Biotic and abiotic factors play a crucial role in determining the distribution of species. These factors dictate the conditions that must be met for a species to thrive in a particular area. Sister species that present some degree of niche overlap can shed light on how they are distributed and coexist in their environment. This study aims to investigate the geographical distribution and ecological niche of the sister species of snake-necked turtles Hydromedusa maximiliani and H. tectifera. By analyzing their niche overlap, we aim to obtain a better understanding of how these two species coexist and which variables are determining their occurences. We applied species distribution modeling and compared the niches using the niche equivalence and similarity tests. Our findings show that the distribution of H. maximiliani is most influenced by temperature seasonality and isothermality, while H. tectifera is most affected by the temperature seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter and mean diurnal range. In addition, our results suggest that the niche expressed by H. maximiliani retained ecological characteristics that can accurately predict the H. tectifera distribution, but the inverse is not true. In this sense, differences are not solely due to the geographic availability of environmental conditions but can reflect niche restrictions, such as competition.

Closing the knowledge gap: Helminth parasites of freshwater turtles from the Chaco-Pampa Plain, Southern South America.

Six species of freshwater turtles dominate the Chaco-Pampa Plain in southern South America and their parasites have been relatively understudied, with most records concentrated in Brazil. Particularly in Argentina, there are only scattered records of parasites for most of the turtles that inhabit the region, leaving a large knowledge gap. The purpose of the present contribution is to increase the knowledge of the internal parasites of six species of freshwater turtles from Argentina, after 15 years of fieldwork, by providing new hosts and additional geographic records for many host-parasite relationships. Some molecular sequences of the studied parasites were provided as a tool for better species identification. We processed 433 stomach and fecal samples from live individuals and visceral and soft tissue samples from 54 dissected turtles collected from a wide range and different ecoregions. We found 6230 helminths belonging to 18 taxa (one cestode, 11 digeneans and six nematodes). Fourteen new parasite-host associations are reported here, and for the first time parasites are recorded for Phrynops williamsi. This work contributes significantly to the knowledge of the parasitofauna in freshwater turtles in Argentina, providing a detailed list of parasites present in each turtle species and reporting molecular characters for future studies.

Influence of temporary emigration on wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) detectability, with implications for abundance estimation.

Reliable population estimates are important for making informed management decisions about wildlife species. Standardized survey protocols have been developed for monitoring population trends of the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle species of conservation concern throughout its distribution in east-central North America. The protocols use repeated active search surveys of defined areas, allowing for estimation of survey-specific detection probability (p) and site-specific abundance. These protocols assume population closure within the survey area during the survey period, which is unlikely to be met as wood turtles are a highly mobile species. Additionally, current protocols use a single-pass design that does not allow for separation of availability (pa) and detectability (pd). If there are systematic influences on pa or pd that are not accounted for in the survey design or data analysis, then resulting abundance estimates could be biased. The objectives of this study were to determine if pa is a random process and if pa and pd are influenced by demographic characteristics. We modified the wood turtle survey protocol used in the upper Midwest to include a double-pass design, allowing us to estimate pa and pd using a robust design capture-recapture model. The modified protocol was implemented at 14 wood turtle monitoring sites in Minnesota and Wisconsin between 2017 and 2022. Our results indicated that pa was non-random and that pd increased with turtle carapace length. Our study suggests that model assumptions for current wood turtle population models may be violated, likely resulting in an overestimation of abundance. We discuss possible protocol and modeling modifications that could result in more accurate wood turtle abundance estimates.

Alfaxalone is an effective anesthetic for the electrophysiological study of anoxia-tolerance mechanisms in western painted turtle pyramidal neurons.

Anoxia in the mammalian brain leads to hyper-excitability and cell death; however, this cascade of events does not occur in the anoxia-tolerant brain of the western painted turtle, Chrysemys picta belli. The painted turtle has become an important anoxia-tolerant model to study brain, heart, and liver function in the absence of oxygen, but being anoxia-tolerant likely means that decapitation alone is not a suitable method of euthanasia. Many anesthetics have long-term effects on ion channels and are not appropriate for same day experimentation. Using whole-cell electrophysiological techniques, we examine the effects of the anesthetic, Alfaxalone, on pyramidal cell action potential amplitude, threshold, rise and decay time, width, frequency, whole cell conductance, and evoked GABAA receptors currents to determine if any of these characteristics are altered with the use of Alfaxalone for animal sedation. We find that Alfaxalone has no long-term impact on action potential parameters or whole-cell conductance. When acutely applied to naïve tissue, Alfaxalone did lengthen GABAA receptor current decay rates by 1.5-fold. Following whole-animal sedation with Alfaxalone, evoked whole cell GABAA receptor current decay rates displayed an increasing trend with 1 and 2 hours after brain sheet preparation, but showed no significant change after a 3-hour washout period. Therefore, we conclude that Alfaxalone is a suitable anesthetic for same day use in electrophysiological studies in western painted turtle brain tissue.

Morphological variations and demographic responses of the Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa to heterogeneous aquatic habitats.

Human activities affect terrestrial and aquatic habitats leading to changes at both individual and population levels in wild animal species. In this study, we investigated the phenotype and demographics of the Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa (Schweigger, 1812) in contrasted environments of Southern France: two peri-urban rivers receiving effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and another one without sewage treatment plant. Our findings revealed the presence of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in the three rivers of investigation, the highest diversities and concentrations of pollutants being found in the river subsections impacted by WWTP effluents. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering identified three levels of habitat quality, with different pollutant concentrations, thermal conditions, nutrient, and organic matter levels. The highest turtle densities, growth rates, and body sizes were estimated in the most disturbed habitats, suggesting potential adult benefits derived from harsh environmental conditions induced by pollution and eutrophication. Conversely, juveniles were the most abundant in the least polluted habitats, suggesting adverse effects of pollution on juvenile survival or adult reproduction. This study suggests that turtles living in polluted habitats may benefit from enhanced growth and body size, at the expense of reproductive success.

Metal accumulation in female green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Eastern Atlantic affects their egg quality with potential implications for embryonic development.

Sea turtles, with their global distribution and complex life cycle, often accumulate pollutants such as metals and metalloids due to their extended lifespan and feeding habits. However, there are limited studies exploring the impact of metal pollution on the reproductive health of female sea turtles, specifically focusing on the quality of their eggs, which has significant implications for the future generations of these charismatic animals. São Tomé Island, a crucial nesting and feeding habitat for green sea turtles, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research in this ecologically significant area. This study aimed to investigate whether metals and metalloids in the blood of nesting female green sea turtles induce genotoxic effects in their erythrocytes and affect their egg morphometric characteristics and the composition of related compartments. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate whether the quality of energetic reserves for embryo development (fatty acids in yolk's polar and neutral lipids) is influenced by the contamination status of their predecessors. Results revealed correlations between Cu and Hg levels and increased "lobed" erythrocytes, while As and Cu negatively influenced shell thickness. In terms of energy reserves, both polar and neutral lipid fractions contained primarily saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, with prevalent 18:1n-9, 18:0, 16:0, 14:0, and 12:0 fatty acids in yolk samples. The yolk polar fraction was more susceptible to contaminant levels in female sea turtles, showing consistent negative correlations between pollution load index and essential n3 fatty acids, including linolenic, eicosatrienoic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids, crucial for embryonic development. These metals accumulation, coupled with the reduced availability of these key fatty acids, may disrupt the eicosanoid and other important pathways, affecting reproductive development. This study reveals a negative correlation between metal contamination in female sea turtles' blood and egg lipid reserves, raising concerns about embryonic development and the species' future generations.

Body condition scoring facilitates healthcare monitoring in Hermann's Tortoises (Testudo hermanni ssp.).

Clinical assessment of body condition is crucial in captive and free-ranging reptiles, since a large percentage of diseases result from inadequate nutrition. However, preventive health care is restricted by the lack of a practical method for the assessment in tortoises. Pre-existing evaluation systems based on weight and shell measurements are laborious and ignore the clinical presentation of the animal. The present study aimed to facilitate the assessment by establishing a body condition score. A total of 373 Hermann's Tortoises (Testudo hermanni) (n = 281 tortoises kept as pets in Germany and n = 92 tortoises originating from a free-ranging population (68) or a rearing station (24) in France) were examined and data (weight (g), carapace length (cm), width (cm), height (cm)) were recorded in a standard protocol between October 2020 and October 2021. A modified version of a body condition score for Mojave Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) (1 = cachectic, 3 = ideal, 5 = obese) was utilized and tested against pre-existing shell measurement systems (Jackson's ratio, body condition index, volume condition index, circumferential product). German captive tortoises were significantly heavier and larger than French specimens. In the Spearman's correlation matrix, the body condition score showed a statistically significant correlation with all measurement methods in the total population of captive tortoises (Testudo hermanni boettgeri), with a medium correlation strength, and a lack of correlation in free-ranging tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni). However, individual animal data suggested misleading results of mathematical equations in terms of body condition. Clinical evaluation of tortoises, including a body condition score, should be considered essential to provide good healthcare and should be an integral part of general examination.

Screening of temperature-responsive signalling molecules during sex differentiation in Asian yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica).

BACKGROUND: The Asian yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica) is an important commercial freshwater aquaculture species in China. This species is a highly sexually dimorphic species, with males growing at a faster rate than females and exhibits temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), in which the incubation temperature during embryonic development determines the sexual fate. However, the mechanisms of the sex determination or sex differentiation in the Asian yellow pond turtle are remain a mystery. RESULTS: Temperature-specific gonadal transcriptomics of the Asian yellow pond turtle were performed during the thermosensitive period (stage 15) using RNA-seq technology to identify candidate genes that initiate gonadal differentiation. We uncovered candidates that were the first to respond to temperature. These candidates were sexually dimorphic in expression, reflecting differences in gonadal (Cirbp, Runx1) and germline differentiation (Vasa, Nanos1, Piwil2), gametogenesis (Hmgb3, Zar1, Ovoinhibitor-like, Kif4), steroid hormone biosynthesis (Hsd17b5, Hsd17b6), heat shock (Dnajb6, Hsp90b1, Hsp90aa1) and transient receptor potential channel genes (Trpm1, Trpm4, Trpm6, Trpv1). CONCLUSIONS: Our work will provide important genetic information to elucidate the mechanisms of sex control in the Asian yellow pond turtles, and will contribute important genetic resources for further studies of temperature-dependent sex determination in turtles.

Turtle peptide and its derivative peptide ameliorated DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by inhibiting inflammation and modulating the composition of the gut microbiota.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a recurrent intestinal disease with an increasing incidence worldwide that seriously affects the life of patients. Turtle peptide (TP) is a bioactive peptide extracted from turtles that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-aging properties. However, studies investigating the effect of TP on the progression of UC are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate effects and underlying mechanisms of TP and its derivative peptide GPAGPIGPV (GP-9) in alleviating UC in mice. The results showed that 500 mg/kg TP treatment significantly ameliorated colitis symptoms and oxidative stress in UC mice. TP alleviated intestinal barrier damage in UC mice by promoting mucosal repair and increasing the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO1, occludin and claudin-1). TP also modulated the composition of the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Anaerotignum, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Alistipes, and Lachno-spiraceae_NK4A136_group and decreasing the abundance of the harmful bacteria Prevotella_9 and Parasutterella. Furthermore, we characterized the peptide composition of TP and found that GP-9 ameliorated the symptoms of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, TP and its derivative peptides ameliorated DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors and modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota; this study provides a theoretical basis for the application of TP and its derivative peptides for their anti-inflammatory activity.

Comparative analysis of ventricular stiffness across species.

Investigating ventricular diastolic properties is crucial for understanding the physiological cardiac functions in organisms and unraveling the pathological mechanisms of cardiovascular disorders. Ventricular stiffness, a fundamental parameter that defines ventricular diastolic functions in chordates, is typically analyzed using the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR). However, comparing ventricular stiffness accurately across chambers of varying maximum volume capacities has been a long-standing challenge. As one of the solutions to this problem, we propose calculating a relative ventricular stiffness index by applying an exponential approximation formula to the EDPVR plot data of the relationship between ventricular pressure and values of normalized ventricular volume by the ventricular weight. This article reviews the potential, utility, and limitations of using normalized EDPVR analysis in recent studies. Herein, we measured and ranked ventricular stiffness in differently sized and shaped chambers using ex vivo ventricular pressure-volume analysis data from four animals: Wistar rats, red-eared slider turtles, masu salmon, and cherry salmon. Furthermore, we have discussed the mechanical effects of intracellular and extracellular viscoelastic components, Titin (Connectin) filaments, collagens, physiological sarcomere length, and other factors that govern ventricular stiffness. Our review provides insights into the comparison of ventricular stiffness in different-sized ventricles between heterologous and homologous species, including non-model organisms.

Dynamic shoreline alterations and their impacts on Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting sites in Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha (India).

Currently, sea turtle habitats are being altered by climate change and human activities, with habitat loss posing an urgent threat to Indian sea turtles. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the dynamic shoreline alterations and their impacts on Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (ORT) nesting sites in Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary from 1990 to 2022. Landsat satellite images served as input datasets to assess dynamic shoreline changes. This study assessed shoreline alterations and their rates across 929 transects divided into four zones using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software. The results revealed a significant 14-km northward shift in the nesting site due to substantial coastal erosion, threatening the turtles' Arribada. This study underscores the need for conservation efforts to preserve nesting environments amidst changing coastal landscapes, offering novel insights into the interaction between coastal processes and marine turtle nesting behaviors.

Habitat use of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles at the northern limit of their distribution range of the Northwest Pacific Ocean.

Verifying habitats, including the foraging and nesting areas for sea turtles, enables an understanding of their spatial ecology and successful planning of their conservation and management strategies. Recently, the observation frequency and bycatch of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles have increased in the northern limit of their distribution range, in the northern part of the East China Sea and East (Japan) Sea. We conducted satellite tracking to investigate the habitat use of seven loggerhead and eight green turtles from June 2016 to August 2022 in this area, where little is known about their spatial ecology. We applied a 50 percent volume contour method to determine their main foraging areas and analyzed 6 environmental variables to characterize their habitats. Loggerhead turtles mainly stayed in and used the East China Sea as a foraging area during the tracking period, while two individuals among them also used the East Sea as a seasonal foraging area. Most green turtles also used the East China Sea as a foraging area, near South Korea and Japan, with one individual among them using the lower area of the East Sea as a seasonal foraging area. Notably, one green turtle traveled to Hainan Island in the South China Sea, a historical nesting area. Our results showed that the two sea turtle species included the East Sea as a seasonal foraging area, possibly owing to the abundance of food sources available, despite its relatively lower sea temperature. Considering that loggerhead and green sea turtles were observed using the northern part of the East China Sea and East Sea more frequently than previously known and that the sea temperature gradually increases due to climate change, conservation and management activities are required for sea turtles in these areas.

Delving into the Aftermath of a Disease-Associated Near-Extinction Event: A Five-Year Study of a Serpentovirus (Nidovirus) in a Critically Endangered Turtle Population.

Bellinger River virus (BRV) is a serpentovirus (nidovirus) that was likely responsible for the catastrophic mortality of the Australian freshwater turtle Myuchelys georgesi in February 2015. From November 2015 to November 2020, swabs were collected from turtles during repeated river surveys to estimate the prevalence of BRV RNA, identify risk factors associated with BRV infection, and refine sample collection. BRV RNA prevalence at first capture was significantly higher in M. georgesi (10.8%) than in a coexisting turtle, Emydura macquarii (1.0%). For M. georgesi, various risk factors were identified depending on the analysis method, but a positive BRV result was consistently associated with a larger body size. All turtles were asymptomatic when sampled and conjunctival swabs were inferred to be optimal for ongoing monitoring. Although the absence of disease and recent BRV detections suggests a reduced ongoing threat, the potential for the virus to persist in an endemic focus or resurge in cyclical epidemics cannot be excluded. Therefore, BRV is an ongoing potential threat to the conservation of M. georgesi, and strict adherence to biosecurity principles is essential to minimise the risk of reintroduction or spread of BRV or other pathogens.

Critical areas for sea turtles in Northeast Brazil: a participatory approach for a data-poor context.

Fishing is one of the main threats to sea turtles due to the risk of entanglement in lost nets, vessel collision and mortality due to incidental catches. In Brazil, most of the studies regarding fishing interactions with sea turtles are focused on pelagic longline fisheries in the South and Southeast regions. However, their main reproductive areas in Southwest Atlantic RMU occur in Northeast Brazil, which overlaps small-scale coastal gillnet fisheries. Here, we aimed to use ethnobiology and participatory approaches as simple and cost-effective methods to identify areas for sea turtle conservation where impacts from small-scale fisheries are most likely. Expert captains were trained to recording sea turtle sightings during navigations from the landing port to the fishing grounds, informing their folk nomenclatures. By interpolation of environmental data (chlorophyll and bathymetry) and ecological data, we predicted habitats of 3,459.96 km² for Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, and Eretmochelys imbricata and fishing zones of 1,087 km² for management in 20 m and 50 m depths. Our results contributes to ongoing discussions of bycatch mitigation for sea turtle species and identification of habitats. We highlights the importance of considering particularities of overlapped areas in marine spatial planning and co-management arrangements.

Enteric parasites in free-living Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa leprosa) in contrasted areas (natural vs polluted) from central-western of Morocco.

The objective of this study is to assess the occurrence of intestinal parasites in Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa leprosa collected from three contrasting environments in Morocco. Stool samples from 92 turtles were examined for parasite detection and enumeration. The identified intestinal parasites belong to helminths (oxyurids and ascarid) and protozoa (Entamoebidae). A total of 25 turtles (27.17%) were found to be infected by helminths and/or protozoan parasites. No adult form of these parasites was detected. Eggs of oxyurid and ascarid were detected in individuals of populations studied from Oued Ksob (23.07% and 30.76% of n = 13 turtles) and Oued Zat (34.14% and 24.39% of n = 41 turtles), respectively. For protozoa, Entamoeba cysts were present in turtles in Oued Ksob (15.38% of n = 13 turtles), Oued Zat (12.19% of n = 41 turtles), and Oued Tensift (5.26% of n = 38 turtles) localities. Oxyurid eggs showed the highest intensity at Oued Zat reaching 29.30 ± 59.59 eggs per gram (EPG), versus 12 ± 0.38 EPG for ascaris eggs in Oued Ksob. Entamoeba cysts were detected in lower levels with a maximum of 1.66 ± 1.50 cysts per gram (CPG), in Oued Zat. The prevalence of turtles eliminating eggs was statistically significant between localities for different parasite groups. This study reports for the first time a parasitological characterization of gastrointestinal parasites in wild populations of M. leprosa leprosa from contrasting environments, suggesting a relationship between turtles' infestation and the quality of their habitat.