DOCSLIB.ORG

Captive Care of the African Spurred Tortoise, Geochelone Sulcata Kendra E

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Captive Care of the African Spurred Tortoise, Geochelone Sulcata Kendra E C are in C aptivity Captive Care of the African spurred tortoise, Geochelone sulcata Kendra E. Stauffer, DVM Patton Veterinary Hospital, 425 E Broadway, Red Lion PA, 17356, USA A bstract: The African spurred tortoise, Geochelone sulcata, is a popular species kept in captivity due to its high reproductive rate and relative hardiness. Unfortunately, because of their large size, tortoise adoption facil­ ities are being overwhelmed with unwanted adults. Husbandry, reproduction, medical and surgical considerations are addressed to better inform the practitioner and the caretaker. Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/jhms/article-pdf/13/4/38/2208039/1529-9651_13_4_38.pdf by guest on 29 September 2021 Key W ords: African spurred tortoise, Geochelone sulcata, pyramiding, cystic calculi, mycoplasma, reptile, anesthesia. I ntroduction convention. Habitat destruction, capture for international trade, and consumption by the local people, have significantly j Commonly known as the African spurred, furrowed, or decreased populations in their native countries (Lambert,! Sulcata tortoise, Geochelone sulcata originates in the Sahel 1993). African spurred tortoises are a symbol of longevity and region of Africa, along the southern edge of the Sahara are considered good luck charms in Mali and are therefore Desert. This 500 km wide strip includes parts of Ethiopia, commonly kept as pets (Perloni, 1988). There are several cap-| Chad, Niger, Mali, southern Mauritania and Senegal tive breeding programs located in Senegal with the intention (Pritchard CH, 1979, Ernst and Barbour, 1989). African of repopulation, additional information can be found at spurred tortoises are listed in the Appendix II of the CITES www.cites.org/eng/resources/species.html. Figure 1. An adult male African spurred tortoise, Geochelone sulcata, at the Miami Natural History Museum in Florida. Photo by Donal M. Boyer, courtesy of the Zoological Society of San Diego. 38 Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery Volume 13, No. 4,2003 Housing - African spurred tortoise should have a clean, dry enclosure with access to food and water, full-spectrum light­ ing, warm and cool areas (allowing for thermoregulation), a simulated (or real) burrow or hide-box, and protection from predators or other hazards. A six-inch juvenile will be easier to house than a two-foot adult, but the same general needs must be met. A juvenile tortoise can be easily housed in a large plastic tub or similar container, and as it grows (rapidly), can be moved to a “tortoise table” which is an enclosure with low sides built of wood or plastic (further described on the hous­ ing section of the African spurred tortoise care sheet at www.chelonian.org) or “tortoise room” as size dictates. The best place for an African spurred tortoise is outside pen (with Figure 2. An adult male actively pursuing a female African a sturdy solid surface fence) to allow exposure to sunlight andDownloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/jhms/article-pdf/13/4/38/2208039/1529-9651_13_4_38.pdf by guest on 29 September 2021 spurred tortoise. Photo by Donal M. Boyer, courtesy of the more natural foraging and digging behaviors. This can be Zoological Society of San Diego. done on a temporary basis when daily conditions permit in The native habitat of the African spurred tortoise consists of colder climates, or more permanently in warmer arid dry savannah and semi-desert areas. They rely on mois­ areas.Physical damage to the tortoise and the fence will occur ture in food to meet their needs, and conserve water by if the fencing used is a broken surface such as chain link or several methods. These tortoises have thick skin to limit lattice. Wherever you house them, specific conditions must be moisture loss, they expel very little liquid urine, and they dig met to maintain health as described below. burrows (avg. 76 cm depth) to escape the hottest, driest part African spurred tortoise prefer a temperature range of 20 gj of the day. The deepest part of the burrow has a higher 32°C (70 - 90°F). During the day, there should be a basking humidity level and decreased air flow when compared to sur­ area 29 - 35°C (85 - 95°F), and a cool area 18 - 24°C (65 - face air contributing to increased water conservation by the 75 °F) to allow the animals to regulate their preferred tempera­ tortoise. African spurred tortoise is the world’s third largest ture. Recommended day length is 12 hr. Nighttime land chelonian, surpassed only by the Galapagos and Aldabra temperatures may drop to 16°C (60°F) but ideally should be tortoises. Adults will frequently exceed 60 cm (24 in) in kept around 20°C for adults. Remember that although they can survive lower temperatures, it stresses the animals, and length, and can weigh 6 8 kg (150 lbs) or more (Figures 1 and 2). Full size is usually achieved by 10 to 15 yr of age, longer contributes to health problems. Heat provided by radiant in the wild. The shell is generally oval, and the carapace is sources such as heat-lamps or ceramic emitters more accu­ dorsally flattened with steep sides. The scutes are generally rately simulate solar warming during basking than under-tank brown to beige, and display prominent growth rings. Some heaters and “hot rocks” (which are likely to bum animals individuals may have darker scute margins surrounding tan when used as a heat source). Temperatures should be moni­ centers. The plastron is a cream to tan color, and the thick tored regularly as over-heating can lead to dehydration, and skin is a golden brown. The plastron is well developed and cold temperatures will favor respiratory disease and poor has a deep anal notch, and prominent, forked gular scutes. digestive function. The head is fairly blunt, with a mildly hooked upper beak. The African spurred tortoise does NOT hibernate. This tor­ The forelimbs have longitudinal rows of large, knobby scales, toise is active all year although it may go through periods of and the hind leg displays two or three large, conical tubercles winter cooling and summer estivation. or spurs (Ernst and Barbour, 1989, Alderton, 1992). Although controlled studies are lacking, it is suggested to Males are generally larger, and have longer thicker tails than provide full-spectrum lighting, including both UVA (stimu­ females, as well as a more concave plastron and reach sexual lates natural behavior) and UVB (activation of vitamin D). maturity at 35 cm (14” - 15”) (Ernst and Barbour, 1989). Natural sunlight is best, and tortoises that spend some time Females reach sexual maturity at 45 cm (17” - 18”), have a outside will probably get enough ultraviolet exposure. Most glass and plastic block ultraviolet light however, some prod­ shorter tail, and have a wider, rounder anal notch (Gurley, ucts allow for penetration of UV light. These can be used in 2002). Both sexes have large gular projections but in males, greenhouse applications or for skylights and windows. these tend to be larger and more flared (Figures 3 -4 ). Products are: Solacryl SUVT™ panels (Polycast Technology Corp., Stanford, CT) with 85% UV-B transmission, and Captivity - African spurred tortoises have become very pop­ Acrylite® OP-4 Acrylic Sheet (Cyro Industries, 100 ular in captivity. This is due to their robust nature, engaging Enterprise Drive, Rockaway, NJ) with 80% transmission of personalities, and successful captive breeding. Housing and UV-A and UV-B. Fluorescent full spectrum lights should be feeding can become a problem for some due to their longevi­ within about 30 - 45cm (12 - 18") of the animals to provide ty, large size, burrowing habits, and voracious appetites. This enough intensity. The self-ballasted mercury vapor lamps pro­ has led to a surplus of adult tortoises that have outgrown their vide heat, UVA, and UVB and depending on bulb wattage, owners’ facilities or attention spans. Potential owners should should be placed from 30 cm to 1.2 m (1 - 4 ft) from basking be counseled regarding the major commitment of time and site (Active UVHeat bulbs distributed by Wild Inside Box space they are making when purchasing these animals. 228 Mina, NV, T-Rex Products Inc., 1124 Bay Blvd Suite A, Volume 13, No. 4,2003 Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery 39 Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/jhms/article-pdf/13/4/38/2208039/1529-9651_13_4_38.pdf by guest on 29 September 2021 Figure 4. An adult female African spurred tortoise, Geochelone sulcata, showing a much less pronounced gular projection. Photo by Donal M. Boyer, courtesy of the Zoological Society of San Diego. For indoor tortoises, a wide range of materials can be used! for substrate, from simple newspaper, to hay, or commercially'! available pelleted substrates. Pelleted alfalfa is often too high J in protein and other minerals and likely to contribute to I improper growth of juveniles. The main concerns with a sub-f strate are that it be kept clean, and that it be non-obstructing! when ingested. Most reptiles eat bedding, whether by acci-i dent or intentionally. Items like pebbles, tree-bark, crushed I walnut shells, corncob, or silica-sand can be problematic'! because of the potential to form obstructions of the gastro-B Figure 3. A mature adult male African spurred tortoise, intestinal tract that may require surgical correction. Similarly, j Geochelone sulcata, showing the large gular projection which is any foreign objects in their enclosures may be ingested if pos- 1 used in combat. Photo by Donal M. Boyer, courtesy of the sible, so any small objects should be avoided. Zoological Society of San Diego. African spurred tortoise are very big, very strong, and very 1 persistent. Enclosures need to be sturdy enough to withstand 1 Chula Vista, CA and Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo Kleinmanni)
    EAZA Reptile Taxon Advisory Group Best Practice Guidelines for the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) First edition, May 2019 Editors: Mark de Boer, Lotte Jansen & Job Stumpel EAZA Reptile TAG chair: Ivan Rehak, Prague Zoo. EAZA Best Practice Guidelines Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) EAZA Best Practice Guidelines disclaimer Copyright (May 2019) by EAZA Executive Office, Amsterdam. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in hard copy, machine-readable or other forms without advance written permission from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Members of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) may copy this information for their own use as needed. The information contained in these EAZA Best Practice Guidelines has been obtained from numerous sources believed to be reliable. EAZA and the EAZA Reptile TAG make a diligent effort to provide a complete and accurate representation of the data in its reports, publications, and services. However, EAZA does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information. EAZA disclaims all liability for errors or omissions that may exist and shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, or other damages (whether resulting from negligence or otherwise) including, without limitation, exemplary damages or lost profits arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication. Because the technical information provided in the EAZA Best Practice Guidelines can easily be misread or misinterpreted unless properly analysed, EAZA strongly recommends that users of this information consult with the editors in all matters related to data analysis and interpretation. EAZA Preamble Right from the very beginning it has been the concern of EAZA and the EEPs to encourage and promote the highest possible standards for husbandry of zoo and aquarium animals.
    [Show full text]
  • The Conservation Biology of Tortoises
    The Conservation Biology of Tortoises Edited by Ian R. Swingland and Michael W. Klemens IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology Occasional Papers of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) No. 5 IUCN—The World Conservation Union IUCN Species Survival Commission Role of the SSC 3. To cooperate with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is IUCN's primary source of the in developing and evaluating a data base on the status of and trade in wild scientific and technical information required for the maintenance of biological flora and fauna, and to provide policy guidance to WCMC. diversity through the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species of 4. To provide advice, information, and expertise to the Secretariat of the fauna and flora, whilst recommending and promoting measures for their con- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna servation, and for the management of other species of conservation concern. and Flora (CITES) and other international agreements affecting conser- Its objective is to mobilize action to prevent the extinction of species, sub- vation of species or biological diversity. species, and discrete populations of fauna and flora, thereby not only maintain- 5. To carry out specific tasks on behalf of the Union, including: ing biological diversity but improving the status of endangered and vulnerable species. • coordination of a programme of activities for the conservation of biological diversity within the framework of the IUCN Conserva- tion Programme. Objectives of the SSC • promotion of the maintenance of biological diversity by monitor- 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Indian Star Tortoise Care
    RVC Exotics Service Royal Veterinary College Royal College Street London NW1 0TU T: 0207 554 3528 F: 0207 388 8124 www.rvc.ac.uk/BSAH INDIAN STAR TORTOISE CARE Indian star tortoises originate from the semi-arid dry grasslands of Indian subcontinent. They can be easily recognised by the distinctive star pattern on their bumpy carapace. Star tortoises are very sensitive to their environmental conditions and so not recommended for novice tortoise owners. It is important to note that these tortoises do not hibernate. HOUSING • Tortoises make poor vivarium subjects. Ideally a floor pen or tortoise table should be created. This needs to have solid sides (1 foot high) for most tortoises. Many are made out of wood or plastic. A large an area as possible should be provided, but as the size increases extra basking sites will need to be provided. For a small juvenile at least 90 cm (3 feet) long x 30 cm (1 foot) wide is recommended. This is required to enable a thermal gradient to be created along the length of the tank (hot to cold). • Hides are required to provide some security. Artificial plants, cardboard boxes, plant pots, logs or commercially available hides can be used. They should be placed both at the warm and cooler ends of the tank. • Substrates suitable for housing tortoises include newspaper, Astroturf, and some of the commercially available substrates. Natural substrate such as soil may also be used to allow for digging. It is important that the substrates either cannot be eaten, or if they are, do not cause blockages as this can prove fatal.
    [Show full text]
  • Aldabrachelys Arnoldi (Bour 1982) – Arnold's Giant Tortoise
    Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation ProjectTestudinidae of the IUCN/SSC — AldabrachelysTortoise and Freshwater arnoldi Turtle Specialist Group 028.1 A.G.J. Rhodin, P.C.H. Pritchard, P.P. van Dijk, R.A. Saumure, K.A. Buhlmann, J.B. Iverson, and R.A. Mittermeier, Eds. Chelonian Research Monographs (ISSN 1088-7105) No. 5, doi:10.3854/crm.5.028.arnoldi.v1.2009 © 2009 by Chelonian Research Foundation • Published 18 October 2009 Aldabrachelys arnoldi (Bour 1982) – Arnold’s Giant Tortoise JUSTIN GERLACH 1 1133 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7BX, United Kingdom [[email protected]] SUMMARY . – Arnold’s giant tortoise, Aldabrachelys arnoldi (= Dipsochelys arnoldi) (Family Testudinidae), from the granitic Seychelles, is a controversial species possibly distinct from the Aldabra giant tortoise, A. gigantea (= D. dussumieri of some authors). The species is a morphologi- cally distinctive morphotype, but has so far not been genetically distinguishable from the Aldabra tortoise, and is considered synonymous with that species by many researchers. Captive reared juveniles suggest that there may be a genetic basis for the morphotype and more detailed genetic work is needed to elucidate these relationships. The species is the only living saddle-backed tortoise in the Seychelles islands. It was apparently extirpated from the wild in the 1800s and believed to be extinct until recently purportedly rediscovered in captivity. The current population of this morphotype is 23 adults, including 18 captive adult males on Mahé Island, 5 adults recently in- troduced to Silhouette Island, and one free-ranging female on Cousine Island. Successful captive breeding has produced 138 juveniles to date.
    [Show full text]
  • Seychelles Giant Tortoise
    Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation ProjectTestudinidae of the IUCN/SSC — Aldabrachelys Tortoise and Freshwater hololissa Turtle Specialist Group 061.1 A.G.J. Rhodin, P.C.H. Pritchard, P.P. van Dijk, R.A. Saumure, K.A. Buhlmann, J.B. Iverson, and R.A. Mittermeier, Eds. Chelonian Research Monographs (ISSN 1088-7105) No. 5, doi:10.3854/crm.5.061.hololissa.v1.2011 © 2011 by Chelonian Research Foundation • Published 31 December 2011 Aldabrachelys hololissa (Günther 1877) – Seychelles Giant Tortoise JUSTIN GERLACH 1 1133 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, CB1 7BX United Kingdom [[email protected]] SUMMARY . – The Seychelles Giant Tortoise, Aldabrachelys hololissa (= Dipsochelys hololissa) (Family Testudinidae) is a controversial species possibly distinct from the Aldabra giant tor- toise, A. gigantea (= D. dussumieri of some authors). The species is a morphologically distinctive morphotype, but has so far not been genetically distinguishable from the Aldabra tortoise, and is considered by many researchers to be either synonymous with or only subspecifically distinct from that taxon. It is a domed grazing species, differing from the Aldabra tortoise in its broader shape and reduced ossification of the skeleton; it differs also from the other controversial giant tortoise in the Seychelles, the saddle-backed morphotype A. arnoldi. Aldabrachelys hololissa was apparently extirpated from the wild in the 1800s and is now known only from 37 adults, including 28 captive, 1 free-ranging on Cerf Island, and 8 on Cousine Island, 6 of which were released in 2011 along with 40 captive bred juveniles. Captive reared juveniles show that there is a presumed genetic basis to the morphotype and further genetic work is needed to elucidate this.
    [Show full text]
  • Cytogenetics and Morphology of Two Tortoise Species of the Genus Chelonoidis (Fitzinger, 1835) (Testudines)
    Thesis Abstract Cytogenetics and morphology of two tortoise species of the genus Chelonoidis (Fitzinger, 1835) (Testudines) T.L. Silva 2011. Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil. MSc. thesis. Orienting Prof.: Maria Tercília Vilela de Azeredo Oliveira. Co-orienting Prof.: Claudia Regina Bonini Domingos. DOI 10.4238/vol10-2ta034 The reptiles were reduced in number of species since the time that they ruled the earth until today. The tortoises have been poorly studied, particularly their morphological and cytoge- netic features. We examined the species Chelonoidis carbonaria and C. denticulata, terrestrial tortoises representative of two contrasting biomes (Cerrado and Amazonia), to check for the existence of a possible C. carbonaria morphotype, and describe their karyotypes. The animals were collected from the “Reginaldo Uvo Leone” breeding farm, located in Tabapuã, SP. We made measurements of external morphology, in order to evaluate the morphological character- istics that could effectively allow differentiation of these two species of Brazilian tortoises, also examining a C. carbonaria morphotype that differs in color and size patterns established for this species. This C. carbonaria morphotype showed morphological characteristics intermediate be- tween these two species described. Cytogenetic studies gave a chromosome number of 2n = 52 for all three groups. G-banding did not give good reproducibility and consistency in the banding patterns. In C. carbonaria males, C-banding technique revealed constitutive heterochromatin in two microchromosomes and in two centromeric regions of macrochromosomes; in females only two microchromosomes showed specific staining. The species C. denticulata and the C. carbonaria morphotype did not have evident heterochromatic blocks.
    [Show full text]
  • Giant Tortoises with Pinta Island Ancestry Identified In
    Biological Conservation 157 (2013) 225–228 Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect Biological Conservation journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/biocon Short communication The genetic legacy of Lonesome George survives: Giant tortoises with Pinta Island ancestry identified in Galápagos a, a a,b c d Danielle L. Edwards ⇑, Edgar Benavides , Ryan C. Garrick , James P. Gibbs , Michael A. Russello , Kirstin B. Dion a, Chaz Hyseni a, Joseph P. Flanagan e, Washington Tapia f, Adalgisa Caccone a a Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA b Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, MS 38677, USA c College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA d Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada V1V 1V7 e Houston Zoo, Houston, TX 77030, USA f Galápagos National Park Service, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, Ecuador article info abstract Article history: The death of Lonesome George, the last known purebred individual of Chelonoidis abingdoni native to Received 22 August 2012 Pinta Island, marked the extinction of one of 10 surviving giant tortoise species from the Galápagos Archi- Received in revised form 9 October 2012 pelago. Using a DNA reference dataset including historical C. abingdoni and >1600 living Volcano Wolf Accepted 14 October 2012 tortoise samples, a site on Isabela Island known to harbor hybrid tortoises, we discovered 17 individuals with ancestry in C. abingdoni. These animals belong to various hybrid categories, including possible first generation hybrids, and represent multiple, unrelated individuals. Their ages and relative abundance sug- Keywords: gest that additional hybrids and conceivably purebred C.
    [Show full text]
  • Galapagos Tortoise Programme
    Galapagos Tortoise Programme Large male Galapagos giant tortoise on Santa Cruz Island feeding on Sida rhombifolia leaves. Photo Stephen Blake. Galapagos tortoises The goal of the GALAPAGOS TORTOISE PROGRAMME is to assist the Galapagos National Park (GNP) • Largest terrestrial reptiles on earth. to effectively conserve giant Galapagos tortoises by conducting cutting edge applied research and • Weigh up to 250Kg. developing an inspirational tortoise-based outreach and education programme. Our research focuses • Lifespan over 150 years. on understanding the movement strategies of Galapagos tortoises and their ecological impacts and • Colonized Galapagos from South conservation implications. We use state of the art Global Positioning Systems (GPS) tags to monitor America some 2-3 million years ago. tortoise movements coupled with traditional ecological research including surveys on foot to assess the • Once lived on 10 islands. distribution and abundance of tortoises, observations of feeding behaviour, and sampling of vegetation Today, wild tortoises are found on structure and composition. Our research drives an outreach and education programme for young people just 6 islands. on Galapagos, in the USA and UK. We collaborate with institutions such as the Galapagos National Park • May have comprised 15 taxa. and Ecology Project International to introduce students to practical field-based research and classroom Today, only 10 are recognized. activities. To increase the effectiveness of our science for conservation, we share our tortoise movement data at www.movebank.org and on Facebook at (www.facebook.com/galapagostortoiseproject). The Programme The programme is coordinated by the Max Planck Institute • Initiated in 2009. and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry • First GPS telemetry study of giant in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Service, tortoises.
    [Show full text]
  • ALDABRA GIANT TORTOISE Aldabrachelys Gigantea
    ALDABRA GIANT TORTOISE Aldabrachelys gigantea Location: The Aldabra giant tortoise inhabits the Aldabra Islands, a coral atoll comprised of 4 islands in the Seychelles, which is located between the coast of Kenya and the northern tip of Madagascar. The Aldabra giant tortoise occurs in many different habitats. The largest tortoise concentrations are found on the grasslands called platins; the grasslands are often dotted with trees and bushes. It also frequents scrublands, mangrove swamps and coastal dunes. Diet: These animals are primarily herbivores with the ability to both graze and browse. In the drier areas, they graze mostly on sedges, and a combination of native species of grasses and herbs. Many of these distinct plants are naturally dwarfed and grow their seeds not from the tops of the plants, but closer to the ground to avoid the tortoises’ close cropping jaws. In the wooded and scrub areas, tortoises browse on many types of woody plants. A number of species are readily eaten, and some show a conspicuous browse line about 3 feet above the ground, which is about as high as the tortoises can stretch their necks. Life Cycle: Aldabra giant tortoises are found both individually and in herds. They mainly feed in the mornings and continue until the temperature becomes too hot. Sheltering trees or bushes are necessary to escape the extreme mid- day sun; some tortoises cool themselves in pools or mud holes. Mating of Aldabra giant tortoises usually occurs between February and May. The eggs are carried within the female’s body for about 2.5 months. During the dry season, the female digs a flask-shaped cavity where she deposits her eggs.
    [Show full text]
  • Ancient Mitogenomics Clarifies Radiation of Extinct Mascarene Giant Tortoises (Cylindraspis Spp.)
    Title Ancient mitogenomics clarifies radiation of extinct Mascarene giant tortoises (Cylindraspis spp.) Authors Kehlmaier, C; Graciá, E; Campbell, P; Hofmeyr, MD; SCHWEIGER, S; Martínez-Silvestre, A; Joyce, W; Fritz, U Date Submitted 2019-11-26 www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Ancient mitogenomics clarifes radiation of extinct Mascarene giant tortoises (Cylindraspis spp.) Christian Kehlmaier1, Eva Graciá2, Patrick D. Campbell3, Margaretha D. Hofmeyr4, Silke Schweiger5, Albert Martínez-Silvestre6, Walter Joyce7 & Uwe Fritz 1* The fve extinct giant tortoises of the genus Cylindraspis belong to the most iconic species of the enigmatic fauna of the Mascarene Islands that went largely extinct after the discovery of the islands. To resolve the phylogeny and biogeography of Cylindraspis, we analysed a data set of 45 mitogenomes that includes all lineages of extant tortoises and eight near-complete sequences of all Mascarene species extracted from historic and subfossil material. Cylindraspis is an ancient lineage that diverged as early as the late Eocene. Diversifcation of Cylindraspis commenced in the mid-Oligocene, long before the formation of the Mascarene Islands. This rejects any notion suggesting that the group either arrived from nearby or distant continents over the course of the last millions of years or had even been translocated to the islands by humans. Instead, Cylindraspis likely originated on now submerged islands of the Réunion Hotspot and utilized these to island hop to reach the Mascarenes. The fnal diversifcation took place both before and after the arrival on the Mascarenes. With Cylindraspis a deeply divergent clade of tortoises became extinct that evolved long before the dodo or the Rodrigues solitaire, two other charismatic species of the lost Mascarene fauna.
    [Show full text]
  • Proposal for Amendment of Appendix I Or II for CITES Cop16
    Original language: English CoP18 Prop. XXX CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA ____________________ Eighteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties Colombo (Sri Lanka), May 2019 CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS FOR AMENDMENT OF APPENDICES I AND II A. Proposal The proponents propose the transfer of Geochelone elegans (Indian Star Tortoise), from CITES Appendix II to Appendix I in accordance with Article II, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Specifically, this species meets the biological criteria found in paragraphs C i) and ii) of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP16), Annex 1, due to a marked decline in population sizes in the wild observed as ongoing or inferred or projected on the basis of levels or patterns of exploitation, and a high vulnerability to intrinsic (i.e. late maturity, low reproductive output, long generation time and low population recovery potential) and extrinsic (i.e. a decrease in the area and quality of habitat) factors, and a reduction in recruitment due to indiscriminate off take. B. Proponent India and [co-proponent- Sri Lanka] C. Supporting statement 1. Taxonomy 1.1 Class: Reptilia (Laurenti, 1768) 1.2 Order: Testudines (Batsch, 1788) 1.3 Family: Testudinidae (Batsch, 1788) 1.4 Genus, species or subspecies, including author and year: Geochelone elegans (Schoepff, 1795). Taxonomy follows the standard nomenclatural reference for Turtles (Fritz & Havas, 2007). 1.5 Scientific synonyms: Testudo elegans Schoepff, 1795; Testudo stellata (Schweigger, 1812);Testudo actinodes(Bell, 1828);Testudo actinoides(Bell in Gray, 1844);Testudo megalopus(Blyth, 1853);Peltastes stellatus(Gray, 1870); Peltastes stellatus seba(Gray, 1870). 1.6 Common names: English: Indian star tortoise, star tortoise French: Tortue étoilée de l’Inde Spanish: Tortuga estrellada de la India 1.7 Code numbers: ITIS number 551777.
    [Show full text]
  • Caring for Your Tortoise
    Outdoor Housing Chard Chicory Carrots, chopped Collard Greens Corn If outdoor housing will be the primary Eggplant Escarole Caring for housing, the enclosure needs to offer Grape Leaves Green Beans protection from climate extremes, protect Hibiscus Kale Your against predators, and be escape-proof. In Parsley Peaches addition, the area should be large enough to Spinach Strawberries provide room for exercise, a basking site, a Summer Squash Zucchini Tortoise shelter for sleeping, and relief from hot, sunny days. Include a removable basin for The following foods are poisonous: water that is large enough for the tortoise to Apple Seeds Bird of Paradise soak in; restrict usage to once per week. A Bottlebrush Calla Lilly smaller container of water should be available Christmas Cactus Common Pivet at all times. Dieffenbachia Dogwood English Ivy Foxglove Use a thermometer at the tortoise level to Hemlock Impatiens ensure the proper temperatures are being met. Iris Jasmine Heat can be provided by an incandescent bulb Larkspur Lily of the Valley (75-100 watt) or a heat lamp mounted on the Marijuana Milk Weed interior roof of the enclosure, out of the way Mistletoe Mushrooms of the tortoise. Heated and insulated Oleander Poinsettia doghouses can be ideal shelters. Poison Ivy Poison Oak Poison Sumac Pokeweed Herbicides and pesticides can be fatal to Potato leaves Privet tortoises. If the outdoor unit is on grass, make Rhododendron Rhubarb certain no herbicides or pesticides are used. Sage Snapdragon Be aware that ants, especially fire ants, can Sweet Pea Tomato leaves kill tortoises. Tulip Verbena Wisteria Yew If the temperature in your geographic area falls below 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit, your This information is designed as a basic guide.
    [Show full text]