Dedicated to alifornia urtle ortoise lub Turtle & Tortoise C T & T C Conservation, Preservation, and Education the Tortuga Gazette Since 1964 Volume 57, Number 1 • January/February 2021
Marginated tortoise, Testudo marginata, photographed in a nature preserve in Macedonia. Photo © 2013 by Alexandros Gassios Marginated Tortoise, Testudo marginata (Schoepff, 1792) The Largest of the Mediterranean Tortoises ne of the tortoises known around the Mediterranean Endemic to Italy, Greece, the Ocollectively as the Mediter- Sea. This group of tortoises is Balkan states in southern Eu- ranean species, the marginated sometimes termed the Eu- rope, and several islands in the tortoise was scientifically de- ropean tortoises. Its genera Mediterranean Sea, T. margi- scribed by the German bota- include the Hermann’s tortoise nata is a member of the family nist, physician, and zoologist (T. hermanni), the Egyptian of tortoises, the Testudinidae, Johann David Schoepff (1752- tortoise (T. kleinmanni), the as are the other land-dwelling 1800) in 1792. Sometimes in Greek tortoise (T. graeca), and tortoises. the chelonian literature, the the marginated tortoise (T. The genus name Testudo year 1793 is cited as the year marginata). Many biologists derives from the Latin word of publication. think the marginated tortoise root testud-, meaning ‘a turtle,’ The “Mediterranean” moniker is most closely related to the while the species name mar- derives from the native ranges Greek, or spur-thighed tortoise of these tortoises, i.e., regions (T. graeca). article continues on page 2 u 2 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021
C The Largest of the Mediterranean Tortoises by M. A. Cohen 1 O Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. 6 N U. S. Government Provides Critical Support to the Turtle Survival Alliance 7 T The Turtle’s Garden: Malva species, Mallow 8 E Sea Turtle Hospital Researches Illness Affecting Green Sea Turtles by Jonathan Simmons 10 N Petition Seeks USMCA Review of Mexico’s Loggerhead Sea Turtle Deaths 12 2021 California Turtle & Tortoise Club Directory T 13 S ginata derives from the Latin the females. word root margin-, meaning ‘a The species’ plastron is yellow border or edge.’ It was likely the with darker triangular blotch- distinctively flared rear mar- es on the scutes. The head of ginal scutes of the species that T. marginata is typically black inspired Schoepff to assign its with a gray or yellow chin, and species name. its limbs are brown or yel- Description low-brown with rows of large, The largest of the Mediterra- overlapping scales on each Comparison of the carapace shapes of T. m. nean tortoise species, T. mar- foreleg (Testudo marginata). marginata (left) and T. m. sarda (right). Im- ginata ranges from 10 to 15.7 age drawn by Richard Mayer from his pho- inches (25 to 40 centimeters) Subspecies tograph. Notice the deeply serrated rear in carapace length and weighs As described below, many marginals on T. m. marginata compared to chelonian scientists recognize the smoother rear marginals pf T. m. sarda. up to 11 pounds (5 kilograms) Image © 2005 by Richard Mayer [Pollock and Kanis, 2015]. three subspecies of T. margin- ata. The species first described this population is known as the The oblong, domed carapace in the literature is currently Sardinian marginated tortoise. of the marginated tortoise known as T. marginata margin- is typically brown to black in At one time, some biologists coloration, and contrasting believed that T. m. weissin- patches of pale yellow may geri was a separate species of be present on the marginal Testudo, but subsequent DNA scutes, especially those adja- testing has proven otherwise cent to the bridge. (Fritz, et. al, 2005). Whether the rear marginals T. m .weissingeri is currently are serrated or comparatively considered to be a subspecies smoother at the edge, they of T. marginata that rare- are prominently flared, more ly exceeds “8.5 inches (21.5 so in males of the species centimeters)” in carapace than in females. Testudo marginata sarda, one of the recognized subspecies. Photo © 2004 by Richard Mayer length (Pollock and Kanis, As for sexual dimorphism, in 2015). According to Fritz, et. addition to the pronounced ata and is commonly called the al, this subspecies appears to flaring of the rear marginal Greek marginated tortoise. be a dwarf form of the original scutes, male T. marginata are T. m. sarda is endemic to Sar- species, and “its small size is typically somewhat larger in dinia, the second largest island the result of suboptimal en- size in wild populations, as well in the Mediterranean Sea. For- vironmental conditions with as displaying broader heads mally described as a separate and longer, thicker tails than subspecies by Mayer in 1992, article continues on page 3 u 3 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021
Mediterranean woodlands to 11 eggs per nesting event. and low-growing, thorny, Varying depending on soil tem- scrub plant communities perature, the incubation period (Testudo marginata). for T. marginata eggs may be Often found adjacent to as few as 60 or as long as 120 cultivated areas, the spe- days (Pollock and Kanis, 2015). cies sometimes takes up Hatchlings emerge from their residence in olive groves. nests from August through Cultivated fields offer The subspecies T. M. weissingeri photographed at substantial nutrition A Cupulatta Park, a nature preserve in Corsica, due to nearby irrigated the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean grasses, so the species Sea. Photo © 2012 by Evenha generally seeks such localities as it emerg- limited resources,“ specifically, es from brumation. Better it “lives in the driest, poorest nesting opportunities may and hottest part of the distri- also be available near cul- butional range of T. marginata” tivated fields than on rocky (Fritz, et. al, 2005). According hillsides. to van Dijk, et. al, the “subspe- cies T. m. weissingeri occurs in Feeding and Foods west Taygetos mountains of Herbivorous in its dietary preferences, in the wild the Adult female marginated tortoise with a hatchling the Peloponnesus, southern marginated tortoise atop her carapace photo- Greece, and a small area that marginated tortoise feeds graphed in Sardegna, Italy. Photo © 2003 by stretches for about 31 miles on herbaceous plants such Carmen [50 kilometers] North-South, as broadleaf greens, grass- but only 1 to 3 miles [2-5 kilo- es, flowers, and fallen fruit in meters] East-West” (van Dijk, its environment. October (Testudo marginata) et. al, 2004). The best strategy for feeding In an interesting study investi- the captive marginated tor- gating the correlation between Range and Habitat toise is to offer a diet approxi- T. marginata subspecies “oc- vocalizations and courtship mating that of the wild species, curs mainly in northwestern, intensity, Roberto Sacchi and i.e., greens, grasses, flowers, central and southern Greece, his team observed the mating some vegetables, and a small and adjoining extreme south- behavior of 94 male marginat- amount of fruit. As with other ern Albania, including a num- ed tortoises. tortoise species, variety in the ber of islands (Kyra Panagia, According to the team’s paper diet is the key to captive tor- Valaxa, Paris, Salamis, Sfakyth- published in the journal Behav- toise health. iria, Spetsopoula, and possibly ioral Ecology and Sociobiology, Korfu), as well as northeastern Reproduction “The courtship and mounting Sardinia and satellite islands, Much of the knowledge re- behaviour of tortoises is elab- plus Isola di San Pietro off garding reproductive behavior orate, and based on a multiple southwestern Sardinia” (van in the marginated tortoise signalling system involving Dijk, et. al, 2004). derives from captive tortoise visual, olfactory, and acoustic observations; little is known Found at elevations from sea signals. Vocalizations related about the act of reproduction level to 4,265 feet (1,300 to mounting seem to be par- in wild tortoises. meters), the marginated tor- ticularly significant because toise is an adaptable species Captives generally mate in tortoises vocalize mainly at this that typically inhabits ecore- spring from April through June, time” (Sacchi et.al, 2003). gions locally called garrigue or with nesting and egg deposi- Following a detailed study phrygana, comparatively dry, tion occurring in June and July. rocky, hillside terrain featuring Clutches vary in size from 3 article concludes on page 4 u 4 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021 and analysis of their a species of “least findings regarding concern.” However, courtship and mating an annotation to the in T. marginata, the IUCN entry indicates biologists concluded that this evaluation that males tended to “needs updating” mate with females (van Dijk, et. al, that are comparable 2004). to their own size, As of 2017, the whom the males Convention on In- courted with their ternational Trade in most intense displays Endangered Species of biting, ramming, (CITES) listed T. mar– and vocalizing be- ginata as Appendix haviors (Sacchi et. al, II. According to the 2003). Carapace view of a marginated tortoise. Photo © 2003 by Richard Mayer. CITES website, Female tortoises in “Ap–pendix II lists this study appeared the threats confronting the species that are not to equate the courtship be- species in Albania which ap- necessarily now threatened havior of “aggressive, dominant pear to apply to the species with extinction but that may males” with the males’ “overall throughout its range. The become so unless trade is vigor” and “quality” as mates threats identified by Oruçi are closely controlled“ (The CITES (Sacchi et. al, 2003). as follows: Appendices). Following analysis of observa- u ecosystem destruction References tions and recordings, Sacchi from the grazing and over- Fritz, U., Siroky, P., Kami, H., & Wink, M. and his team noted “that male grazing of domesticated (2005). Environmentally caused dwarfism or a valid species--is Testudo marginated tortoises emitting animals and wildfires in more and shorter calls during weissingeri Bour, 1996 a distinct evo- forests and grasslands; mounting experienced a high- lutionary lineage? New evidence from er mating success than males u habitat fragmentation mitochondrial and nuclear genomic because of infrastructure markers. [Abstract]. https://pubmed. emitting few, long-duration ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16223676/ calls” (Sacchi et. al, 2003). construction to promote tourism; Oruci, S. 2010. pmcg.co.me/natura-web/ NATURA 9/Data/ARTICLES pdf/Oruci Based on their study, this team u environmental stress of biologists concluded that ISEM4.pdf. http://pmcg.co.me/natu- from lumber harvesting ra-web/NATURA 9/Data/ARTICLES the volume and duration of the and collection of medicinal pdf/Oruci ISEM4.pdf vocalizations of male margin- plants; Pollock, DVM, DABVP, C., & Kanis, C. (2015). Basic Information Sheet: Mar- ated tortoises, along with the u harm/death from “work- ginated Tortoise. https://lafeber.com/ other courtship behaviors, may ing devices,” i.e., farm, provide female tortoises with vet/basic-information-sheet-margin- ranch, construction, and ated-tortoise/ important information about lumbering equipment; Sacchi, R., Galeotti, P., Fasolo, M., & Ballasi- “male condition and mating u some (illegal) exploita- na , D. (2003). Vocalizations and court- success” (Sacchi et. al, 2003). tion of tortoises for the ship intensity correlate with mounting pet trade and other types success in marginated tortoises Threats Testudo marginata. Echoing the threats to so many of domestic usage (Oruçi, Testudo marginata. https://turtles.linnae- other chelonian species are 2010). us.naturalis.nl/linnaeus_ng/app/views/ the conditions threatening the species/taxon.php?id=8181 marginated species, whose Conservation Status The CITES Appendices. https://cites.org/ numbers are declining through- When T. marginata was last eng/app/index.php vanDijk, P. P., Lymberakis, P., & Böhme, W. out much of their range. assessed in 2004 by the Inter- national Union for the Conser- (2004). Testudo marginata. https://dx. In a study published in 2010, vation of Nature (IUCN) for its doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS. T21653A9307262.en Selfo Oruçi concisely described RedList, it was designated as 5 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021
A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED TORTOISE ENJOYS ZOO MED GRASSLAND TORTOISE FOOD The Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is the 6th rarest tortoise in the world, and the heroes at Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) are fighting for its future. As a non-profit, the TSA relies on support from the community. Zoo Med has pledged to donate pallets of their Natural Grassland Tortoise Food to TSA’s Madagascar location 3 times a year. This food prevents shell and spinal growth deformities by matching the nutrient profile and ZOO MED IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE TSA high fiber content of a wild tortoise diet.
ZOOMED.COM Join Zoo Med in supporting the TSA’s conservation efforts; visit their website to learn more and how to contribute: turtlesurvival.org 6 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021
Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. A varied selection of recent articles, stories and sites on the Web that some of you may find as interesting as I did. This list is also posted at tortoise.org/turtlenetpicks/turtlenetpicks.html Proposed Bypass Threatens The BBC has a video of the Swin- Massachusetts Strandings Utah’s Last Remaining Desert hoei’s female Non-profits in Massachusetts and Tortoises Black Softshell Hatchlings Re- Texas teamed up to save 120 cold- “Building the Northern Corridor leased in Assam stunned sea turtles would be like tossing a burning The black softshell turtle, Nilssonia Pacific Leatherbacks Continue to match into the Reserve.”. nigricans, is currently classified as Decline Unfortunately for the tortoises, extinct in the wild in Assam by the Biologists fear illegal or poorly supporters of the bypass “an- IUCN. Hatchlings from temple pop- regulated fishing, poaching, and ticipate hearing good news from ulations have now been released in loss of nesting habitat is having federal agencies next month con- Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctu- a heavy toll on leatherbacks on cerning the potential approval of ary for the third year in a row. their year-long treks across the the project” Mass Hatching of Giant South Pacific Ocean Braden Holtby’s Leopards American River Turtles MEDASSET Fights to Protect Maple and Honey, National Hockey Amazing video of tens of thousands Eastern Mediterranean Sea Tur- League player Braden Holtby’s of hatchling Giant South American tle Habitat pet leopard tortoises, resulted in River turtles, Podocnemis expansa, Council of Europe warned that sea him being held up at the Canadian emerging from a sandy beach along turtle habitats in coastal Cyprus, border while USFWS generated an the Purus River in Brazil. Greece and Turkey are insufficient- export permit. Pond Turtles and the Bobcat Fire ly protected. Tortoise Research Papers Biologists “rescued” 8 southwest- Marine Turtle Newsletter Desert tortoise husbandry for ern pond turtles from the Bobcat Read the latest issue. head starting programs Fire burn area in the San Gabriel CTTC’s Turtle And Tortoise Conserving leopard tortoises in Mountains. Listserve Ethiopia Covid Pandemic Allows Nature to CTTC’s Turtle and Tortoise list has Female Yangtze River Giant Soft- Breathe now moved to io.groups. If you want shell Turtle Discovered Cancun city officials say that this to talk with other turtle and tor- Genetic analysis confirms at least year, the municipality recorded the toise fans in a friendly atmosphere one of the two turtles in Vietnam’s largest sea turtle nesting season in just send an email to:
U.S. Government Provides Critical Support to the Turtle Survival Alliance $150,000 grant will ensure the survival of more than 24,000 confiscated tortoises Antananarivo, Madagascar to COVID-19 - TSA thought it nounce a $150,000 grant for — 1 December 2020 — The would soon be forced to pre- TSA to care for rescued tor- COVID-19 pandemic threatens maturely release thousands of toises until their safe return to more than the health and liveli- critically endangered tortoises the wild. hoods of Madagascar’s people; under its care in Madagascar. Biodiversity conservation and it also jeopardizes thousands In response to the crisis, the combating wildlife trafficking of critically endangered tor- U.S. Government, through are major priorities for the U.S. toises currently in the care the United States Agency for Government, making its work of the Turtle Survival Alliance International Development with TSA a natural partnership. (TSA). Facing a projected (USAID) and the U.S. Depart- Under the Eliminate, Neutral- 80% drop in funding from its ment of Interior’s International ize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife largest supporters -- zoos and Technical Assistance Program aquariums now shuttered due (DOI-ITAP), is proud to an- article concludes on page 7 u 7 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021 Trafficking Act, the United States has designated Mad- agascar as a “Focus Country” and “Country of Concern” and is working with the Govern- ment of Madagascar to fight il- legal trade of natural resources and related official corruption. “The Turtle Survival Alliance provides a vital service to the protection of Madagascar’s endemic tortoises,” said USAID Mission Director John Dun- lop. “With this grant, we are supporting the Turtle Survival A radiated tortoise, Astrochelys radiata, photographed in the Tsimanapetsotsa National Alliance to collect tortoises Park on the southwest coast of Madagascar. Photo © 2016 by Charles J. Sharp recovered from wildlife traf- fickers, bring them to rehabil- rehabilitation facilities, includ- TSA’s unique community-based itation centers, restore them ing four critically endangered management approach trains to health, prepare them for species. These tortoises are community members to care reintroduction to the wild, endemic to Madagascar and for tortoises at local rehabilita- and ultimately release them are popular attractions for the tion centers and teaches them at carefully selected, secure country’s ecotourism industry. the importance of biodiversity locations.” Unfortunately, their value in conservation. This strength- illicit markets also makes them ens the community’s sense of The U.S. Government also a significant target for domes- responsibility for protecting addresses wildlife trafficking tic and international wildlife tortoises from wildlife traffick- through two USAID corner- trafficking. ers and poachers and is part of stone projects, USAID Hay the reason the survival rate of Tao and USAID Mikajy, which TSA has made a bold commit- tortoises at TSA facilities is an invest a combined $45 million ment to zero turtle extinctions impressive 95%. into environmental activities. in the 21st century. TSA Mad- USAID Hay Tao works with agascar’s National Coordinator The United States Govern- government and civil society Dr. Herilala Randriamahazo ment, through USAID, has been to strengthen policies against explains, “We have what we working together with the Gov- wildlife crimes, advocate for consider a sacred obligation ernment of Madagascar and environmental justice, and to care for these animals and local partners for 36 years to fight corruption and wildlife have invested too much in their promote the health and pros- trafficking. USAID Mikajy is rescue and rehabilitation to perity of the Malagasy people. a site-based conservation release them without proper Last year USAID assistance project that empowers local planning and acclimation.” This totaled $114 million, including communities, regional civil new partnership allows TSA to $62 million in activities for society organizations, and for- continue to honor its commit- the health sector, where the estry agents to address illegal ment to conserving Madagas- U.S. is the largest single coun- logging and wildlife trafficking car’s unique natural resources. try donor, and $40 million for in Menabe and the MaMaBay The bulk of TSA’s facilities are food security, where the U.S. (Masoala-Makira-Bay of An- in Madagascar’s southern re- has been the leading provid- tongil) areas. gion, where tortoise poaching er of food assistance to the drought-stricken south since TSA is a global leader in tor- is fady (taboo). Historically, this 2015. . toise conservation and cur- fady has protected tortoises, rently has more than 24,000 but according to Dr. Randria- — USAID press release tortoises in their Madagascar mahazo, the tradition is fading. 8 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021
the Malva species, Mallow Malva alcea, Turtle s Hollyhock mallow Malva moschata, Garden Musk mallow planting for chelonians Malva sylvestris by M A Cohen Common mallow
embers of the mallow height of 4 feet (1.2 meters) Mfamily, the Malvaceae, with a spread of about 2 feet exist in temperate, subtropical, (0.6 meter). Easy to grow, the and tropical climates worldwide species is low maintenance with nearly 250 genera and when planted in the proper thousands of species. These garden conditions. As with Flowers and leaves of Malva sylvestris mau- include important agricultural many other plants, removal ritania, a variety of common mallow. Photo by crops such as cacao, coffee, of the spent flowers, a pro- Hardyplants. Public domain. cotton, and okra, as well as cess known as deadheading, familiar horticultural ornamen- will promote more flowering plant’s lower leaves are not as tals such as tropical hibiscus, throughout the season. deeply lobed as its upper leaves. hollyhock, Chinese lantern, tree With its upright growth habit, Adaptable to many soil types; mallow, etc. the hollyhock mallow is an excel- M. alcea grows best in full sun, Botanists recognize some 25 to lent choice for a border plant- in well-drained soil with regu- 30 species of annual, biennial, ing, a backdrop to a wildflower lar watering. In areas with hot and perennial Malva that origi- meadow, or an informal cottage afternoon sun, hollyhock mallow nated in Africa, Asia, and Eu- garden (Johnstone, 2020). grows and flowers best in par- rope. Adaptable to a variety of tially shaded locations. Mallows Light-to-medium green, the typically flower from summer climates and soils, Malva spe- leaves of M. alcea are, compara- cies have naturalized through- through fall. To keep growth tively narrow, and generally have compact, prune the flower- out many regions beyond their five to seven lobes per leaf. The native ranges. ing stems in the fall after the flowering period ends Malva( While some Malva species wear alcea). out their welcome and become invasive pests, others are For gardeners who want to prized as garden ornamentals. invite pollinators to their This article will focus on three gardens, hollyhock mallow is ornamental perennials that are attractive to both bees and widely grown in gardens in the butterflies. western United States. Malva moschata Malva alcea The common name musk Known by the common name mallow derives from the hollyhock mallow, M. alcea bears “pleasant musky” fragrance blossoms with five petals that of both its flowers and foliage are pink in color, single in form, when one brushes against about 2 inches (5 centimeters) the plant (Malva moschata in diameter. Flowers resemble rosea). those of the hollyhock, Alcea Growing to a height of 3 feet rosea (Malva alcea). (1 meter) with a spread of 2 An herbaceous perennial, hol- feet (0.6 meter), M. moscha- lyhock mallow can grow to a Blossoms, leaves, and clusters of buds on a holly- hock mallow. Photo © 2013 by AnRo0002 article concludes on page 9 u 9 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021 ta has an upright, branching coloration (Mal- growth habit (Brenzel, ed., va sylvestris). 2012). An herbaceous peren- The flowers of nial, musk mallow is com- common mallow paratively short-lived, but have five petals, will often self-sow with new and are about 2 plants appearing the follow- inches (5 centi- ing spring. When the seed- meters) across. lings are still small, they can Flower colors are be easily transplanted into shades of pink other locations if desired. or lavender with Musk mallow bears pink, darker contrast- lavender, or white five-pet- ing stripes on aled flowers, each about 2.5 each petal. M. inches (6 centimeters) in Malva sylvestris in full bloom photographed in Italy. Photo 2012 by sylvestris blooms diameter. Flowers are borne Irene Grassi from early sum- singly or in clusters. Blooming mer until the from early summer through Musk mallow attracts pollina- first frost, and early fall, musk mallow adds an tors such as bees, butterflies, its flowers attract a variety of abundance of showy flowers to and hummingbirds. pollinators. any border planting, cottage garden, or wildflower meadow. Malva sylvestris Edibility Common mallow, the common Providing the mallows are not Medium- to deep-green in name of Malva sylvestris, may grown with chemical fertilizers color, the stems and leaves of be a perennial with a life cycle high in nitrogen, their flowers, M. moschata may be unlobed of several years. However, it leaves, roots, and seeds are or palmately lobed. can also be biennial with a two- edible and nutritious. year life cycle, growing vege- Growing best in full sun, musk Flowers and younger leaves are tatively its first year, flowering mallow tolerates a variety of typically used raw in salads, and dying in its second year. soil types providing the soil has while older leaves are cooked good drainage. A hard pruning Like the other mallows profiled as leafy greens, added to soup, after flowering ends enables in this article, common mallow or cooked into a green sauce. overwintering and prolongs the tolerates many types of soil as Seeds are described as having life of the plant. long as drainage is good, and a nut-like flavor.Malva leaves it grows best in can substitute for grape leaves full sun or partial when making dolmas, leaves shade with regu- stuffed with a variety of ingre- lar watering. dients and wrapped tightly. Common mallow References has an upright, Brenzel, ed., K. N. (2012). The Sunset Western Garden Book. Time Home shrubby growth Entertainment. habit, reaching Johnstone, G. (2020). How to Grow a height of 2 to Hollyhock Mallow. https://www. 4 feet (0.6 to thespruce.com/hollyhock-mal- 1.2 meters) with low-plant-care-5079136 a spread of 2 Malva alcea. https://www.onlineflower- garden.com/2020/11/11/gardening/ feet. Its round- perennial-plants/malva-alcea/ ed leaves have Malva moschata rosea. http://www. many shallow perennials.com/plants/malva-moscha- lobes and are ta-rosea.html Clusters of blossoms and buds on a Malva moschata in Austria. medium green in Malva sylvestris. https://www.gardenia. Photo © 2016 by Uoaei1 net/plant/malva-sylvestris 10 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021 Sea Turtle Hospital researches illness affecting green sea turtles Fibropapillomatosis causes tumors on the turtles’ soft tissue, impeding their move- ment and leaving them vulnerable to tangling in fishing gear. By: Jonathan Simmons, News Editor, Palm Coast Observer A woman in blue scrubs slipped will help pay for the turtles’ the state,” said Eastman. a bag-valve mask over patient food and for the veterinarians Eastman has been working Leanne’s nose after her sur- and vet techs that treat them. with sea turtles since the gery and gave her a few slow “We are so lucky to have this 1990s, when she began doing breaths — one ... two ... three amazing research facility in our nesting surveys as a student at — while a colleague held the community ... and the Sea Tur- Florida Atlantic University. patient behind her flipper. tle Hospital is just one piece of “They’re almost the canary in “Since they’re reptiles, they that,” Sara Hale, who co-found- the coal mine — they demon- need a little encouragement to ed and manages Coastal Cloud strate the health of the eco- breathe,” said Catherine East- with her husband Tim Hale, system,” she said. man, the sea turtle program said on WNZF Radio’s “Free manager at the Sea Turtle For All Friday” program on Oct. The hospital’s 36th patient Hospital at the University of 30. “We’ve been happy to help this year, named Richard, was Florida’s Whitney Laboratory them raise their membership released on Nov. 4. The hospital for Marine Bioscience. and get donations and volun- usually has about 45 long-term patients per year. Leanne, a green sea turtle, is teers in any way that we can the latest patient at the Sea there. But everyone should In Florida, FP was first noticed Turtle Hospital to undergo know that the hospital does in turtles around the Keys, surgery to remove tumors need donations and sponsor- then became prevalent in the caused by an illness called ships to help keep it running, so Indian River Lagoon in the Fibropapillomatosis. The illness, anyone who also loves sea tur- 1990s. There’s a virus involved, which the hospital specializes tles and wants to help should but it’s not clear how it’s trans- in treating and studying, leaves reach out and help this amaz- mitted from turtle to turtle, lesions on the flippers, necks ing hospital that we have right and the few hardy critters that and faces of sea turtles in Flor- here in our community.” eat sea turtles don’t seem to ida and elsewhere. Meanwhile, the lab has raised contract it. $14.5 million for a new lab FP can be debilitating: One tur- building and is hoping the tle at the hospital, named Vic- state will match it. tor Frankenstein (the hospital “We have professors get- has started naming its turtles ting these really hard-to- after famous scientists, includ- get grants, and they expect ing fictional ones), had lesions your facility to be at a cer- around both eyes, impairing tain level,” said Jessica Long, vision. the Whitney Lab’s senior Others have flipper lesions that A green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Hawaii with director of advancement. impede swimming or leave the large tumors caused by fibropapillomatosis. Photo turtle prone to tangling in fish- by George Balasz, a zoologist with NOAA. Public The Illness ing gear. The hospital has had domain. Fibropapillomatosis, or FP, to amputate flippers for that was part of the impetus for reason. the creation of the Sea Tur- A fundraising event on Oct. 27 Staff try to strike a balance brought in $8,350 for the hos- tle Hospital, which had its fifth anniversary in October. between science and conser- pital from Coastal Cloud, the vation. Sea turtles’ endangered Hammock Beach Resort and “It was a disease we weren’t other sponsors — money that used to seeing in this part of article concludes on page 11 u 11 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021 status means that experimen- patient, she added, “And that Sea Turtle Hospital releas- tation that might answer some animal didn’t want anything to es its first satellite-tagged of the open questions about FP do with us.” turtle must go through a permitting The hospital also tends to process. Staff at the Sea Turtle Hospital washbacks, newly hatched sea at the UF Whitney Laboratory The Patients turtles that have been pushed back to shore by a storm. released the hospital’s first The typical turtle patient stays satellite-tagged sea turtle on 6 to 9 months at the hospital It’s not clear how much of a Nov. 4. before release, spending most threat FP poses at the popu- Named “Richard Dawkins” after of its time outside the operat- lation level. Hospital staff are the evolutionary biologist, the ing room in one of a handful of grateful for being able to save mid-sized juvenile was the large white tanks onsite. the patients they can. hospital’s 36th this year, and The Sea Turtle Hospital at- “Is it enough to say it helps the became a patient after be- taches greens to PVC before population?” Eastman said. coming stranded on a beach on dropping them into the turtles’ “No, but every little bit helps.” April 22, according to a news tanks so that the veggies will Originally published in the Palm Coast release from the hospital. sink to the bottom, where the Observer on 12 November 2020. Reprinted The turtle had tumors caused turtles can graze on them. with permission from the author. by the Fibropapillomatosis dis- Staff and volunteers feed them § § § ease, which the hospital treats a daily diet of seafood, greens and researches. The hospital’s Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a and vitamins. (The older green disease that is likely caused by staff hope that tracking Rich- sea turtles are exclusively veg- ard will provide important data the chelonid alphaherpesvirus etarian.) 5, as confirmed by the pres- about where turtles Richard’s Some young turtles are pup- ence of the virus within the size go in the winter, and where tumors. The disease was first they eat. py-like in their curiosity about the people who dole out their described in Hawaiian green “We are lucky to have a ‘large- meals, while others fear people turtles in 1929. for-us’ sized turtle that fit and their unfamiliar surround- FP primarily attacks green tur- the size requirements for a ings, swimming their tanks tles, and occasionally affects satellite tag. It’s exciting to frantically and prompting staff other sea turtle species as well. see Richard’s movements so and volunteers to construct FP is a debilitating disease, far and share his journey with turtle hides out of plastic and impairing the turtles’ ability to swim, find food, and fight off in- the public,” said Catherine PVC. Eastman, Sea Turtle Hospital fections and internal parasites. Program Manager. “We are “If they freak out, we try a little Some 30% of sea turtles proud to partner with Dan shelter,” Eastman said. that develop the disease will Evans with Sea Turtle Conser- Staff made imitation kelp out recover. Turtles with severe vancy and Mike Arendt with of the sliced-up strips of tough, cases suffer immunosuppres- South Carolina Department cloth-like material used to sion which leads to secondary of Natural Resources on this clean cars in mechanical car bacterial infections, and the turtles generally do not survive. tagging effort. Let’s hope washes, tying the material to Richard keeps pinging through bases of PVC. Sea turtles in ecosystems de- the winter!” scribed as “degraded” typically Most of the seven turtles in develop FP more often than To track Richard, visit - the tanks on Nov. 10 were those living in more pristine https://www.whitney.ufl. young — about 5-7 years. environments. The reasons for edu/conservation--sea-tur- “As they age and they get older, this are currently under inves- tle-hospital/sea-tur- tigation. tle-tracking/ they become more and more wild,” Eastman said. The hospi- — Information based on the USGS website titled “Sea Turtles Diseases.” tal recently released an older 12 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021 Petition Seeks USMCA Review of Mexico’s Loggerhead Sea Turtle Deaths Hundreds of Sea Turtles Die Every Year as Bycatch in Fishing Gear Montreal, Canada—17 De- Biological Diversity. “If Mexico the renegotiated NAFTA treaty cember 2020—The Center for keeps letting fishing gear kill these between Mexico, the United States Biological Diversity and the Mexi- magnificent animals by the hun- and Canada. can Center for Environmental Law dreds, they face a real threat of ex- “The Mexican authorities have (Cemda) filed a petition today under tinction. Under the USMCA agree- failed to protect and conserve the the United States-Mexico-Cana- ment, Mexican officials have a legal endangered loggerhead sea turtle,” da Agreement [USMCA] over the obligation to stop this carnage.” said Mario Sánchez, Cemda’s rep- government of Mexico’s failure to According to Mexico’s official data, resentative in the northwest. “Now protect endangered north Pacific 889 dead loggerheads were found we are looking to raise this issue loggerhead sea turtles from fishing on the west coast of Baja California under the new USMCA provisions, gear entanglements. Sur from 2017 to 2019. While sta- given that this sea turtles also Today’s USMCA petition to the tistics for 2020 have not yet been inhabit U.S. waters.” Commission for Environmental Co- fully released, between just January As part of the process, today’s operation notes that loggerheads to June this year, 351 more logger- petition and the loggerhead frequently drown in fishing nets off heads were found dead. Thousands bycatch problem will be discussed the Mexican coast. The reptiles are of these turtles have likely died in by high-level environmental au- born in Japan and migrate to U.S. the past decade because of entan- thorities from each nation. If the and Mexican waters. glement in gillnet and longline gear. petition is accepted, the commis- “The Mexican government’s failure Because of Mexico’s failure to sion will develop a detailed “factual to protect loggerheads from deadly effectively apply existing environ- record” that assesses Mexico’s entanglements could bring a tragic mental legislation to protect the compliance with the environmental end to their millions of years of mi- loggerheads, the groups filed a law. grating to our coast,” said Alejandro Submission on Enforcement Mat- Olivera, senior scientist and Mexico ters petition with the commission — Center for Biological Diversity press release representative for the Center for under Chapter 24 of the USCMA,
Herpetology 2020 — abstract prepared by the staff of the Chicago Herpetological Society Conservation of the Coahuila Box Turtle originally published in the Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society 55(9):186, 2020
G. Castañeda Gaytan et al. [Che- survey of the status of the species than previous studies indicated, im- lonian Conservation and Biology from 2011 to 2018, updating previ- plying direct effects of habitat loss 19(1):14-21] note that the Coahuila ous estimates of population density on T. coahuila. If habitat loss due to box turtle (Terrapene coahuila) is and overall population size. They also lowering of the water table contin- an endangered species of chelonian collected data on sex ratio in each of ues, this species will become extinct. endemic to the Cuatro Ciénegas the eight wetland study areas in the The authors recommend conserva- valley in northern Mexico. It is the valley and report a strongly male-bi- tion measures including upgrading only aquatic member of the genus ased sex ratio. The results indicate the species’ International Union of Terrapene and is dependent on per- a total population size of approx- Conservation Red List status to manent and seasonal wetlands. Over imately 1,791 individuals based on Critically Endangered, protecting the past several decades, T. coahuila recorded densities from 0.24 to and restoring key wetlands in the populations have declined from 3.3 individuals/hectare [2.5 acres] valley, and establishing captive as- habitat loss as the wetlands have among 539.76 hectares [1,333.77 surance colonies in Mexico. dried due to human modifications of acres] of suitable habitat in the 8 the valley. The authors conducted a wetland areas. This estimate is lower — Reprinted with CHS permission 13 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021 2021 California Turtle & Tortoise Club Directory Executive Board Kern County Chapter Santa Clarita Chapter Important note: The Executive Board is General information: General Information: strictly an administrative body for the [email protected] Abigail DeSesa corporate portion of CTTC, and does President/membership: President: George Ordway not handle animals or adoptions. Heather Ponek Treasurer/membership/adoptions: General Information: Vice president: Tim Brennan Abigail DeSesa [email protected] Secretary: Lisa Marriott-Smith Secretary: Jennifer Fields Chair: Don Williams Treasurer: Kathy Studer Meeting: Third Saturday of odd-num- Vice-chair: Robyn Kohr Adoptions: Richard Marriott-Smith bered months at 6:30 pm at Valencia Treasurer: Javier Gonzalez Meeting: Second Monday, 6:30 pm at United Methodist Church, 25718 Secretary: Stephanie Roberts St. Philip of the Apostle Church, St. McBean Pkwy, Valencia, California Ann’s Room (east side of the church), 91355. Chino Chapter 7100 Stockdale Hwy (on the north President: Lynda Misiak side, between Ashe and Gosford), Ba- TOOSLO (San Luis Vice president: David Bowman kersfield, CA 93309. Obispo) Chapter Secretary: Rachelle Buck President: Brandon Froelicher Adoptions: Jim Misiak Low Desert Chapter Vice president: Brian Kusko General Information: Tony Vaninetti Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Chino Treasurer: Diane O’Leary Secretary: Marlies Dietrich Girl Scout House, 5007 Center Street, Meeting: Second Wednesday, 7:00 pm Adoptions: Bill Powers Chino, CA 91710. at Ludwick Community Center Meeting Meeting: First Monday of even-num- Room. 864 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Foothill Chapter bered months 7:00 pm at The Living Obispo, CA 93401. President: Joanna Bolt Desert Reserve, 47-900 Portola, Palm Secretary: Mardy Graves Desert, CA 92260-6156. Turtle & Tortoise Care Treasurer/Membership: Society Chapter Jeanette Lea Orange County Chapter General Information email President: John Kim Meeting: Fourth Friday, 7:30 pm at Los President: Sharon Paquette Vice president: Casey Quinn Angeles County Arboretum, 301 No. Vice president: John Kim Secretary/Co-Treasurer: Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007. Secretary: Joyce Keyak Yolanda Keh Treasurer/membership: Treasurer: John Wong High Desert Chapter Adoptions Inquiries President: Regene Fonville Virginia Doepping Meeting: Third Saturday, 7:30 pm at St. Vice president: Dave Zantiny Adoptions email Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 6201 East Secretary: Mary Dutro Meeting: Second Friday, 7:30 pm at Willow Street, Long Beach, Ca. 90815. Treasurer: Jose Zamudio Grand Street Center (First Presby- Meeting: Second Monday, 7:00 pm at terian Church), 146 N. Grand Street, Sterling Inn Regency Room, 17738 Orange, CA 92866 Valley Chapter President: Bob Hazard Francesca Road, Victorville, CA 92395. Ridgecrest Chapter Treasurer: Karen Berry Inland Empire Chapter President: Robert Parker Adoptions: President: Monica Dirac Vice president: Sue Parker Valley Chapter Adoption Team Vice president: Richard Roosman Adoptions: Montynne Yates Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Corresponding Secretary: Amy Taylor Meeting: Second Monday, 7:30 pm at Woodland Hills Christian Church, 5920 Recording Secretary: Gerald Rezes Maturango Museum, 100 East Las Shoup Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367- Treasurer: Robyn Kohr Flores Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555. 3327. Meeting: First Friday, 7:30 pm at “The Ark” Church of the Nazarenes in the Santa Barbara-Ventura Fellowship Hall in Young Hall, 1307 East Chapter President: Don Williams NOTE: The postal mailing ad- Citrus Avenue, Redlands, CA 92374. Meeting: Contact the Chapter for dresses for each Chapter are meeting information. listed on the last page of this newsletter. 14 Tortuga Gazette 57(1) • January/February 2021
Meetings and Programs Classified Advertisements Click on your Chapter’s website link for the latest program Classified advertisements run for one issue at $500 information. Programs may be scheduled after newsletter for up to four lines. Ads are accepted at the dis- cretion of the Editor. Classified ads are available to publication. members and subscribers only and are run as a ser- vice to our members. California Turtle & Tortoise Chino Valley Ridgecrest Club is not responsible for merchandise placed for 15 January; 19 February 11 January; 8 February sale in the Tortuga Gazette. Please make your check payable to the California Foothill Santa Barbara-Ventura Turtle & Tortoise Club. 22 January; 26 February Contact the chapter for Please send ad fee to: CTTC Tortuga Gazette, attn High Desert meeting information. Treasurer, P. O. Box 7300, Van Nuys, CA 91409- 11 January; 8 February Santa Clarita 7300. 16 January Mail fee with ad copy to the Tortuga Gazette mailing Inland Empire address; OR, mail fee to the postal address above, January; 5 February TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) and email the ad copy to the Gazette Editor. Kern County 19 January; 16 February 11 January; 8 February TTCS (Long Beach) The Tortuga Gazette (ISSN 1073-1334) is owned Low Desert 16 January; 20 February by the California Turtle & Tortoise Club Execu- 1 February Valley tive Board, which is incorporated in the State of 15 California as a Not-for-Profit Corporation and is Orange County January; 19 February tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3). 8 January;12 February All material is copyright © CTTC unless otherwise attributed. CTTC policy permits reproduction of arti- cles by other not-for-profit groups and educational institutions when permission is requested. Permis- California Turtle & Tortoise Club: a Society Dedicated to Turtle & Tor- sion is granted on a case-by-case basis and CTTC toise Preservation, Conservation and Education since 1964. Promoting must be cited as the source of the material. and Facilitating the Care, Rehoming, and Adoption of Native and Non- Views expressed in the Tortuga Gazette are those native Turtles and Tortoises. of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor or the California Turtle & Tortoise Club.
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