Genome-Wide Assessment of Diversity and Divergence Among Extant Galapagos Giant Tortoise Species.

Genome-wide assessments allow for fuller characterization of genetic diversity, finer-scale population delineation, and better detection of demographically significant units to guide conservation compared with those based on "traditional" markers. Galapagos giant tortoises (Chelonoidis spp.) have long provided a case study for how evolutionary genetics may be applied to advance species conservation. Ongoing efforts to bolster tortoise populations, which have declined by 90%, have been informed by analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequence and microsatellite genotypic data, but could benefit from genome-wide markers. Taking this next step, we used double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing to collect genotypic data at >26000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 117 individuals representing all recognized extant Galapagos giant tortoise species. We then quantified genetic diversity, population structure, and compared results to estimates from mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci. Our analyses detected 12 genetic lineages concordant with the 11 named species as well as previously described structure within one species, C. becki. Furthermore, the SNPs provided increased resolution, detecting admixture in 4 individuals. SNP-based estimates of diversity and differentiation were significantly correlated with those derived from nuclear microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA sequences. The SNP toolkit presented here will serve as a resource for advancing efforts to understand tortoise evolution, species radiations, and aid conservation of the Galapagos tortoise species complex.

Occurrence of Mycoplasmas in Galapagos Sea Lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) and their Association with Other Respiratory Pathogens.

During the 2018 breeding season, an outbreak of respiratory disease occurred among Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) that inhabit rookeries near urban areas with introduced fauna such as dogs and cats. Several sea lions had nasal discharge and respiratory distress and were in poor body condition. Eighteen sea lions were captured for a general health assessment including collection of blood for serology and nasal discharge for culture and PCR. Samples were analyzed for 15 respiratory pathogens known to infect cats, dogs, and marine mammals. There was no evidence for interspecies pathogen transmission between Galapagos sea lions and domestic animals. Several bacterial pathogens associated with respiratory tract infection in the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) were isolated. Mycoplasma spp. were identified by PCR in nasal discharge samples but were not the species commonly found in cats and dogs.

International fisheries threaten globally endangered sharks in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean: the case of the Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999 reefer vessel seized within the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

Shark fishing, driven by the fin trade, is the primary cause of global shark population declines. Here, we present a case study that exemplifies how industrial fisheries are likely depleting shark populations in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. In August 2017, the vessel Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999, of Chinese flag, was detained while crossing through the Galápagos Marine Reserve without authorization. This vessel contained 7639 sharks, representing one of the largest seizures recorded to date. Based on a sample of 929 individuals (12%), we found 12 shark species: 9 considered as Vulnerable or higher risk by the IUCN and 8 listed in CITES. Four species showed a higher proportion of immature than mature individuals, whereas size-distribution hints that at least some of the fishing ships associated with the operation may have been using purse-seine gear fishing equipment, which, for some species, goes against international conventions. Our data expose the magnitude of the threat that fishing industries and illegal trade represent to sharks in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean.

Giant tortoise genomes provide insights into longevity and age-related disease.

Giant tortoises are among the longest-lived vertebrate animals and, as such, provide an excellent model to study traits like longevity and age-related diseases. However, genomic and molecular evolutionary information on giant tortoises is scarce. Here, we describe a global analysis of the genomes of Lonesome George-the iconic last member of Chelonoidis abingdonii-and the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea). Comparison of these genomes with those of related species, using both unsupervised and supervised analyses, led us to detect lineage-specific variants affecting DNA repair genes, inflammatory mediators and genes related to cancer development. Our study also hints at specific evolutionary strategies linked to increased lifespan, and expands our understanding of the genomic determinants of ageing. These new genome sequences also provide important resources to help the efforts for restoration of giant tortoise populations.

Author Correction: Identification of Genetically Important Individuals of the Rediscovered Floreana Galápagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis elephantopus) Provides Founders for Species Restoration Program.

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.

Identification of Genetically Important Individuals of the Rediscovered Floreana Galápagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis elephantopus) Provide Founders for Species Restoration Program.

Species are being lost at an unprecedented rate due to human-driven environmental changes. The cases in which species declared extinct can be revived are rare. However, here we report that a remote volcano in the Galápagos Islands hosts many giant tortoises with high ancestry from a species previously declared as extinct: Chelonoidis elephantopus or the Floreana tortoise. Of 150 individuals with distinctive morphology sampled from the volcano, genetic analyses revealed that 65 had C. elephantopus ancestry and thirty-two were translocated from the volcano's slopes to a captive breeding center. A genetically informed captive breeding program now being initiated will, over the next decades, return C. elephantopus tortoises to Floreana Island to serve as engineers of the island's ecosystems. Ironically, it was the haphazard translocations by mariners killing tortoises for food centuries ago that created the unique opportunity to revive this "lost" species today.

First record of Hirsutella saussurei in the Galápagos Islands and first evidence parasitizing the invasive paper wasp, Polistes versicolor

Abstract In the present work we report the first occurrence of the entomogenous fungus Hirsutella saussurei, in the Galápagos Islands, and also the first evidence of this fungus parasitizing a new host: the invasive paper wasp Polistes versicolor. Some wasps parasitized by the fungus were found in Santa Cruz island in 2018 and 2019, while two new specimens were found in Floreana in 2019. Our data enlarge both the geographical distribution of the fungus and the host range. Even though P. versicolor is considered an important threat for the Galapagos endemic fauna, it is necessary a deep research to know if H. saussurei could be included under control programs of this invasive wasp.

Video Caso Clínico: Trauma Ocular con Herida Penetrante con Hernia de Iris / Clinical Case video: Ocular Trauma Penetrating Eye Enjury with Iris Proplase

INTRODUCCIÓN: En lo que a traumatismos se refiere, el ojo es el tercer órgano más afectado después de manos y pies [1]. El trauma ocular constituye una de las principales causas de pérdida de la visión unilateral y determina consecuencias graves en el ámbito psico-social del individuo; siendo la causa más común de ceguera unilateral en la edad pediátrica, principalmente en países en vías de desarrollo [2]. La epidemiología de las lesiones oculares depende de varios factores; como el estilo de vida, el estado socioeconómico y las actividades deportivas y recreativas [2]. Según la Organización Mun-dial de la Salud (OMS), la incidencia anual mundial de traumatismo ocular es de alrededor de 55 millones [1]. Alrededor del 38-52% de todos los casos de urgencias oftálmicas son traumas ocu-lares y el 0.9-1.8% de ellos deben ser ingresados debido a un traumatismo grave [2]. Las lesiones varían desde una pequeña abrasión epitelial de la córnea hasta penetración y ruptura del globo [3]. El desgarro de la córnea, el desgarro de la esclerótica y el daño de la lente son las morbilidades observadas con mayor frecuencia del traumatismo ocular, seguidas de laceración del párpado, prolapso uveal, anomalías de la cámara anterior, desprendimiento de retina y avulsión del nervio óptico [1]. Las lesiones oculares, incluso las de menor importancia, pueden generar importantes cargas económicas por la necesidad de cuidados especiales, la costosa hospitalización, tratamiento y rehabilitación visual [2]. Este artículo presenta un caso clínico de trauma ocular, con pronóstico desfavorable según OTS. Epidemiológicamente entre el 30-40% de las cegueras monoculares son producidas por traumas oculares [2]. Al existir un trauma ocular con herida penetrante, se debe intervenir de forma oportuna en las primeras 24 horas para prevenir complicaciones y mejorar el pronóstico [4].(au)

BACKGROUND: The eye is the third most common organ affected by trauma after hands and feet [1]. Eye trauma is one of the main causes of unilateral vision loss and imposes major social and psychological impact on patients; in fact it is the most common cause of unilateral blindness in pediatric age groups, especially in developing countries [2]. The epidemiology of eye injuries depends on several factors, such as lifestyle, socioeconomic sta-tus, and sports and recreational activities.[2] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global annual incidence of eye trauma is around 55 million [1]. About 38-52% of all cases in ophthal-mic emergency rooms are ocular traumas and 0.9-1.8% of them needs to be admitted due to severe trauma [2]. Corneal tear, scleral tear and lens damage are the most frequently observed morbidities of ocular trauma, followed by lid laceration, uveal prolapse, anterior chamber abnormality, retinal detachment and optic nerve avulsion. [1]. Eye injuries, even the minor ones, can result in significant economic burdens due to special care and family costs, the expensive hospital admission, treatment and visual rehabilitation. [2] We present a case report of ocular trauma, with poor prognosis according to OTS. Epidemiologically between 30-40% cases of monocular blindness are caused by eye trauma [2]. In cases of ocular trauma with penetrating injuries, patients should be treated in the first 24 hours to prevent complications and improve the prognosis [4].(au)