Abstract

The genus Kinosternon in Mexico is represented by 12 species of which only 2 inhabit the lowlands of the central Pacific region (Kinosternon chimalhuaca and Kinosternon integrum). Based on 15 standard morphological attributes and coloration patterns of 9 individuals, we describe a new microendemic mud turtle species from the central Pacific versant of Mexico. The suite of morphological traits exhibited by Kinosternon sp. nov. clearly differentiates it from other species within the genus Kinosternon by a combination of proportions of plastron and carapace scutes, body size, and a large yellow rostral shield in males. The new species inhabits small streams and ponds in and near the city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Unfortunately, natural populations are unknown so far. The habitat is damaged by urban growth, and only one female is known. The available information would suggest that Kinosternon vogti sp. nov., is one of the most threatened freshwater turtle species. An urgent conservation program is necessary as well as explorations in the area to find viable populations of the species.

Abstract

Worldwide, scientists have headstarted threatened and endangered reptiles to augment depleted populations. Not all efforts have been successful. For the threatened Agassiz's desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), one challenge to recovery is poor recruitment of juveniles into adult populations, and this is being addressed through headstart programs. We evaluated 8 cohorts of juvenile desert tortoises from 1 to 8 yrs old in a headstart program at Edwards Air Force Base, California, for health, behavior, and growth. We also examined capacities of the headstart pens. Of 148 juveniles evaluated for health, 99.3% were below a prime condition index; 14.9% were lethargic and unresponsive; 59.5% had protruding spinal columns and associated concave scutes; 29.1% had evidence of ant bites; and 14.2% had moderate to severe injuries to limbs or shell. Lifetime growth rates for juveniles 1–8 yrs of age were approximately two times less than growth rates reported for wild populations. Tortoises in older cohorts had higher growth rates, and models indicated that high density in pens and burrow sharing negatively affected growth rates. Densities of tortoises in pens (205–2042/ha) were 350–3500 times higher than the average density recorded in the wild (< 1/ha) for tortoises of similar sizes. The predominant forage species available to juveniles were alien annual grasses, which are nutritionally inadequate for growth. We conclude that the headstart pens were of inadequate size, likely contained too few shelters, and lacked the necessary biomass of preferred forbs to sustain the existing population. Additional factors to consider for future reptilian headstart pens include vegetative cover, food sources, soil seed banks, and soil composition.

Abstract

Olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea) are the most numerous sea turtle species worldwide and also locally along the Pacific coast of Mexico. Published data on their distribution and nesting abundance along the coast of Nayarit and northern Jalisco, Mexico are, however, scarce. Here we describe the current extent of conservation activities and the history of efforts to protect sea turtles along this 394-km stretch of coastline. We found that 110 km (of the total of 394 km) are monitored by 18 sea turtle conservation programs, which in 2015 accounted for 43.2% of the total shoreline. Olive ridley sea turtle nesting was encountered on all monitored beaches. Our use of hatchery-protected nests as a measure of nesting levels is undoubtedly an underestimate of overall nesting in the region; however, it nevertheless provides a baseline of current nesting intensity in sites under conservation. Bahía de Banderas presented the highest nesting levels in the study area with 46.4% (3742 ± 904; mean ± SD) of the total protected nests (8073 ± 547) while only representing 14.2% (15.4 ± 3.8 km) of the total area monitored (109.6 ± 4.5 km). The results provided here represent a valuable baseline upon which future research and assessments can be built when analyzing the sea turtle conservation progress in the region.

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, 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 we publish here

Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World's Turtle and Tortoise Journal

A Distinctive New Species of Mud Turtle from Western México

Abstract

Crowding Affects Health, Growth, and Behavior in Headstart Pens for Agassiz's Desert Tortoise

Abstract

Status of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) After 29 Years of Nesting Rookery Conservation in Nayarit and Bahía de Banderas, Mexico

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Space Use of Yellow-Spotted River Turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

Abstract

Movements of Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) in the Bay of Bengal, India, Determined via Satellite Telemetry

Abstract

Origin and Structure of a Large Aggregation of Suwannee Cooters (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis) in a Florida Spring

Abstract

Factors Affecting Nesting Ecology of Apalone spinifera in a Northwestern Great Plains River of the United States

Abstract

Identification of Potential Sea Turtle Bycatch Hotspots Using a Spatially Explicit Approach in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Abstract

Natural Beach Vegetation Coverage and Type Influence the Nesting Habitat of Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Campeche, Mexico

Abstract

An Examination of the Accuracy of Using Plastral Scute Rings to Age Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata)

Abstract

Blood Chemical Profiles and Symbiotic Relationships of Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Nesting in Campeche, Mexico

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Importance of Sand Particle Size and Temperature for Nesting Success of Green Turtles in Penang Island, Malaysia

Abstract

Did Declining Carrying Capacity for the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Population Within the Gulf of Mexico Contribute to the Nesting Setback in 2010−2017?

Abstract

La Tortuga [The Turtle]

Notes on the Nesting Ecology of the Rio Grande Cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi) at the Northern Limit of Its Range

Blood Parameters of the Turtle Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Testudines: Chelidae): Insights into Its Health Status in Southeastern Brazil

New Records of the Critically Endangered Asian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle, Chitra chitra, in Thailand

Nesting Ecology of Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta picta × C. p. marginata) at an Anthropogenic Site in South-Central Pennsylvania

Nest Site Sand Temperatures from 1897 to 2023 for Three Sea Turtle Species at Kuroshima Island, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

Terrestrial Movements of Hatchling Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in Agricultural Fields in New Jersey

Editorial Reflection

Observations on Terrestrial Feeding Behavior and Growth in Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys) and Snapping Turtle (Chelydra) Hatchlings

Hematological Parameters, Plasma Polypeptide Profiles, and Human Anti-Cancer Bioactivity of Testudo graeca and Testudo horsfieldii Plasma

Ecology and Status of the Magdalena River Turtle, Podocnemis lewyana, a Colombian Endemic