Abstract

We studied reproduction and nesting of the keeled box turtle (Cuora mouhotii) during 2003 and 2009 on Hainan Island, China. We found the first gravid turtle on 28 April and nesting was from May until July, with a peak in mid-June. We observed the first fresh nest on 1 June and last fresh nest on 27 July. Some females laid eggs from 1 clutch in 2 batches. Clutch size ranged from 1 to 5. Mean egg measurements were as follows: length, 4.5 cm; width, 2.7 cm; and mass, 19.8 g. There was no significant relationship between turtle body size (mass, length, height, and width) and clutch size or egg size (mass, length, and width). Clutch size was significantly correlated with the egg mass and egg width. Possible low fertility, low hatching rate, and the long period to reach maturity imply that C. mouhotii has a low intrinsic rate of population increase. This, combined with overcollecting and habitat destruction, requires development of more effective conservation strategies for this endangered species.

Abstract

When Aldabra Atoll became a nature reserve in 1968, its endangered nesting green turtle (Chelonia mydas) population was the first to be protected in the Indian Ocean. In 1983, Aldabra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF). But prior to 1968, its green turtles suffered intense exploitation documented by trade statistics, historical literature, and a scientific study in 1927. Three population surveys conducted just before, during, and shortly after 1968 provide baseline data by which to assess the long-term population recovery monitored since 1980 using a standardized track count protocol. The 52 nesting beaches distributed along the 83-km outer rim of Aldabra were classified into 6 beach groups (WGT, SETT, DDM, DJL, CC, and North), with total beach length of 5.2 km. During Phase 1 (1980–1994) of the study, 17 index beaches (WGT #1–17) were monitored 4 times per month and other beaches opportunistically. During Phase 2 (1994–2008), index beaches (WGT #1–22 and SETT) were monitored at least 4 times per month and remote beaches monthly. Track counts were converted to estimated egg clutch production using nesting success data. Reproductive output for the atoll rose from a mean annual estimated 2000–3000 clutches in the late 1960s to 15,669 (SD = 2776) during 2004–2008, equivalent to a mean estimated 3100–5225 females nesting annually (assuming an average of 3–5 egg clutches per female). This represents a 500%–800% increase during 40 years of complete protection. During Phase 2, the rate of increase was highest at the Settlement Beach (SETT), which had historically suffered the most intense exploitation.

Abstract

Bioko Island, part of Equatorial Guinea, has been classified as a critically important nesting site for sea turtles in the Gulf of Guinea. However, construction of a road through a previously undeveloped scientific reserve is set to dramatically alter human interactions with nesting turtle populations. This article reports on the current status of sea turtle conservation and research on Bioko Island as well as recent economic considerations that affect local turtle conservation and use.

Editorial Introduction. — This section is devoted to poetry involving turtles, representing either reprinted previously published or new unpublished material. We encourage our readers to submit poetry or songs for consideration, either their own material or work by other authors. Poems may be submitted to Anders G.J. Rhodin at Chelonian Research Foundation, E-mail: RhodinCRF@aol.com.

Our desire is to share with our readers the beauty and wonder of turtles as expressed through the art of the poem or song. In the sense that the relationship between man and turtles is multifaceted, so too is turtle poetry. The poems

Stranding and Outcome Data for Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles in Massachusetts, 2008–2022: Evolution of Management Methods in Response to Increasing Caseload and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Charles J. Innis,

Kate Sampson,

Alessia Brugnara,

Sean Perry,

Karen Dourdeville,

Robert Prescott,

Constance Merigo,

Deana Edmunds,

Kathryn A. Tuxbury,

Linda Lory,

Kerry McNally,

Julie M. Cavin,

Melissa Joblon,

Jessica Ciarcia,

Michaela Wellman,

Katie Pugliares Bonner,

Julika Wocial,

Sarah Perez,

Sarah Dicarlo,

Kristen Luise,

Kurt Hood,

Nicole Hunter,

Jennifer Kiesling,

Elizabeth Linske,

Erin Mangan Sullivan,

Marisa Tardiani,

Eric Payne,

Katie Yungman,

Tina Wilkins,

Christine Sinnigen,

Aubrey Sperry,

Mary Beth Tims,

Nina Nahvi,

Alyssa Kaufold,

Nina Fischer,

Abigail S. Holding, and

Adam Kennedy