The latest freshwater giants: a new Peltocephalus (Pleurodira: Podocnemididae) turtle from the Late Pleistocene of the Brazilian Amazon.

Overkill of large mammals is recognized as a key driver of Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions in the Americas and Australia. While this phenomenon primarily affected mega-mammals, its impact on large Quaternary reptiles has been debated. Freshwater turtles, due to the scarcity of giant forms in the Quaternary record, have been largely neglected in such discussions. Here we present a new giant podocnemidid turtle, Peltocephalus maturin sp. nov., from the Late Pleistocene Rio Madeira Formation in the Brazilian Amazon, that challenges this assumption. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses of the holotype, a massive partial lower jaw, reveal close affinities to extant Amazonian species and suggest an omnivorous diet. Body size regressions indicate Pe. maturin possibly reached about 180 cm in carapace length and is among the largest freshwater turtles ever found. This finding presents the latest known occurrence of giant freshwater turtles, hinting at coexistence with early human inhabitants in the Amazon.

Survey of parasites in sea turtles rescued off the coast of Santa Catarina and Paraná, Brazil (2020-2022) and their relationship with marine pollution.

The identification of parasite fauna can contribute to the assessment of the health status of sea turtles, and thus make it possible to develop effective management and treatment strategies aimed at conserving these animals. The present study aimed to investigate the parasite fauna in sea turtles rescued in six sections of the coast of Santa Catarina and Paraná (Brazil) from January 2020 to December 2022 through the recording of exam reports available in the Information System of Aquatic Biota Monitoring. In total, records of 334 sea turtles were analyzed during this period, of which 219 (65.6 %) were infected with at least one parasite. Chelonia mydas was the most frequent species with 86.5 % of rescues and presented the highest species richness. At least 43 species belonging to 36 different genera have been recorded parasitizing sea turtles. The most common helminths were Cricocephalus albus, Metacetabulum invaginatum, Pronocephalus obliquus, with 12.3 %, 8.7 % and 8.4 %, respectively, while protozoa of the genus Entamoeba were the most prevalent in the turtles analyzed (8.1 %). An interesting finding was the unprecedented finding of Hymenolepis sp. eggs in faeces of some turtle species. The results showed that the parasite fauna was quite diverse, with several species known to be capable of harming the physical health and well-being of sea turtles. In view of this, it is necessary to adopt strategies for monitoring the health of the different rescued species with a view to conserving sea turtles in Brazilian territory.

Traces of oil in sea turtle feces.

In 2019, an oil spill hit the Brazilian Northeast coast causing impact to several ecosystems, including sea turtles' breeding and feeding areas. This study aimed to investigate whether sea turtles were impacted by this oil disaster, correlating the oil found inside feces with a sandy-oiled sample collected on the beach some days after the accident. The fecal samples were collected in the upper mid-littoral reef areas during three consecutive days in February 2020. The results suggested that sea turtles consumed algae contaminated by petroleum. Hydrocarbons composition of oil inside feces was similar to the sandy-oiled sample, suggesting they were the same. Lighter aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic compounds were missing, indicating both sandy-oiled and oil inside the feces had experienced significant evaporation prior to collection. Although the long-term damage is still unknown, the data are novel and relevant to support future research and alert authorities about the risks to sea turtles.

Gonadal Morphology of Stillborn Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Hatchlings.

This study aimed to investigate sexual dimorphism in stillborn hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) through gonadal morphological characterizations. Macroscopic, light microscopy, and transmission electron analyses were performed for 30 gonad-mesonephros complexes. Female gonads were spindle-shaped and present a translucent whitish appearance with a grainy texture. Male gonads were approximately ovoid with a smooth opaque white surface. A primary sexual difference concerns different marrow structures, with females presenting organized cellularity featuring oocytes, lacunae, and blood vessels, while males presented a distinct organizational medulla pattern marked by testicular cords extending throughout the gonad length. Ultrastructurally, female's stroma presented interstitial cells and an abundant cytoplasm rich in electrodense droplets and large oval germline cells, with a conspicuous and noncentral nucleus. Males, on the other hand, presented testicular cord cells containing small amounts of heterochromatin and approximately triangular apical and basal cytoplasms with an evident nucleolus characteristic of support cells. Additionally, there were cells with a large spherical nucleus compared with the cell size and a relatively scarce cytoplasm, identified as gonocytes. These findings indicate that macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural evaluations are effective and reliable techniques for the sexual identification of stillborn E. imbricata hatchlings.

Detection of Hemopathogens in Chelonoidis carbonaria: Microscopic, Molecular, Hematological, and Clinical Biochemistry Aspects.

Background: The growing contact between men and wild animals, caused by the increase in the population in urban centers and the destruction of the habitat of these animals, has been leading to a greater circulation of pathogens between humans and wildlife. Chelonoidis carbonaria, a tortoise found throughout South America, is one of the animals most rescued from animal trafficking and illegal breeding. Considering this situation, this study aimed to verify the occurrence of hemoparasites in C. carbonaria. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 73 C. carbonaria were collected from animals located in (1) a rural commercial breeding unit, (2) an urban zoo, and (3) a center of rescued animal screening. Genomic DNA was extracted from these animals and used in PCRs to detect specific genomic fragments of haemogregarines (i.e., Hepatozoon and Hemolivia), and members of the Anaplasmataceae Family (i.e., Ehrlichia sp. and Anaplasma sp.). Blood samples were screened for hemopathogens by direct microscopy and were used for hematological assays, and serum samples were analyzed to determine the concentration of serum components. Results: It was found that 34.2% of the tortoises presented Sauroplasma sp. in their blood samples; these animals showed clinical biochemistry changes that indicate altered liver function. Two zoo animals were positive for Ehrlichia sp. in PCR, and also presented clinical biochemistry and hematological changes. Conclusion: The present project is pioneer in the detection of Ehrlichia sp. in C. carbonaria, and was able to identify changes in clinical biochemistry that can be a result of the infection by hemopathogens in this species.

Evaluation of metal exposure through the composition of essential and toxic micro-minerals in freshwater turtles (Phrynops geoffroanus) from a Brazilian river.

This study aimed to evaluate metal exposure through the concentration of essential and toxic micro-minerals in biological samples of Phrynops geoffroanus from an anthropized river. The work was carried out in four areas with different flow characteristics and uses of the river, where individuals of both sexes were captured during the dry and rainy seasons. The elements Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn were quantified in samples of serum (168), muscle (62), liver (61), and kidney (61) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The concentration of the elements varied according to the sample type, being higher in the liver and the kidney. In the serum, many elements were below the limit of quantification, but it was possible to determine Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn. The liver showed high levels of Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn, and muscle for Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn, with most of the elements accumulated in the kidney (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, and Ni) relative to other tissues. There was no significant difference between the sexes in the accumulation of elements. Between seasons, Cu was higher in serum and Mn in muscle and liver in the dry period, while in the kidney, almost all the elements were higher in the rainy period. The concentrations of the elements in the samples indicated a high degree of environmental contamination, representing risk in the use of the river and consumption of food from local fisheries.

Phylogenomics reconciles molecular data with the rich fossil record on the origin of living turtles.

Although a consensus exists that all living turtles fall within either Pleurodira or Cryptodira clades, estimating when these lineages split is still under debate. Most molecular studies date the split in the Triassic Period, whereas a Jurassic age is unanimous among morphological studies. Each hypothesis implies different paleobiogeographical scenarios to explain early turtle evolution. Here we explored the rich turtle fossil record with the Fossilized Birth-Death (FBD) and the traditional node dating (ND) methods using complete mitochondrial genomes (147 taxa) and a set of nuclear orthologs with over 10 million bp (25 taxa) to date the major splits in Testudines. Our results support an Early Jurassic split (191-182 Ma) for the crown Testudines with great consistency across different dating methods and datasets, with a narrow confidence interval. This result is independently supported by the oldest fossils of Testudines that postdate the Middle Jurassic (174 Ma), which were not used for calibration in this study. This age coincides with the Pangaea fragmentation and the formation of saltwater barriers such as the Atlantic Ocean and the Turgai Strait, supporting that diversification in Testudines was triggered by vicariance. Our ages of the splits in Pleurodira coincide with the geologic events of the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Conversely, the early Cryptodira radiation remained in Laurasia, and its diversification ensued as all its major lineages expanded their distribution into every continent during the Cenozoic. We provide the first detailed hypothesis of the evolution of Cryptodira in the Southern Hemisphere, in which our time estimates are correlated with each contact between landmasses derived from Gondwana and Laurasia. Although most South American Cryptodira arrived through the Great American Biotic Interchange, our results indicate that the Chelonoidis ancestor probably arrived from Africa through the chain islands of the South Atlantic during the Paleogene. Together, the presence of ancient turtle diversity and the vital role that turtles occupy in marine and terrestrial ecosystems underline South America as a chief area for conservation.

Temperature effects on oxygen consumption and breathing pattern in juvenile and adult Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824).

The effects of temperature on breathing pattern and oxygen consumption are being investigated in juvenile tortoises and compared to adults, in order to understand physiological adjustments of the respiratory system as related to body size, especially regarding the energetic expenditure associated with growth. We analyzed the breathing pattern and oxygen consumption of juvenile and adult red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonarius, Cryptodira: Testudinidae). The animals (N = 9; body mass ranging from 0.03 Kg to 2.5 Kg) were exposed to normoxic-normocarbic conditions using open respirometry in order to determine the breathing pattern and oxygen consumption in three different temperatures (15, 25, 35 °C). The obtained results showed intermittent breathing pattern in all tested temperatures in juveniles and adults. Tidal volume was not affected by changes in temperature, while breathing frequency increased significantly with increasing temperature, leading to a significant increment in minute ventilation between 15 and 35 °C. Mass specific oxygen consumption increased significantly with temperature and juveniles showed greater values when compared to adults. The alterations in the ventilatory response to temperature changes occurred in order to maintain the oxygen supply with increased metabolic activity. The differences between juveniles and adults in breathing frequency lead to juveniles needing a lower ventilation rate to perform gas exchange while extracting more oxygen. While these differences might be attributed to a greater metabolic expenditure during development, scaling effects on respiratory variables might be the main contributors to the found differences.

The influence of season, environment, sex, and body mass on biochemical profile of the freshwater turtle Phrynops geoffroanus (Schweigger, 1812) / [Influência da estação, do ambiente, do sexo e da massa corporal no perfil bioquímico do cágado Phrynops geoffroanus (Schweigger, 1812)]

We analyzed the influence of the season, the environment, and the sex, as well as the relation of body mass (BM) in the serum albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (C), creatine kinase (CK), phosphorus (P), total calcium (tCa), total protein (TP), urea (U), uric acid (UA), calcium:phosphorus ratio (Ca:P), and the globulin value (GV) of thirty individuals of Phrynops geoffroanus of the urban area of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The modeling of biochemical parameters was performed using the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) to verify the influence of variables considered in this study on each of the biochemical parameters analyzed. The season influenced AST, CK, C, tCa, Ca:P and UA. The environment influenced tCa, Ca:P, U and UA. On the other hand, CK, tCa, P, Ca:P and U differed significantly between males and females. Regarding the BM, a relationship of this variable was observed with CK, C, tCa, P, U, UA and Ca:P. We concluded that the season, environment, sex, and body mass can influence the biochemical parameters of P. geoffroanus, and these factors should be routinely considered in the interpretation of laboratory results.

Analisou-se a influência da estação, do ambiente e do sexo, assim como a relação da massa corporal (BM) nos níveis sorológicos de albumina (ALB), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatinina (C), creatina quinase (CK), fósforo (P), cálcio total (tCa), sólidos totais (TS), ureia (U), ácido úrico (UA), relação cálcio:fósforo (Ca:P), e do valor da globulina (GV) de Phrynops geoffroanus da área urbana de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil. A modelagem dos parâmetros bioquímicos foi realizada utilizando-se os modelos aditivos generalizados para locação, escala e forma (GAMLSS) para verificar a influência das variáveis consideradas neste estudo em cada um dos parâmetros bioquímicos analisados. A estação sazonal influenciou os níveis de AST, CK, C, tCa, Ca:P e UA. O ambiente foi capaz de influenciar tCa, Ca:P, U e UA. Por outro lado, CK, tCa, P, Ca:P e U diferiram significativamente entre machos e fêmeas. Em relação à BM, observou-se relação dessa variável com CK, C, tCa, P, U, UA e Ca:P. Concluiu-se que a estação sazonal, o ambiente, o sexo e a massa corporal são capazes de influenciar os parâmetros bioquímicos de P. geoffroanus e que esses fatores devem ser rotineiramente considerados na interpretação dos resultados laboratoriais.

Morphological characterization of the digestive tube of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings.

Morphological studies concerning the digestive system can further information on animal diets, thus aiding in the understanding of feeding behavior. Given the scarcity of information on sea turtle digestive system morphology, the aim of the present study was to describe the digestive tube (DT) morphology of Eretmochelys imbricata hatchlings to further understand the diet of these individuals in the wild. DT samples from 10 stillborn turtles (undefined sex) were analyzed at the macro and microscopic levels. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine (SI), and large intestine (LI) are described. Histologically, the DT is formed by four tunics, the mucosa, submucosa, muscular, and adventitia or serosa. The esophagus is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, while the remainder of the DT is lined by a simple columnar epithelium. The esophagus mucosa is marked by conical, pointed papillae. The stomach comprises three regions, the cardiac, fundic, and pyloric and is covered by neutral mucous granular cells. The intestinal mucosa presents absorptive cells with microvilli, neutral and acidic goblet cells, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. The SI is significantly longer than the LI (p value = 0.006841). These morphological findings are strong indications of adaptations to a carnivorous diet in this hawksbill turtle age group.

A "hotspot" within a hotspot: the reptiles of the Estação Ecológica and Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil / Um "hotspot" dentro de um hotspot: os répteis da Estação Ecológica e Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, Mata Atlântica do nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: Currently the Atlantic Forest hotspot has less than 11% of its original coverage. However approximately 300 species of reptiles are known to inhabit this ecoregion, of which 34% are endemic. The creation of protected areas represents a strategy for preserving ecosystems and managing land use, and for attaining the proper management of these protected areas, information on local biodiversity is essential. Herein we provide the first list of reptile species for the Estação Ecológica and Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, two overlapping protected areas located in the state of Alagoas, one of the most important sets of forest remnants for the conservation of the Atlantic Forest in the northeast of Brazil. The species list was constructed based on expeditions and occasional encounters in the area between 1994 and 2022. A total of 89 reptile species were obtained during the 28 years of collection, being two species of Crocodylia, three species of Testudines and 84 species of Squamata. This richness is by far one of the greatest ever documented for the Atlantic Forest. Additionally, two species registered in the area are considered threatened according to the national list (Amerotyphlops paucisquamus and Bothrops muriciensis) and six are defined as data deficient for the assessment of their conservation status. Three species are recorded for the first time in the Atlantic Forest north of the São Francisco River: Dipsas indica, Trilepida salgueiroi and Cercophis auratus. We claim that the species list provided here will serve as a starting point for further studies in this rich reptile "hotspot" within the Atlantic Forest.

Resumo: Atualmente o hotspot da Mata Atlântica tem menos de 11% de sua cobertura original. Porém aproximadamente 300 espécies de répteis são conhecidas por habitar esta ecorregião, das quais 34% são endêmicas. A criação de unidades de conservação representa uma estratégia de preservação de ecossistemas e gestão do uso do solo, e para o manejo adequado dessas áreas protegidas é fundamental a informação sobre a biodiversidade local. Apresentamos aqui a primeira lista de espécies de répteis para a Estação Ecológica e Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, duas unidades de conservação parcialmente sobrepostas localizadas no estado de Alagoas, um dos conjuntos de remanescentes florestais mais importantes para a conservação da Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil. A lista de espécies foi construída com base em expedições e encontros ocasionais na área entre 1994 e 2022. Um total de 89 espécies de répteis foram registradas durante os 28 anos de coleta, sendo duas espécies de Crocodylia, três espécies de Testudines e 84 espécies de Squamata. Essa riqueza é de longe uma das maiores já documentadas para a Mata Atlântica. Além disso, duas espécies registradas na área são consideradas ameaçadas segundo a lista nacional (Amerotyphlops paucisquamus e Bothrops muriciensis) e seis são definidas como dados insuficientes para a avaliação de seu status de conservação. Três espécies são registradas pela primeira vez na Mata Atlântica ao norte do rio São Francisco: Dipsas indica, Trilepida salgueiroi e Cercophis auratus. Afirmamos que a lista de espécies aqui fornecida servirá como ponto de partida para novos estudos neste rico "hotspot" de répteis dentro da Mata Atlântica.

A NEW COCCIDIAN (APICOMPLEXA: EIMERIIDAE) IN THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED CENTRAL AMERICAN RIVER TURTLE (DERMATEMYS MAWII) IN BELIZE.

As part of a biannual health examination, coprological samples from 3-mo-old Central American river turtles, Dermatemys mawii (Gray, 1847) in a breeding program in Belize, Central America, revealed a previously undescribed coccidian (Apicomplexa) in 17 of 46 (37%) samples. Of 3 positive fecal samples transported to the University of Florida, coccidian oocysts were observed in 1 sample. Sporulated oocysts were measured and described, and using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), an approximately 400-base pair (bp) region of both the small subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA gene and 1,200-bp region of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene were amplified in all 3 samples and their products were sequenced. For comparative value, the same PCR reactions and amplifications were performed on a fecal sample containing oocysts of Eimeria mitraria obtained from a red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans. Results indicated a new eimerian in D. mawii, Eimeria grayi n. sp.

Anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, Brazil / Achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, Brasil

In order to determine the main anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, all necropsy records performed at the "Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária" of the "Universidade de Brasília" (LPV-UnB) on Testudines during the period from January 2008 to July 2020 were reviewed. The 72 cases reviewed were grouped and classified according to species, sex, origin, season of occurrence, and diagnosis. In 69.44% of the cases the species was informed in the necropsy protocols, which included Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) and Podocnemis expansa (2%). In 30.55% of the cases this parameter was not informed and were classified only as Testudines. In 41.66% of the cases the sex was informed, being female 22.22%, male 19.44%, and 58.33% were not informed. Of these animals 79.16% were from environmental agencies and 20.84% from zoos and/or guardians. In 70.83% of the animals analyzed they were directly related to the autumn and winter seasons, with June being the most frequent month (29.17%). The conclusive diagnosis was possible in 68.05% of the cases. The category of disorders caused by injurious agents (48.97%) was the most prevalent, followed by inflammatory disorders (32.65%) and nutritional and metabolic disorders (28.57%). The main diagnoses were carapace and/or plastron fracture with 30.61%, hepatic steatosis (20.40%) and pneumonia (10.22%). Most cases of carapace or plastron fracture and hepatic steatosis occurred in animals from environmental agencies.(AU)

Com o objetivo de determinar os principais achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, foram revisadas todas as fichas de necropsia realizadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade de Brasília (LPV-UnB) em Testudines, durante o período de janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2020. Os 72 casos revisados foram agrupados e classificados quanto à espécie, sexo, procedência, estação do ano de ocorrência e diagnóstico. Em 69,44% dos casos havia a espécie informada nos protocolos de necropsia, que incluíam Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) e Podocnemis expansa (2%). Em 30,55% dos casos não tiveram esse parâmetro informado e foram classificados apenas como Testudines. Em 41,66% casos foi informado o sexo, sendo fêmea 22,22%, macho 19,44% e não informados 58,33%. Destes animais 79,16% eram de órgão ambiental e 20,84% de zoológicos e ou tutores. Em 70,83% dos animais analisados tiveram direta relação com as estações de outono e inverno, sendo o mês de junho o mais frequente (29,17%). O diagnóstico conclusivo foi possível em 68,05% dos casos. A categoria de distúrbios causados por agentes lesivos (48,97%) foi a mais prevalente, seguido por distúrbios inflamatórios (32,65%) e dos distúrbios nutricionais e metabólicos (28,57%). Os principais diagnósticos foram fratura de carapaça e ou plastrão com 30,61%, esteatose hepática (20,40%) e pneumonia (10,22%). A maior parte dos casos de fratura de carapaça ou plastrão e de esteatose hepática ocorreram em animais provenientes de órgão ambiental.(AU)

Anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, Brazil / Achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, Brasil

In order to determine the main anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, all necropsy records performed at the "Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária" of the "Universidade de Brasília" (LPV-UnB) on Testudines during the period from January 2008 to July 2020 were reviewed. The 72 cases reviewed were grouped and classified according to species, sex, origin, season of occurrence, and diagnosis. In 69.44% of the cases the species was informed in the necropsy protocols, which included Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) and Podocnemis expansa (2%). In 30.55% of the cases this parameter was not informed and were classified only as Testudines. In 41.66% of the cases the sex was informed, being female 22.22%, male 19.44%, and 58.33% were not informed. Of these animals 79.16% were from environmental agencies and 20.84% from zoos and/or guardians. In 70.83% of the animals analyzed they were directly related to the autumn and winter seasons, with June being the most frequent month (29.17%). The conclusive diagnosis was possible in 68.05% of the cases. The category of disorders caused by injurious agents (48.97%) was the most prevalent, followed by inflammatory disorders (32.65%) and nutritional and metabolic disorders (28.57%). The main diagnoses were carapace and/or plastron fracture with 30.61%, hepatic steatosis (20.40%) and pneumonia (10.22%). Most cases of carapace or plastron fracture and hepatic steatosis occurred in animals from environmental agencies.

Com o objetivo de determinar os principais achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, foram revisadas todas as fichas de necropsia realizadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade de Brasília (LPV-UnB) em Testudines, durante o período de janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2020. Os 72 casos revisados foram agrupados e classificados quanto à espécie, sexo, procedência, estação do ano de ocorrência e diagnóstico. Em 69,44% dos casos havia a espécie informada nos protocolos de necropsia, que incluíam Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) e Podocnemis expansa (2%). Em 30,55% dos casos não tiveram esse parâmetro informado e foram classificados apenas como Testudines. Em 41,66% casos foi informado o sexo, sendo fêmea 22,22%, macho 19,44% e não informados 58,33%. Destes animais 79,16% eram de órgão ambiental e 20,84% de zoológicos e ou tutores. Em 70,83% dos animais analisados tiveram direta relação com as estações de outono e inverno, sendo o mês de junho o mais frequente (29,17%). O diagnóstico conclusivo foi possível em 68,05% dos casos. A categoria de distúrbios causados por agentes lesivos (48,97%) foi a mais prevalente, seguido por distúrbios inflamatórios (32,65%) e dos distúrbios nutricionais e metabólicos (28,57%). Os principais diagnósticos foram fratura de carapaça e ou plastrão com 30,61%, esteatose hepática (20,40%) e pneumonia (10,22%). A maior parte dos casos de fratura de carapaça ou plastrão e de esteatose hepática ocorreram em animais provenientes de órgão ambiental.

Anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, Brazil

ABSTRACT: In order to determine the main anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, all necropsy records performed at the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade de Brasília (LPV-UnB) on Testudines during the period from January 2008 to July 2020 were reviewed. The 72 cases reviewed were grouped and classified according to species, sex, origin, season of occurrence, and diagnosis. In 69.44% of the cases the species was informed in the necropsy protocols, which included Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) and Podocnemis expansa (2%). In 30.55% of the cases this parameter was not informed and were classified only as Testudines. In 41.66% of the cases the sex was informed, being female 22.22%, male 19.44%, and 58.33% were not informed. Of these animals 79.16% were from environmental agencies and 20.84% from zoos and/or guardians. In 70.83% of the animals analyzed they were directly related to the autumn and winter seasons, with June being the most frequent month (29.17%). The conclusive diagnosis was possible in 68.05% of the cases. The category of disorders caused by injurious agents (48.97%) was the most prevalent, followed by inflammatory disorders (32.65%) and nutritional and metabolic disorders (28.57%). The main diagnoses were carapace and/or plastron fracture with 30.61%, hepatic steatosis (20.40%) and pneumonia (10.22%). Most cases of carapace or plastron fracture and hepatic steatosis occurred in animals from environmental agencies.

RESUMO: Com o objetivo de determinar os principais achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, foram revisadas todas as fichas de necropsia realizadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade de Brasília (LPV-UnB) em Testudines, durante o período de janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2020. Os 72 casos revisados foram agrupados e classificados quanto à espécie, sexo, procedência, estação do ano de ocorrência e diagnóstico. Em 69,44% dos casos havia a espécie informada nos protocolos de necropsia, que incluíam Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) e Podocnemis expansa (2%). Em 30,55% dos casos não tiveram esse parâmetro informado e foram classificados apenas como Testudines. Em 41,66% casos foi informado o sexo, sendo fêmea 22,22%, macho 19,44% e não informados 58,33%. Destes animais 79,16% eram de órgão ambiental e 20,84% de zoológicos e ou tutores. Em 70,83% dos animais analisados tiveram direta relação com as estações de outono e inverno, sendo o mês de junho o mais frequente (29,17%). O diagnóstico conclusivo foi possível em 68,05% dos casos. A categoria de distúrbios causados por agentes lesivos (48,97%) foi a mais prevalente, seguido por distúrbios inflamatórios (32,65%) e dos distúrbios nutricionais e metabólicos (28,57%). Os principais diagnósticos foram fratura de carapaça e ou plastrão com 30,61%, esteatose hepática (20,40%) e pneumonia (10,22%). A maior parte dos casos de fratura de carapaça ou plastrão e de esteatose hepática ocorreram em animais provenientes de órgão ambiental.

Amphibians and reptiles of the Atlantic Forest in Recôncavo Baiano, east Brazil: Cruz das Almas municipality.

A list of amphibian and reptile species that occur in open and forested areas of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Cruz das Almas, in the Recôncavo Baiano, eastern Brazil is presented. Field sampling occurred between January 2015 to March 2019, totalling 117 samples distributed in three areas: Parque Florestal Mata de Cazuzinha, Mata da Cascalheira, and Riacho do Machado. A total of 1,848 individuals of 69 species (31 anurans, 14 lizards, 19 snakes, two amphisbaenians, and three testudines) was recorded. Additionally, one individual of Ophiodesstriatus was found in Mata da Cascalheira after the end of sampling, totalling 15 lizard species and 70 herpetofaunal species. The prevalence of open-area species and the presence of Phyllopezuslutzae, Diploglossuslessonae, and Dryadosauranordestina in interior forest patches are discussed. Additionally, a new record of the invasive terrapin Trachemysdorbigni in the State of Bahia is reported.

The genetic and morphological diversity of Haemogregarina infecting turtles in Colombia: Are mitochondrial markers useful as barcodes for these parasites?

Adeleorinid parasites commonly infect turtles and tortoises in nature. Currently, our knowledge about such parasites is extremely poor. Their characterization is based on morphological and molecular approaches using the 18S rDNA molecular marker. However, there is a limitation with the 18S rDNA due to its slow rate of evolution. For that reason, the goals of this study were to 1) design primers for new molecular mitochondrial markers to improve the phylogenetic reconstructions of adeleorinid parasites and 2) to determine the morphological and genetic diversity of Haemogregarina infecting turtles and tortoises in Colombia. Turtles from 16 species representing six families were examined for the presence of haemoparasites. We analyzed 457 samples using PCR, and 203 of them were also analyzed by microscopy. Using a mitochondrial genome of Haemogregarina sequenced in this study, we designed primers to amplify fragments of the cytochrome oxidase I (coxI), cytochrome oxidase III (coxIII), and cytochrome b (cytb) mitochondrial markers in adeleorinid parasites. Lineages obtained from nuclear and mitochondrial molecular markers clustered according to the turtle lineages from which they were isolated. It is noteworthy that we found different evolutionary lineages within the same morphotype, which may indicate heteroplasmy and/or cryptic diversity in Haemogregarina. Due to this situation, we could not make a species delimitation, even when integrating the different lines of evidence we had in this study. However, the primers presented here are useful for diagnosis and, moreover, according to the available information, all three genes retain phylogenetic signals; thereby fragments amplified can be used in reconstructing evolutionary relationships. This effort contributes to the knowledge of the diversity of these parasites infecting continental turtles from Colombia.

The influence of the post-pulmonary septum and submersion on the pulmonary mechanics of Trachemys scripta (Cryptodira: Emydidae).

The respiratory system of chelonians needs to function within a mostly solid carapace, with ventilation depending on movements of the flanks. When submerged, inspiration has to work against hydrostatic pressure. We examined breathing mechanics in Trachemys scripta while underwater. Additionally, as the respiratory system of T. scripta possesses a well-developed post-pulmonary septum (PPS), we investigated its role by analyzing the breathing mechanics of lungs with and without their PPS attached. Static compliance was significantly increased in submerged animals and in animals with and without their PPS, while removal of the PPS did not result in a significantly different static compliance. Dynamic compliance was significantly affected by changes in volume and frequency in every treatment, with submergence significantly decreasing dynamic compliance. The presence of the PPS significantly increased dynamic compliance. Submersion did not significantly alter work per ventilation, but caused minute work of breathing to be much greater at any frequency and ventilation level analyzed. Lungs with or without their PPS did not show significantly different work per ventilation when compared with the intact animal. Our results demonstrate that submersion results in significantly altered breathing mechanics, increasing minute work of breathing greatly. The PPS was shown to maintain a constant volume within the animal's body cavity, wherein the lungs can be ventilated more easily, highlighting the importance of this coelomic subdivision in the chelonian body cavity.