Intoxication par tortue de mer vue au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Antanambao, Toliara, Madagascar / Poisoning by sea turtle at the Antanambao University Hospital, Toliara, Madagasca

Le chélonitoxisme est une intoxication collective par consommation de la chair, de la peau et des viscères de la tortue marine. Elle est peu fréquente. Notre objectif était de décrire l'aspect épidémio-clinique et thérapeutique de l'intoxication par tortue de mer. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'un rapport de cas effectué au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Antanambao Toliara, Madagascar après une intoxication collective dans la commune rurale de Soalara Sud, Toliara. Résultats : Nous avons colligé 70 patients qui ont ingéré une tortue adulte du genre Eretmochelys imbricata. Les signes cliniques étaient du type chélonitoxisme. Parmi les 70 cas, 8 patients ont été hospitalisés. L'âge des patients intoxiqués variait de 2 ans à 65 ans avec un âge moyen de 20 ± 14 ans. La tranche d'âge entre 10-20 ans était la plus touchée (44%). Les hommes représentaient 54% des patients avec un sex ratio de 1,18. Cinquante-huit pourcent ont eu leurs premiers signes 24 heures après l'intoxication et 81% des patients ont été vus au CHU entre 24 et 48 heures. Les signes cliniques du chélonitoxisme sont polymorphes : 86% ont présenté une asthénie, 91% des nausées, 25% des vomissements, 71% des céphalées et 21% des stomatites. A l'issue de l'hospitalisation, 99% des malades ont été guéris et un patient est décédé. Les traitements étaient symptomatiques. Conclusion : L'intoxication par tortue de mer est généralement bénigne. La prise en charge est symptomatique.

Long-term monitoring of marine turtle nests in northeastern Brazil / Monitoramento de longo prazo de ninhos de tartarugas marinhas no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: This study monitored marine turtle nests in a region known as the Potiguar Basin, which stretches from the northern region of Rio Grande do Norte State (5°4'1.15" S, 36°4'36.41" W) to eastern Ceará State (4°38'48.28" S, 37°32'52.08" W) in Brazil. We collected data from January 2011 to December 2019 to identify species of sea turtles that spawn in the basin, to analyze the nesting spatial-temporal pattern and nests characteristics, and to record effects of environmental and anthropic factors on nests. A field team examined sea turtle tracks and nests signs. Turtle clutches were monitored daily until hatchings emerged from the nests. We monitored nests of hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata; n = 238) and olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea; n = 103). The nesting season for E. imbricata occurred between December and May and for L. olivacea from March to August. Hawksbills had clutch size, incubation time, number of unhatched eggs, and dead hatchlings higher than olive Ridley turtles; nevertheless, they presented lower hatching success. Precipitation between 0 and 22 mm and relative humidity (RH) higher than 69% increased the hatching success rate for E. imbricata; however, rainfall above 11 mm and RH 64% had the same effect for L. olivacea. Signs of egg theft and human presence (e.g. vehicle traffic and plastic residues on the beach) were recorded and are considered threats to nests. The results of our long-term monitoring study in the Potiguar Basin provide basis for the implementation of mitigation measures and adoption of management policies at nesting beaches in this Brazilian region.

Resumo: Este estudo permitiu o monitoramento de ninhos de tartarugas marinhas em uma região conhecida como Bacia Potiguar, que se estende da região norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (5 ° 4'1,15 "S, 36 ° 4'36,41" W) até o leste do Estado do Ceará (4 ° 38'48,28 "S, 37 ° 32'52,08" W), no Brasil. Coletamos dados de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2019 com o objetivo de identificar as espécies de tartarugas marinhas que desovam na bacia, analisar o padrão espaço-temporal de nidificação, as características dos ninhos, e registrar os efeitos de fatores ambientais e antrópicos. Uma equipe de campo examinou rastros de tartarugas marinhas e sinais de ninhos. As ninhadas das tartarugas foram monitoradas diariamente até que os filhotes emergissem dos ninhos. Monitoramos ninhos de tartarugas-de-pente (Eretmochelys imbricata; n = 238) e tartarugas-oliva (Lepidochelys olivacea; n = 103). A época de nidificação para E. imbricata ocorreu entre dezembro e maio e para L. olivacea de março a agosto. Tartarugas-de-pente apresentaram maior tamanho das ninhadas, tempo de incubação, número de ovos não eclodidos e número de filhotes mortos quando comparado com tartarugas-oliva; no entanto, apresentaram menor sucesso de eclosão. Precipitação entre 0 e 22 mm e umidade relativa (UR) maior que 69% aumentaram a taxa de sucesso de eclosão para E. imbricata; entretanto, chuvas acima de 11 mm e UR 64% tiveram o mesmo efeito para L. olivacea. Sinais de roubo de ovos e presença humana (por exemplo, tráfego de veículos e resíduos de plástico na praia) foram registrados e são considerados ameaças aos ninhos. Os resultados do nosso estudo de monitoramento de longo prazo na Bacia Potiguar fornecem base para a implementação de medidas de mitigação e adoção de políticas públicas em praias de desova nesta região brasileira.

Nuevos marcadores mitocondriales mejoran la filogenia de la tortuga carey Eretmochelys imbricata (Testudines: Cheloniidae) / New mitochondrial markers improve the phylogeny of the hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata (Testudines: Cheloniidae)

Las tortugas marinas (Cheloniidae) son un grupo de siete especies originadas en el cretaceo. Analisis de secuencias parciales de DNA mitocondrial han revelado inconsistencias filogeneticas dentro de este grupo de quelonios. Sin embargo, estos marcadores mitocondriales han permitido entender y dilucidar la composicion de las poblaciones en areas de forrajeo, habitos reproductivos, inferencias de patrones de migracion y tambien definir las unidades de manejo en el mundo, con el fin de proponer planes de manejo y conservacion. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la posicion de la tortuga carey E. imbricata dentro de la familia Cheloniidae y la filogenia de las tortugas marinas utilizando genes mitocondriales codificantes de proteinas, genes ribosomicos y el genoma mitocondrial completo de la tortuga carey anidante del Caribe colombiano, al compararlo con las otras seis especies de tortugas marinas disponibles en GenBank. Se utilizaron cuatro metodos de inferencias filogeneticas: Neighbor-Joining (NJ), Maxima Verosimilitud (ML), Maxima Parsimonia (MP) e Inferencia Bayesiana (IB). Los arboles NJ, ML, MP e IB mostraron que ND2, COX1, 16S ARNr, ND5, 12S ARNr, ND4, COX3 y ND1 son los marcadores que presentan una mejor resolucion filogenetica con sustentos bootstrap entre 89,0% y 99,98%. Los genes ATP6, ATP8, COX2, ND3, ND4L y ND5 presentaron politomias y establecieron relaciones filogeneticas equivocadas. El analisis con el mitogenoma completo presento arboles altamente sustentados (bootstrap de 98,0%) en comparacion con el analisis con marcadores individuales. Los arboles obtenidos con el gen ND2 e IB resolvieron con buen sustento las relaciones evolutivas entre las especies comparadas, consolidandose la posicion de E. imbricata dentro de la tribu Carettini con probabilidad posterior de 0,98-1,0. Los marcadores ND2, ND5, ND4, COX3 y ND1 no han sido utilizados en trabajos previos y representan una nueva alternativa para explicar la filogenia en este grupo de reptiles marinos. En el presente caso utilizando mitogenomas completos se obtuvieron arboles robustos y altamente sustentados.

The sea turtles (Cheloniidae) are a group of seven species of cretaceous origin. Analyses of partial mitochondrial sequences have revealed phylogenetic inconsistences within this group. Nevertheless, these mitochondrial markers have allowed us to understand, explain and clarify population composition in areas of foraging, reproductive habits, inferences of migration patterns and, also, to define management units in the world, in order to trace conservation and monitoring plans. In this study, four methods were evaluated and compared for phylogenetic inference (Neighbor-Joining-NJ, Maximum Likelihood-ML, Maximum Parsimony-MP and Bayesian inference-BI) by using coding genes, ribosomal genes and full mitogenomes of the hawksbill, E. imbricata, and other six species of sea turtles obtained from GenBank. The sequences were analyzed independently and jointly to identify the method and marker that better explain the phylogenetic relationships among this group of reptiles. The NJ, ML, MP and BI trees showed that ND2, COX1, 16S rRNA, ND5, 12S rRNA, ND4 and COX3 are the markers that give phylogenetic trees with better resolution and support, with bootstrap values ranging from 89.0% to 99.98%. ATP6, ATP8, COX2, ND1, ND3, ND5 and ND4L genes presented polytomies. The analysis with full mitogenome often provides highly supported trees (bootstrap 98.0%) compared with single marker analysis. Trees obtained with the BI method and the ND2 gene is the one that better resolved the evolutionary relationships among the species, consolidating the position of E. imbricata within the Carettini tribe with a value of posterior probability of 0.98-1.0. The markers ND2, ND4, ND5 and COIII, not used in previous works, represent a new alternative to explain the phylogeny in this group of marine reptiles. In the present study, a complete mitogenome analysis produced robust and highly supported trees.

Plasma biochemistry values in wild female hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) during nesting in Mexican coast / Valores de bioquímica plasmática em tartaruga de pente (Eretmochelys imbricata) durante a época de desova na costa mexicana

To obtain plasma biochemistry values, blood was collected for 47 nesting females of apparently healthy Eretmochelys imbricata sea turtles using sodium heparin as an anticoagulant. Blood samples were collected in April-Jun for two years (nesting season). Hematologic characteristics, including packed cell volume, white blood cell counts, red blood cell count and hemoglobin level; and plasma chemistry values, including creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glucose were measured. The data generated from this study may be useful for clinical assessment of health and disease of wild hawksbill sea turtles on nearshore habitats in the Gulf of Mexico, thus contributing to a conservation of this species.(AU)

Para obter valores da bioquímica plasmática, foram coletadas amostras de sangue durante a desova de 47 tartarugas marinhas fêmeas aparentemente saudáveis da espécie Eretmochelys imbricata, utilizando heparina sódica como anticoagulante. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas durante dois anos entre os meses de abril e junho (época de nidificação). Mediu-se os parâmetros hematológicos (incluindo hematócrito, contagem de glóbulos brancos e vermelhos e nível de hemoglobina) e os valores da bioquímica plasmática (incluindo creatinina, ureia, ácido úrico, triglicérides, colesterol total e glicose). Os dados gerados a partir deste estudo podem ser úteis para a avaliação clínica de saúde e de doença em tartarugas-de-pente em habitats próximos ao litoral no Golfo do México, contribuindo para a conservação dessa espécie.(AU)

Histopathological findings in lungs of hawksbill turtles collected on the coasts of the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Achados histopatológicos em pulmões de tartarugas-de-pente procedentes dos litorais dos estados do Espírito Santo e do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The present work aimed to report the histopathological findings verified in lungs of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) retrieved from the coasts of the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Between the years 2010 and 2014, 29 E. imbricata individuals were found stranded on the coasts, already dead or dying during treatment. Lung samples of all specimens were collected during necropsies, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, subjected to routine histological processing and classified histomorphologically. The findings revealed that 37.93% of the specimens presented lung lesions. Of these, 90.91% were rescued alive and 9.09% were found dead; 63.63% were females and 36.37% were males. The mean weight was 5.44 Kg and the mean length 39 cm, characterizing young individuals. The animals originated from São Francisco de Itabapoana - RJ, Aracruz - ES, São Mateus - ES, Guarapari - ES, Linhares - ES, Itapemirim - ES, and Anchieta - ES. Macroscopic analysis revealed presence of foam, hyperemia, nodules in the parenchyma, cyst and caseous material. Microscopic examination evidenced heterophilic bronchopneumonia, parasitic granulomatous pneumonia caused by spirorchiids, bacterial granulomatous pneumonia, fungal granulomatous pneumonia, and congestion. It was concluded that juvenile specimens of Eretmochelys imbricata, females and males, originated from the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro and found stranded both alive or dead, have significant lung lesions, mainly inflammatory ones, associated or not with infectious agents.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este trabalho relatar os achados histopatológicos em pulmões de Eretmochelys imbricata provenientes dos litorais dos estados do Espírito Santo e do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Amostras de pulmões de 29 E. imbricata foram coletadas, durante os anos de 2010 a 2014, em necropsias de espécimes encalhadas mortas ou que vieram a óbito durante o tratamento, nos litorais dos estados do Espírito Santo e do Rio de Janeiro, fixadas em formalina tamponada neutra a 10%, submetidas ao processamento histológico de rotina e classificadas histomorfologicamente. Os dados dos animais mostraram que 37,93% dos animais apresentaram lesões pulmonares. Destes, 90,91% foram encontrados vivos e 9,09% morto, 63,63% eram fêmeas e 36,37% machos. O peso médio foi de 5,44kg, e o comprimento médio de 39cm, o que caracterizou animais juvenis. Os animais eram provenientes de São Francisco de Itabapoana - RJ, Aracruz - ES, São Mateus - ES, Guarapari - ES, Linhares - ES, Itapemirim - ES e Anchieta - ES. Á macroscopia, observou-se: presença de espuma, hiperemia, nódulos no parênquima, cisto e cáseo. Ao exame microscópico, foram encontrados broncopneumonia heterofílica, pneumonia granulomatosa parasitária, causadas por espirorquídeos, pneumonia granulomatosa bacteriana, pneumonia granulomatosa fúngica e congestão. Conclui-se que exemplares juvenis de Eretmochelys imbricata, fêmeas e machos, provenientes dos estados do Espírito Santo e do Rio de Janeiro e encalhados tanto vivos quanto mortos, apresentam lesões pulmonares importantes, principalmente as de origem inflamatória, associadas ou não a agentes infecciosos.(AU)

Impact of jaguar Panthera onca(Carnívora: Felidae) predation on marine turtle populations in Tortuguero, Caribbean coast of Costa Rica / Efecto de la depredación por jaguares, Panthera onca (Carnívora: Felidae), sobre las poblaciones de tortugas marinas de Tortuguero, costa caribeña de Costa Rica

Little is known about the effects of jaguars on the population of marine turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. This study assessed jaguar predation impact on three species of marine turtles (Chelonia mydas, Dermochelys coriáceaand Eretmochelys imbricata)that nest in Tortuguero beach. Jaguar predation data was obtained by using two methodologies, literature review (historical records prior the year 2005) and weekly surveys along the 29 km stretch of beach during the period 2005-2013. Our results indicated that jaguar predation has increased from one marine turtle in 1981 to 198 in 2013. Jaguars consumed annually an average of 120 (SD= 45) and 2 (SD= 3) green turtles and leatherbacks in Tortuguero beach, respectively. Based on our results we concluded that jaguars do not represent a threat to the population of green turtles that nest in Tortuguero beach, and it is not the main cause for population decline for leatherbacks and hawksbills. Future research should focus on continuing to monitor this predator-prey relationship as well as the factors that influence it so the proper management decisions can be taken.

Existe poco conocimiento sobre el impacto que tienen los jaguares sobre las tortugas marinas que anidan en el Parque Nacional Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Este estudio evaluó el impacto de la depredación de jaguar sobre tres especies de tortugas marinas (Chelonia mydas, Dermo-chelys coriáceay Eretmochelys imbricata)que anidan en Tortuguero. Los reportes de depredación fueron obtenidos empleando dos metodologías, revisión literaria (eventos registrados antes del 2005) y monitoreos semanales a lo largo de la playa (durante el periodo 2005-2013). La depredación del jaguar se ha incrementado de una tortuga en 1981 a 198 tortugas en 2013. Asimismo, los jaguares consumieron anualmente un promedio de 120 (SD= 45) y 2 (SD= 3) tortugas verdes y tortugas baula en Tortugue-ro, respectivamente. Nuestros resultados indican que los jaguares no representan una amenaza para la población de tortugas verdes que anida en Tortuguero, y no son la causa principal de la disminución poblacional de la tortuga baula y carey. No obstante, se recomienda continuar con el monitoreo con el fin de entender cómo esta interacción depredador-presa evolucionará en el futuro.

Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, un área importante de alimentación para la tortuga carey del Pacífico Oriental (Eretmochelys imbricata) / Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, an important foraging ground for the Pacific hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Resumen La información cuantitativa disponible es escasa para la tortuga carey (Eretmochelys imbricata) en zonas de alimentación en el Pacifico Oriental, donde esta especie representa una de las poblaciones de tortugas marinas más amenazadas del mundo. Entre agosto de 2010 y marzo de 2013 capturamos individuos de tortuga carey utilizando redes de enmalle en los bordes de los manglares y los pastos marinos del Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Un total de 62 tortugas carey fueron capturadas, incluyendo 14 recapturas, de las cuales 46 (74.19 %) fueron juveniles (LCC<66cm) y 16 (25.81) fueron adultas. La captura por unidad de esfuerzo (CPUE, 1 unidad: 100m de red por 7h) durante el estudio oscilo entre 0.03 y 0.07. El Golfo Dulces es altamente turbio durante la época lluviosa (mayo-noviembre), particularmente en nuestra área de estudio, debido a la intensa escorrentía que acarrea sedimentos que producen aguas poco cristalinas. La probabilidad de detección de tortugas carey fue considerablemente superior en la época seca (diciembre - abril) comparado con la época lluviosa, lo que sugiere que las tortugas prefieren hábitats con aguas cristalinas. Ninguna de las tortugas capturadas presentaba marcas externas o internas que hicieran concluir que habían sido marcadas en otros sitios de alimentación o reproducción. Un total de 28 (45.16%) individuos fueron hospederos de un ectoparásito (Stephanolepas muricata), el cual puede ser dañino en altas concentraciones al limitar la movilidad de órganos y extremidades. A pesar de que el registro de tortugas carey en agua sigue siendo escaso en el Pacífico Tropical, hasta la fecha este estudio representa el conjunto de datos de monitoreo más largo y robusto para la especie en la región. Nuestros resultados demuestran la relevancia del Golfo Dulce como sitio de alimentación importante para la tortuga carey en el Pacífico Oriental y enfatiza en la necesidad de monitorear y proteger este hábitat, para ayudar a la recuperación de esta población de tortugas marinas que esta críticamente amenazada.

Abstract Limited quantitative information is available for hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) at foraging grounds in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), where the species composes one of the most endangered marine turtle populations on the planet. Between August 2010 and March 2013 we captured individual hawksbill turtles using entanglement nets along the edges of mangroves and seagrasses of the Golfo Dulce, in southwest Pacific Costa Rica. A total of 62 hawksbills were captured, including 14 recaptures, of which 46 (74.19%) were juveniles (CCL<66cm) and 16 (25.81%) were adults. The catch per unit effort (1 unit: 100m of net for 7h) during the study ranged between 0.03 and 0.07. The Golfo Dulce is highly turbid during the rainy season (May-November), particularly at our study area, as high sediment loads due to intensive runoff lead to poor water clarity. The probability of detection of hawksbills was considerably higher in the dry season (December-April) compared to the rainy season, suggesting these turtles may prefer waters with higher clarity. None of the individuals captured had evidence of internal or external tags, making it possible to conclude that they had not been previously marked at other feeding or breeding sites. A total of 28 (45.16%) individuals were found to host the ectoparasitic barnacle Stephanolepas muricata, which in high concentrations can be harmful by limiting the mobility of organs and limbs. Although consistent in-water quantification of hawksbills in the ETP remains scant, this study represents the longest and most robust marine monitoring dataset for hawksbills in the region to date. Our findings highlight the relevance of the Golfo Dulce as an important foraging ground for hawksbill turtles in the ETP and emphasize the need to monitor and protect this habitat to aid efforts to recover this critically endangered marine turtle population. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 1): 351-362. Epub 2015 April 01.

Agregación costera de tortugas marinas en aguas del Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica / Coastal aggregation of marine turtles in waters of the South Pacific of Costa Rica

Resumen El Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica ha sido identificado como un sitio importante para la reproducción de cuatro especies de tortugas marinas. Las amenazas que éstas sufren han originado iniciativas de conservación y estudio en la zona, especialmente en playas de anidación. Sin embargo, información sobre su presencia en el agua (donde pasan la mayor parte de su vida) es escasa. Por esta razón, este estudio analiza la información recolectada como parte de un proyecto de monitoreo de tortugas marinas de la Fundación Keto, en la zona comprendida entre el Parque Nacional Marino Ballena y la Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño. Entre los años 2009 y 2011, se registraron 447 avistamientos de tortugas (la mayoría fuera de las áreas de conservación) pertenecientes a tres especies: Lepidochelys olivacea, Chelonia mydas, y Eretmochelys imbricata. Se registraron avistamientos durante todos los meses del año, siendo L. olivacea la especie con más individuos observados. Se identificaron dos áreas (a profundidades menores a 10m) importantes para la presencia de E. imbricata. Este es el primer aporte científico que documenta la presencia exacta, considerable y continua en el tiempo de tres especies de tortugas marinas frente a las costas del Cantón de Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

Abstract The southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica has been identified as an important place for the reproduction of four species of marine turtles. This presence, coupled with threats to the survival of the species, has encouraged the establishment of conservation initiatives and the study of these animals in the region, especially in nesting areas. Nonetheless, information on their presence in the water (where they spend most of their life) is scarce. For this reason, this study analyses data from a three years of a marine turtle monitoring program by Fundación Keto in the area between the Marino Ballena National Park and the Caño Island Biological Reserve, and presents the temporal and spatial distribution of the observed individuals. During this period, a total of 447 turtle (sightings per sampling effort=0.36 individuals-hr-1), of three different species were observed: Lepidochelys olivacea, Chelonia Mydas, and Eretmochelys imbricata. Sightings have been recorded during all months of the year, with L. olivacea as the species most commonly observed, especially outside of protected areas; this species presented a clear mating period in the months of July and August. E. imbricata was the species observed closer to the shore, and at a shallower site, possibly indicating an important foraging area for juvenile individuals. This is the first study to address the consistent and permanent presence of three species of marine turtles in the waters off the coast of Cantón de Osa in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 1): 1-8. Epub 2015 April 01.

Leptina e grelina na regulação do comportamento alimentar da tartaruga Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus 1766) / Leptin and ghrelin regulates the feeding behavior of the sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus, 1766)

Durante a temporada de nidação, fêmeas de tartarugas marinhas costumam reduzir ou cessar por completo a ingestão de alimentos. Este fato sugere que o armazenamento de energia e nutrientes para a reprodução ocorra durante o período que antecede a migração para os sítios reprodutivos, enquanto estes animais ainda se encontram nas áreas de alimentação. Do ponto de vista fisiológico, tartarugas em atividade reprodutiva são capazes de permanecer longos períodos em jejum. Fatores neuroendócrinos vêm sendo recentemente apontados como os mais relevantes para a manutenção da homeostase energética de todos os vertebrados; entre eles, a leptina (hormônio anorexígeno) e a grelina (peptídeo orexígeno). Com o objetivo de compreender o mecanismo de fome e saciedade nas tartarugas marinhas, investigamos os níveis séricos destes hormônios e de outros indicadores nutricionais em fêmeas de Eretmochelys imbricata desovando no litoral do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 41 tartarugas durante as temporadas reprodutivas de 2010/2011 e 2011/2012. Os níveis séricos de leptina diminuíram significativamente ao longo do período de nidação, de modo a explicar a busca por alimentos ao término da temporada. Ao mesmo tempo, registramos uma tendência crescente nos níveis séricos de grelina, fator este que também justifica a remigração para as áreas de alimentação no fim do período. Não foram observadas tendências lineares para alguns dos parâmetros avaliados, entre eles: hematócrito, alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA), gama glutamil transferase (GGT), lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL) e lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL). É possível que a maior parte dos indicadores nutricionais tenha apresentado redução gradativa devido ao estresse fisiológico decorrente da vitelogênese e de repetidas oviposições. No entanto, é valido ressaltar que o quadro de restrição calórica por tempo prolongado ...

Reproductive female sea turtles rarely have been observed foraging during the nesting season. This suggests that prior to their reproductive migration to nesting beaches, the adult females must store sufficient energy and nutrients at their foraging grounds, and must be physiologically capable of undergoing months without feeding. Leptin (an appetite-suppressing protein) and ghrelin (a hunger-stimulating peptide) affect body weight by influencing energy intake in all vertebrates. We investigated the levels of these hormones and other physiological and nutritional parameters in nesting female hawksbill sea turtles in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, by collecting consecutive blood samples from 41 turtles during the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 reproductive seasons. We found that levels of serum leptin decreased over the nesting season, which potentially relaxed appetite suppression and led females to begin foraging either during or after the post-nesting migration. Concurrently, we recorded an increasing trend in ghrelin, which stimulated appetite towards the end of the nesting season. Both findings are consistent with the prediction that post-nesting females will begin to forage, either during or just after their post-nesting migration. We observed no seasonal trend for other physiological parameters: PCV values, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) serum levels. The observed downward trends in general serum biochemistry levels were likely due to the physiological stress of vitellogenesis and nesting in addition to limited energy resources and probable fasting

Ingestão de resíduos antropogênicos por tartarugas marinhas no litoral norte do estado da Bahia, Brasil / Anthropogenic debris ingestion by sea turtles in the northern coast of Bahia, Brazil

Este trabalho descreve a presença de resíduos antropogênicos no trato digestório de tartarugas marinhas no Litoral Norte da Bahia, Brasil. Foram realizadas necropsias no trato digestório de 45 tartarugas marinhas encontradas mortas (Chelonia mydas n=36; Eretmochelys imbricata n=9), no período de janeiro de 2006 a outubro de 2007. Em 60 por cento (27/45) das tartarugas necropsiadas foram encontrados resíduos, especialmente aqueles relacionados à atividade de pesca. Os resíduos encontravam-se ao longo de todo o trato gastrointestinal, com predominância no intestino grosso. A ingestão de resíduos pelas tartarugas marinhas do Litoral Norte da Bahia pode levar a debilidade e até mesmo provocar a morte destes animais.

This study investigates the presence of anthropogenic debris in the digestive tract of sea turtles in the Northern Coast of Bahia, Brazil. Necropsies were performed on 45 turtles, 36 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and 9 hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata), found dead between january 2006 and october 2007. Debris was found in 60 percent of the animals, especially those related to fishing activities. Litter could be found throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract, but it was found predominantly in the large intestine (47.53 percent). The ingestion of debris by turtles from the Northern coast of Bahia may lead these animals to starvation, weakness and even death.