Dedicated to California Turtle & Tortoise Club Turtle & Tortoise Conservation, Preservation the Tortuga Gazette and Education Since 1964 Volume 55, Number 1 • January/February 2019

Pearl River map turtle, Graptemys pearlensis. Photo by Cris Hagen, United States Geological Survey. Public domain. Map turtle species, Graptemys spp. Agassiz, 1857

Map Turtles — an Overview by M. A. Cohen ndemic to North America, the family of basking, semiaquatic emydid turtles, map turtles are Ethirteen map turtle species chelonians, the common name of comparatively small. As a species, inhabit freshwater ecosystems Graptemys—map turtle—denotes map turtles display significant sex- throughout the eastern half of the the map-like markings, often ual dimorphism (differences related United States as well as southeast- resembling waterways on old maps, to the sex of the individual) with ern Canada. The genus Graptemys that occur on the species’ carapace. females being much larger than was officially described by the Graptemys species are also com- males. Female map turtles, at 7 to Swiss-American biologist/geolo- monly known as sawback turtles, 10 inches (18 to 25 centimeters) gist Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz in referring to the distinctive keel, in carapace length, are often up to 1857. running the medial length of the twice the length of males and can The genus name Graptemys derives carapace, which is typically ser- possess up to ten times the body from two Greek root words: grapt-, rated and spiked. Map turtles are mass of males. At 3 to 7 inches which means inscribed or written, also known for the elaborate strip- (8 to 18 centimeters) in carapace and -emys, meaning a turtle or ing on their heads, limbs, and tails. length, male map turtles are much smaller than females. tortoise. Members of the Emydidae Compared to other North American 2 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019

C Map Turtles — an Overview by M. A. Cohen 1 O Arkansas Curtails Commercial Trapping of Wild Turtles, Orders Study 6 N Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. 8 Lawsuit Launched Over Federal Failure to Protect Turtles in Louisiana, Mississippi T Results from the First-Ever Census of the Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise 9 E The Turtle’s Garden: Carnation, Dianthus caryophyllus 10 N Meetings and Programs 11 T 2019 CTTC Directory 12 Critical Habitat Proposed for Endangered Arizona Mud Turtle 13 S Turtle Park 14

Besides the overall size differences items. In their typical diets are mol- are megacephalic, i.e., they have between males and females, the lusks, soft-bodied invertebrates, extremely large heads. tails and front-limb claws of map aquatic insects, and aquatic plants, Graptemys caglei, Cagle’s turtles differ noticeably. Male map among other items. turtles typically have longer, thicker map turtle Graptemys barbouri, Inhabiting watersheds in south tails and longer claws on their front central Texas, Cagle’s map turtle is legs than those of the females. Barbour’s map turtle one of the least studied of all Grap- Males use their elongated claws as temys species. Named in honor of part of their courtship ritual. American herpetologist Dr. Fred R. Taxonomy, the classification of Cagle (1915-1968), G. caglei is one organisms, is a fluid process and is of two map turtle species native to continually being refined through Texas that each lack an overlapping new research from the scientific range with other map turtles, the community. This article will briefly other being the Texas map turtle, G. profile the currently recognized versa. species and subspecies of map turtle. Barbour’s map turtle. Photo by Ltshears. Public domain. All Graptemys species are found exclusively in freshwater habitats, Named in honor of the American including lakes, ponds, streams, and herpetologist Thomas Barbour wetlands, preferably those with (1884-1946), Barbour’s map turtle abundant basking spots, such as inhabits rivers in southeastern Ala- submerged logs, rocks, and snags. bama, the Florida panhandle, and southwestern Georgia. Cagle’s map turtle hatchling. Photo © 2009 by The particulars of species’ habitat Mokele. Source: Creative Commons; license: will vary with the region in which One of the larger species of Grap- CC-BY-SA-3.0. that species resides. For example, temys, Barbour’s map turtle is rare Described as mesocephalic, the some species are found in multiple or threatened in the states it inhab- female Cagle’s map turtle has a waterways in multiple states, while its, and CITES lists the species as “moderately enlarged head,” mak- other species are found only in a Appendix III. ing it well-equipped for feeding on single river drainage. Studies of both the form and the mollusks; the species also feeds on insects and plant material. Dietary omnivores, map turtles DNA of Barbour’s map turtle prove consume a variety of food items, that it is closely related to the Ala- Through morphological studies— depending on local availability. bama map turtle (G. pulchra), the those of the form and structure of Some species are more carnivorous Escambia map turtle (G. ernsti), organisms— chelonian researchers than others, and, depending on and the Pascagoula map turtle assigned Cagle’s map turtle to the their particular physical atributes, (G. gibbonsi); together these four “narrow-headed” group known as males and females differ in their species comprise the G. pulchra the G. pseudogeographica map abilities to prey on specific food group. The females of these species turtles. 3 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019

Graptemys ernsti, Escambia meaning a spot or a blotch. This found in swiftly-flowing streams. map turtle descriptive name refers to the species’ carapacial markings, which feature yellow blotches on the scutes. As opportunistic feeders, yellow- blotched map turtles consume insects as a dietary staple as well as preying on crustaceans and small fish, and they also eat plant matter. Northern map turtle photographed in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Photo © 2008 by D. Gordon E. Robertson. Source: Creative Commons; license: CC-BY-3.0. The Escambia map turtle. Public domain. Carnivorous in its dietary pref- erences, northern map turtles Endemic to rivers in southern consume mollusks, crustaceans, Alabama and western Florida insects, fish carrion, and other that drain into the Escambia Bay aquatic animals. located off the western Florida pan- handle, the Escambia map turtle Graptemys gibbonsi, Pasca- was named in honor of American goula or Gibbons’s map turtle herpetologist Dr. Carl H. Ernst The Pascagoula map turtle is found (1938-2018). only in the Pascagoula and Pearl Rivers, and their tributaries, in Mis- A moderately large species, the sissippi and Louisiana. The species Escambia map turtle’s carapace is is sympatric (overlapping in range) high-domed and medially keeled, with the yellow-blotched map tur- while its plastron is quite flat. The tle and the Pearl River map turtle. large jaws of the females have Yellow-blotched map turtle. Photo by Eekhoo- broad surfaces for crushing the rntje. Public domain. shells of mollusks. Because of its comparatively low G. ernsti prefers habitats in large, reproductive output coupled with swift rivers and creeks with the deterioration of its habitat, the plentiful basking spots that are yellow-blotched map turtle is listed separated from the shoreline, as as threatened under the US Endan- well as protective underwater hid- gered Species Act. ing spots. The habitat must also Graptemys geographica, offer an abundance of freshwater Pascagoula map turtle. Photo by Eekhoorntje. northern or common map Public domain. mollusks such as aquatic snails and turtle mussels. The most widely distributed of the Named in honor of the American Graptemys flavimaculata, map turtle species, the range of herpetologist J. Whitfield ‘Whit’ yellow-blotched map turtle northern or common map turtle Gibbons, G. gibbonsi is listed as or yellow-blotched sawback extends from southern Canada endangered on the IUCN Red List One of the “narrow-headed” group southward to northwestern Georgia because of its declining population of Graptemys, the yellow-blotched and westward to the Great Lakes. numbers. Like many other Grapte- map turtle is found in the Pasca- The northern map turtle is the only mys species, the Pascagoula map goula River and its tributaries in Graptemys species that inhabits turtle has suffered significant habi- Mississippi, having a range that watersheds draining into the Atlan- tat destruction within its range. overlaps with that of the Pasca- tic Ocean. Formerly researchers considered goula map turtle. A sizable species with a broad, oval the Pascagoula map turtle to be a to rounded, low-keeled carapace, variant of the Alabama map turtle, The species name flavimaculata the northern map turtle prefers but DNA data now confirms thatG. derives from two Latin root words: large, slow-moving rivers but is also gibbonsi is a distinct species within flav-,meaning yellow, and macula-, 4 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019 the G. pulchra clade (a group of its tributaries in Louisiana and Mis- single species. organisms having a common ances- sissippi, this turtle gets its species Described as a riverine species, tor), which includes two additional name from the circular markings on the Ouachita map turtle inhab- species, Barbour’s map turtle, and the scutes of its carapace that are its rivers, lakes, dams, and river the Escambia map turtle. particularly noticeable in hatchlings bottom swamps, preferably with and juveniles. Graptemys nigrinoda, black- a sand or silt bottom. Basking on knobbed map turtle logs and mats of plant material is Occurring in the Mobile Bay drain- a common activity. age of the Tombigbee and Black Omnivorous in its diet, the Warrior Rivers in Alabama and in Ouachita map turtle consumes several river systems in Mississippi, a variety of food items, includ- the black-knobbed map turtle is a ing freshwater sponges, aquatic small to medium-sized species with invertebrates, leeches, snails, distinguishing black-tipped pro- small crustaceans, aquatic Ringed map turtles. Photo © 2017 by Greg jections on several of its vertebral Hume. Source: Creative Commons; license: CC- insects, carrion, and both aquatic scutes. BY-SA-4.0. and vascular plant matter, The species name oculifera derives G. o. ouachitensis, Ouachita map from two Latin root words: ocul -, turtle | Native to the midwestern which means an eye, and ferus -, and southern United States, the which means bearing (in the sense range of this subspecies includes of carrying). the Ouachita River system in The ringed map turtle is one of the northern Louisiana, westward microcephalic (i.e., narrow-headed) into Oklahoma, and northward map turtles. The species primarily to Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Black-knobbed map turtle hatchlings. Photo © feeds on aquatic insects such as Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and 2005 by M. Noth. Source: Creative Commons; West Virginia. license: CC BY 1.0. beetles, mayflies, and damselflies, as well as snails and occasionally G. o. sabinensis, Sabine map Basking is an important activity for algae. turtle | The Sabine map turtle the species, for purposes of ther- Graptemys ouachitesis, occurs only in the Sabine and moregulation, as well as removal Ouachita map turtle (two Neches River systems of Louisi- of parasites and algae from the ana and eastern Texas. shell. Because of this, the habitats subspecies) in which the black-knobbed map Once regarded as a subspe- Graptemys pearlensis, Pearl turtle lives must have abundant cies of the false map turtle, G. River map turtle basking spots in the rivers. pseudogeographica, the Ouachita Page 1 of this issue features an image of map turtle is currently recog- the Pearl River map turtle. While its foraging behavior is not nized as a separate species with well-studied, G. nigrinoda is known subspecies. Inhabiting the Pearl and Bogue to consume beetles and dragon- Chitto Rivers in Louisiana and Mis- flies that fall into the water, as well sissippi, the medium-sized Pearl as freshwater sponges, bryozoans River map turtle is sympatric with (aquatic invertebrates commonly the ringed map turtle and the Pas- called moss animals), mollusks, and cagoula map turtle. freshwater algae. Before 1992, the Pearl River map As with many other freshwater turtle was regarded as a variant of turtle species, black-knobbed map the Alabama map turtle, G. pulchra, following which it was categorized turtle populations are declining A Ouachita map turtle hatchling (subspecies because of habitat degradation and unknown). Photo by Aaron Bishop. Public domain. as a variant of the Pascagoula map human intrusion such as removal of turtle, G. gibbonsi, until 2010 when logs from rivers. In portions of its range, the it was officially described as a sepa- Ouachita map turtle is sympatric rate species, G. pearlensis. Graptemys oculifera, ringed with the false map turtle, and Primarily carnivorous, the Pearl map turtle the behavior of the two species River map turtle favors habitats The ringed map turtle is one of the is similar, which may account for with an abundance food items least studied of all Graptemys spe- their original classification as a cies. Found in the Pearl River and such as bivalves (mollusks such as 5 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019 clams and mussels) and gastro- Graptemys pulchra, Alabama Texas map turtle is endemic to the pods (snails and slugs). The species map turtle Edwards Plateau in central Texas, favors habitats with ample basking where it occurs only in the Colorado spots and sand bars for nesting. River drainage. Graptemys pseudogeograph- A small, mesocephalic (i.e., a medi- ica, false map turtle (two um-sized head) map turtle species, subspecies) the adult male Texas map turtle may be only 4.5 inches (11.5 cen- timeters) in carapace length. DNA research places the Texas map tur- tle in the false map turtle clade. Feeding on mollusks, insects, car- Alabama map turtle. Photo by LordNatonstan. Public domain. rion, and aquatic vegetation, the male G. versa primarily consumes Found in the Mobile Bay drainage insects, snails, and other soft-bod- system, and Alabama, Florida, and ied aquatic invertebrates, while the Georgia, the Alabama map turtle female Texas map turtle ingests prefers swiftly-flowing waterways False map turtle (subspecies unknown). Photo hard-shelled mollusks, crushing the in secluded habitats. 2013 by Dawson. Source: Creative Commons; prey with their larger, stronger jaws. license: CC-BY-SA 2.0. Its species name derives from the G. versa is listed as CITES Appendix Latin root word pulchr -, meaning Widely distributed from the III because of the threat of exploita- beautiful. Mississippi and Missouri river tion by the pet trade, among other systems in Illinois, Indiana, Minne- The male Alabama map turtles threats. Fortunately, Texas map sota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas are much smaller overall than the turtles occur more frequently on in the northern United States, the females, as is typical in Grapte- privately-held land than on public false map turtle ranges south- mys species. Females have large, land, offering some protection from ward into Alabama, Mississippi, powerful jaws capable of crushing widespread collection for the pet Louisiana, and Texas. the shells of mollusks, and prefer trade. = This large map turtle species pre­ the introduced Asian clam, Corbi­ fers large rivers and creeks with References cula manilensis to other local Ernst, C. and Lovich, J. (2009). Turtles of the moderately swift currents, but food items. Males, with their much United States and Canada. 2nd ed. Baltimore, avoids lakes, ponds and smaller smaller heads and jaws, feed pri- MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, pp. streams. Abundant basking spots marily on insects. 272-343. are important to this species Henen, J., Lovich, J. and Jones, R. (2016). Grap- The Alabama map turtle is sym- which is devoted to both solitary temys pearlensis Ennen, Lovich, Kreiser, patric with two other Graptemys Selman, and Qualls 2010 – Pearl River Map and communal basking. species, the black-knobbed map Turtle. Chelonian Research Monographs. G. p. kohnii, Mississippi map tur- turtle, G. nigrinoda, and the north- Available at: http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/ graptemys-pearlensis-094/ tle | The name “Mississippi” in its ern map turtle, G. geographica. name refers to the presence of IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (n.d.). this map turtle in the Mississippi Graptemys versa, Texas map [online] Available at: https://www.iucnredlist. org River and its tributaries instead turtle of in the state of Mississippi. Kirkpatrick, D. (1993). An Overview of Map Tur- The subspecies trinomial kohnii tles of the United States. [online] Wayback Machine. Available at: https://web.archive. was given in honor of amateur org/web/20060620002404/http://www. naturalist Joseph Gustave Kohn unc.edu/~dtkirkpa/stuff/maps.htmlG. versa (1837-1906), who collected the mapturtles.com. (n.d.). Graptemys. [online] Avail- type specimen. able at: http://www.mapturtles.com G. p. pseudogeographica, false Revolvy. (n.d.). Graptemys. [online] Available at: map turtle | This map turtle is https://www.revolvy.com/page/Graptemys known as a nominotypical sub- Texas Turtles. (n.d.). Texas Map Turtle (Grap- species. In zoology and botany, Texas map turtle. Photo © Carl J. Franklin. temys versa), (Stejneger, 1925). [online] Source: texasturtles.com. Reprinted with Available at: http://www.texasturtles.org/ nominotypical is defined as the permission. repetition of the species name as Graptemys-versa.html the subspecies, indicating that it Having one of the smallest ranges is the originally described species. of all Graptemys species, the 6 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019

Arkansas Curtails Commercial Trapping of Wild Turtles, Orders Study Protections Limit Some Killing, But Stronger Rules Needed—Center for Biological Diversity press release Little Rock, Arkansas—15 Novem- amphibians. “A ban on trapping population-level impacts and ber 2018—In response to a petition is vital for ensuring a future for declines. One study of common from the Center for Biological Arkansas’s wild turtles. The new snapping turtles demonstrated Diversity and Arkansas-based regulations are a step in the right that a modest harvest of 10 per- environmental organizations, the direction.” cent per year for 15 years could Arkansas Game and Fish Commis- Before the new regulations, trap- result in a 50 percent reduction in sion today unanimously adopted pers could legally collect unlimited population size. And an Arkansas regulations to restrict commercial numbers of 14 types of turtles study found that turtles from pop- trapping of wild freshwater turtles from roughly half the state to sell ulations in heavily harvested areas and study the effect of commercial domestically or export to foreign were significantly smaller than trapping on wild populations. food, pet and medicinal markets. those from areas where harvesting The new regulations ban commer- The new regulations would still is not permitted. cial harvest of all turtles in the Gulf allow commercial collection of 13 Conservative records show that Coastal Plain and the St. Francis types of turtles, but with additional more than 1.3 million wild turtles River in Greene and Clay counties. geographic limitations. have been harvested from Arkan- They also ban the harvest of razor- sas’s waters over the past 13 years. back musk turtles statewide. “It’s great that our native turtle species will have more protections Most of these were large, repro- from the dangers of commercial ductively mature turtles important harvesting and that Arkansas will to the survival of wild populations. soon have a study of our own native A growing number of states have populations,” said Debbie Doss, already dedicated themselves to director of the Arkansas Water- protecting wild turtles. In Febru- trails Partnership. “Studies from ary Missouri banned commercial surrounding states have shown how turtle trapping, and in August sensitive these animals are to any Texas followed suit. In 2017 New Razorback musk turtle. Photo by Grover Brown. reduction in numbers. It is my hope York ended commercial trapping Reprinted with permission. that this study will lead to better of diamondback turtles, Nevada and more informed protections in halted commercial reptile collec- The regulations also create new the future. I am grateful to all who tion, and Iowa reined in trapping reporting requirements for com- commented in favor of the new with new harvest limits. In the past mercial dealers and trappers, which rules. Arkansans clearly love their decade, Florida and Alabama have are intended to ensure more accu- turtles!” completely banned commercial rate self-reporting of the number turtle trapping, and Georgia and and size of turtles trapped. “Turtle harvesting has proven to be a universally unsustainable Mississippi have approved stronger The commission will conduct a practice, and Arkansas is no excep- regulations on the industry. three-year study from 2019 to tion,” said John Kelly, a biologist The petition to end unlimited wild 2021 to determine the effect of and teacher who completed his turtle trapping in Arkansas was commercial trapping on wild turtle masters’ study on Arkansas’s turtle submitted by the Center for Biolog- populations in the Delta region, populations. “The Natural State has ical Diversity, Arkansas Sierra Club, where the majority of trapping the choice to reverse the harmful Arkansas Watertrails Partnership, occurs. During the study period, the and permanent impacts harvesting Audubon Society of Central Arkan- sale of commercial turtle harvest has had on freshwater turtles and sas, Environmental Resources and dealer permits will be capped at the beautiful rivers and wetlands Center, Kory Roberts and John 150 permits per year. they live in, but it needs to do so Kelly, a biologist who recently stud- “Arkansas is making progress by quickly and decisively. The new reg- ied Arkansas’s turtle harvest. In limiting unsustainable commer- ulations get us moving in the right October the commission voted to cial turtle trapping and looking direction.” deny the petition to ban commer- at impacts on wild populations, Scientists have repeatedly doc- cial turtle trapping but proposed but stronger protections are umented that freshwater turtles the regulations that were adopted badly needed,” said Elise Ben- cannot sustain any significant today. = nett, a Center attorney dedicated level of wild collection without to protecting rare reptiles and 7 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019 8 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019

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 Carl Ernst RIP Canberra’s Turtles Could Help Solve USA Drags Its Feet Over Pearl River Renowned turtle biologist and author Carl Invasive Carp Problem and Pascagoula Map Turtles Ernst passed away on Saturday, November Australian scientists hope that eastern Conservationists have filed a notice of 3, 2018 at the age of 80. long-neck turtles will help clean up carp intent to sue the administration over Tortoise Tombstones carcasses as they endeavor to eliminate its failure to complete the required “12 Why some ancient Chinese gravestones the invasive fish. month” status review triggered by a peti- are tortoise shaped. Indian Government Seeks to tion submitted 7 years ago to list sawbacks as endangered species. Learning From Lonesome George’s Close Kachhua Wildlife Sanctu- Genes ary on the Ganges River Cold-stunned Olive Ridley Sea Tur- Giant tortoise DNA tell us new things The Kachhua Wildlife Sanctuary was tles Washing Up in Oregon about cancer and aging. established in part to conserve the Indian At least two female olive ridley sea turtles softshell turtle, Nilssonia gangetica which washed ashore along the Oregon coast in Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance scavenges on half burnt human corpses early December, according to the Oregon New Seychelles-anchored non-profit orga- that are dumped in the river and help keep Coast Aquarium. nization dedicated to the conservation of the river clean. Now, the President of India the Aldabra giant tortoise. Warming Beaches Threaten wants to dredge the sanctuary. Hawksbill Turtles Climate Change and Nevada’s Des- Giant Amazon River Turtle Recov- Florida scientists warn that climate ert Tortoises ering change will cause sand temperatures to The Department of Defense is funding a Local Brazilian action and a team from the rise enough to damage eggs, increased study of climate change impacts to Neva- University of East Anglia are successfully rainfall could suffocate the embryos, and da’s desert tortoises. conserving giant South American river cause nests to cave in. Perth Zoo’s Stolen Radiated Tor- turtles. Marine Turtle Newsletter toises Returned Rafetus swinhoei Recovery The latest issue covers the gamut from The last two of the three radiated tortois- Plan sleeping loggerheads to Brazilian hybrids. es stolen from the Perth Zoo in 2011 have Hanoi City has released a plan to conserve been recovered. CTTC on Facebook the two known critically endangered Hoan For breaking news updates visit and “like” Kiem (Sword Lake) turtles. us on Facebook!

Lawsuit Launched Over Federal Failure to Protect Turtles in Louisiana, Mississippi New Orleans, Louisiana—13 Novem- these animals.” At the time of the petition, the ber 2018—The Center for Biological These turtles are threatened by Pearl River and Pascagoula River Diversity today filed a formal notice habitat loss and degradation from populations of the Pascagoula of intent to sue the Trump admin- dams, floodplain clearing and river map turtle were considered to be a istration for failing to protect two channelization. A proposed dam in single species, but a scientific study species of map turtles under the Rankin and Hinds counties, Missis- determined the two populations are Endangered Species Act. sippi threatens the Pearl River map distinct. The Pascagoula and Pearl River turtle because it would transform The Fish and Wildlife Service should map turtles (Graptemys gibbonsi the natural river ecosystem into a have issued the decision in 2011. and G. pearlensis) are found only large lake. The dam would destroy At least 46 species of plants and in Louisiana and Mississippi. The important habitats and possibly animals having gone extinct waiting Center and other groups petitioned drive the species extinct in the for protection since the Endan- to protect them in 2010. area. gered Species Act was passed in “We could lose these ancient Map turtles serve as indicators of 1973. species to extinction if the Fish and river health since they are sensitive “Protecting and recovering these Wildlife Service doesn’t act quickly to poor water quality, which can turtles under the Endangered Spe- to protect them,” said Jason Totoiu, devastate their populations. Other cies Act will save them from extinc- a senior attorney at the Center. threats include harvest of turtles tion and help preserve two rivers “Turtles are so important to the for sale in Asian food and medicinal tied to this region’s rich culture and health of local rivers. The Trump markets and collection for the pet heritage,” Totoiu said. = administration has a duty to save trade. —Center for Biological Diversity press release 9 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019

Galápagos Islands News Introducing the Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise, Results from the First-Ever Census of Chelonoidis donfaustoi the Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise – Galápagos National Park Directorate press release 1 December 2018—The Galápa- success, and other aspects of the gos National Park Directorate and population. This will aid the Galápa- Galápagos Conservancy recently gos National Park in adopting carried out the first comprehensive management measures to conserve census of the Eastern Santa Cruz the species,” said Tapia. Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis don- A total of 403 tortoises were locat- faustoi) as part of the Giant Tor- ed during the census. The survey toise Restoration Initiative (GTRI) teams also collected scat samples in order to determine the status Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise, Chelonoidis as part of a broader tortoise diet donfaustoi. Photo © 2014 by aposematic and range of this species and study throughout Galápagos. A herpetologist. Source: Creative Commons; identify any threats. These activi- gratifying aspect for park rangers license CC-BY-SA-2.0. ties will inform the development of and scientists was finding many management actions to ensure the juvenile tortoises between two and • Formerly the entire population conservation of this species. ten years old, all in very good con- of tortoises on Santa Cruz Island In October and November of this dition despite the extreme drought was classified as a single species, year, 40 Galápagos National Park currently in the area where the Chelonoidis porteri ; now two spe- rangers, scientists from Galapagos juveniles live. cies are recognized on Santa Cruz Conservancy, and technicians from Jorge Carrión, Director of the Island, the Western population, C. the Tortoise Movement Ecology Galápagos National Park, added porteri, and the Eastern population, Program completed the census that “we are collecting and incubat- C. donfaustoi. over 18 days total. They covered an ing eggs and raising young tortoises area of 80 sq kilometers (19,768 of this species in the Fausto Llerena • C. donfaustoi inhabits a relatively acres), both within the Galápagos arid portion of eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise Center, which will ensure National Park and on private prop- the entry of even more juveniles Island known as Cerro Fatal (rough erty adjacent to the Park. translation: “fatal hill”), estimated into the population.” to be at least 15.4 miles2 (40 kilo- The Eastern Santa Cruz Giant The park rangers and scientists meters2) in size. Tortoise was listed as a new spe- who participated in the census cies in October 2015. This census also conducted control of fire ants • The Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise resulted in a population estimate of (Solenopsis geminata) in the area. evolved less than 500,000 years 500 tortoises, with many juveniles, This invasive species is a voracious ago, as compared with the Western based on a preliminary analysis. predator of tortoise eggs and Santa Cruz Tortoise, which inhabits This is about 100 more than the hatchlings. an area known as La Reserva, that previous estimate (used for the evolved some 1.74 million years ago. recent listing of the species on The technicians estimate that the the IUCN Red List of Threatened information collected will help them • DNA analysis revealed that the Species). Galápagos Conservan- develop management measures Eastern population is more closely cy’s Washington (Wacho) Tapia, to protect the species and help related to Galápagos tortoise popu- Director of the GTRI, indicated that increase its population. This in- lations on other islands (specifically two nesting zones were located cludes improving interactions with Española, Pinta, and San Cristobal within the range of this species. The farmers, as the tortoises represent Islands) than to the Western Santa primary nesting area is located at an important resource for nature Cruz population. Cerro El Fatal. tourism in the area. The goal is to ensure that the tortoises maintain • The Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise “This census included locating all their normal behavior in the most was named in honor of Galápagos individuals and marking them with natural conditions possible, even National Park ranger Fausto Llere- a microchip, analyzing the popu- when in farmland. = na Sánchez, known as “Don Fausto,” lation structure (number of males, females, and juveniles), defining Content based on a press release from the who spent over 40 years caring for GNPD, translated with their permission. endangered tortoises in captivity. the geographic range, threats facing the population, reproductive 10 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019 te Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) utes e planting for chelonians by M A Cohen he genus Dianthus comprises gray-green in color and 4 Tsome 300 species and numer- to 6 inches (10 to 15 centi- ous hybrids, including many species meters) in length. Stems of of pinks and sweet William. The the mature plant become carnation, Dianthus caryophyllus, woody at the base with her- is a perennial that originated in baceous branches. Asia and Europe; it is also known The species (“original”) by the common name ‘clove pink’ carnation blossom has five because of its distinctive sweet petals with serrated edges A bicolored, double-flowering cultivar of carnation. Photo © fragrance that is reminiscent of and is pink in color. Culti- the spice clove. Another common 2012 by Kenraiz. Source: Creative Commons; license: CC-BY- var blossom colors include SA-3.0. name, border carnation, refers to white as well as shades plant at the same height it grew in its usefulness in bedding and bor- of yellow, pink, orange, red, and der plantings. the container. Enrich the soil with purple, and many bicolor combina- a balanced granular fertilizer (one Carnations belong to the Caryo- tions. Flower forms include single, that has the same proportions phyllaceae family, commonly semi-double, and double-flowering of nitrogen, phosphorus, and po- called the pink family or the car- varieties. The diameter of the flow- tassium). Replenish the fertilizer nation family, which contains over ers ranges from 3.5 to 6 inches (9 at intervals during the growing 2,000 species and 88 genera, and to 15 centimeters). season. For an abundance of large includes annual, biennial, and pe- Cultivation flowers, choose a fertilizer with a rennial species, as well as hundreds Thriving in full sun in all but the high percentage of phosphorus, to of hybrid varieties. hottest areas, carnations require a promote the development of flower The genus name, Dianthus, derives minimum of five hours of sun daily. buds. from two Greek root words: dio-, Well-drained soil and abundant air Carnation bloom is most prolific meaning divine or noble, and -an- circulation are both important for throughout late spring and summer. thus, meaning a flower. best plant growth and health. Deadheading, the removal of spent Cultivated by humans for at least Ideally, soil should have ample or- flowers, prolongs flower production. 2,000 years, carnations are used ganic matter, which adds to the Cut back the entire plant in late for landscaping and cut flowers, as soil’s fertility as the soil microor- winter or early spring to encourage well as for their culinary and medici- ganisms break down the organic fresh growth. nal qualities. The carnation attracts matter. A neutral to slightly alkaline Propagation methods for carna- beneficial insects to the garden, soil pH encourages successful tions include seeds, tip cuttings, and is pollinated by butterflies and growth and flowering. division, and layering. moths. Moderate but regular watering is Edibility and Medicinal Uses Description needed for best growth. Overwa- Carnation blossoms are generally D. caryophyllus is an herbaceous, tering promotes the development used for culinary purposes and in evergreen, flowering perennial of fungal diseases. To avoid airborne traditional medicines. As with any that ranges from 10 inches to 30+ (mildew and rust) and soil-borne new plant, it is wise to introduce a inches (25 centimeters to 1 meter) (fusarium wilt) fungal diseases, small quantity when first prepar- inches in height, with most modern these techniques are recommend- ing food for people or pets. Offer a plants ranging from 10 to 20 inches ed: (1) water carnations only at the small serving and watch carefully (25 to 51 centimeters). base of the plant to keep the foliage for any reaction. Forming grass-like mats or tufts, dry, and (2) water early in the day so the plants dry off before nightfall. When preparing foods for people, the carnation has narrow leaves the petals of the carnation blossom that are typically blue-green to At the time of planting, position the are commonly used. Removal of 11 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019 the white base of the petal is rec- ommended, as most people find its Meetings and Programs bitterness unpleasant. Click on your Chapter’s website link for the latest program information. Programs Petals can garnish a plate, and are may be scheduled after newsletter publication. often added to salads, especially fruit salads. Carnation petals can be Chino Valley Santa Barbara-Ventura candied or substituted for rose pet- 18 January; 15 February Contact the chapter for als in syrups. These petals can also Foothill meeting information. be used to flavor beverages such as 25 January; 22 February Santa Clarita wine and beer. High Desert 19 January: Dr. Michael Tuma, Because many tortoises appear to 14 January; 11 February Desert Tortoise Council enjoy the flavor humans perceive Inland Empire TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) as bitter, there is no necessity to 4 January; 1 February 9 January; 13 February remove the base of the petals be- TTCS (Long Beach) fore offering them to tortoises. Use Kern County 18 January; 15 February caution when introducing any new No regular meeting in food—offer a few petals and ob- January; 11 February Valley serve the reaction. Low Desert 18 January; 15 February Medicinally, the carnation has many 4 February Executive Board traditional and homeopathic uses Orange County 12 January. Meetings take in teas, tonics, oils, infusions, and 11 January; 8 February place at the Los Angeles so on. It is beyond the scope of this County Arboretum in Arcadia, column to describe such uses in Ridgecrest CA. detail. 14 January; 11 February With their sweet and spicy aromatic qualities, the dried flowers of the carnation can be distilled to make essential oils, and added to pot- Classified Advertisements pourri and scented sachets. = Classified advertisements run for one issue at $500 for up to four lines. Ads are accepted at the discretion of the Editor. Classified ads are available to members and subscribers only and are run as a service to our members. California Turtle & Tortoise Club is not responsible for merchandise placed for sale in the Tortuga Gazette. Please make your check payable to the California Turtle & Tortoise Club. Please send ad fee to: CTTC Tortuga Gazette, attn Treasurer, P. O. Box 7300, Van Nuys, CA 91409-7300. Mail fee with ad copy to the Tortuga Gazette mailing address; OR, mail fee to the postal address above, and email the ad copy to the Gazette Editor. Carnation buds and blossoms. Public domain. References Brenzel, K. (2012). The New Sunset Western The Tortuga Gazette (ISSN 1073-1334) is owned Garden Book. 9th ed. New York, NY: Time California Turtle & Tortoise Club: a Society by the California Turtle & Tortoise Club Execu- Home Entertainment Inc., pp.285-286. Dedicated to Turtle & Tortoise Preservation, tive Board, which is incorporated in the State of Gardennerdy. (n.d.). How to Grow and Care for Conservation and Education since 1964. Pro- California as a Not-for-Profit Corporation and is the Beautifully Mesmerizing Dianthus. [on- moting and Facilitating the Care, Rescue and tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3). line] Available at: https://gardenerdy.com/ Adoption of Native and Nonnative Turtles and All material is copyright © CTTC unless dianthus-care Tortoises. otherwise attributed. CTTC policy permits repro- HealthBenefitstimes,com. (n.d.). Carnation, duction of articles by other not-for-profit groups Dianthus caryophyllus. [online] Available and educational institutions when permission is at: https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/ requested. Permission is granted on a case-by- carnation/ Is your email address changing? New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Carnation. case basis and CTTC must be cited as the source Update your email address through your [online] Available at: http://www.newworlden- of the material. cyclopedia.org/entry/Carnation MailChimp account by clicking the “Update Views expressed in the Tortuga Gazette are Plants for a Future. (n.d.). Dian- Your Preferences” link on your newsletter those of the contributors and not necessarily thus caryophyllus. [online] notice. Or send your changes and corrections those of the Editor or the California Turtle & Tor- Available at: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant. to [email protected] toise Club. aspx?LatinName=Dianthus+caryophyllus 12 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019 2019 California Turtle & Tortoise Club Directory Executive Board Kern County Chapter Santa Clarita Chapter General Information: General Information: President: George Ordway [email protected] [email protected] Secretary: Jennifer Fields Chair: Don Williams President/membership: Treasurer/membership/adoptions: Vice-chair: Robyn Kohr Heather Ponek Abigail DeSesa Secretary: Richard Roosman Vice president: Tim Brennan Meeting: Third Saturday of Treasurer: Javier Gonzalez Secretary: Lisa Marriott-Smith odd-numbered months at 6:30 Meeting: quarterly (January, April, Treasurer: Kathy Studer pm at Valencia United Methodist July and October) at 10 am at the Adoptions: Church, 25718 McBean Pkwy, Los Angeles County Arboretum, Richard Marriott-Smith Valencia, California 91355 301 No. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, Meeting: Second Monday, 6:30 CA 91007 pm at St. Philip of the Apostle TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) Chapter Church, St. Ann’s Room (east side President: Brandon Froelicher Chino Valley Chapter of church), 7100 Stockdale Hwy (on Vice president: Brian Kusko President: Jim Misiak the north side, between Ashe and Treasurer/membership/adoptions: Vice president: David Bowman Gosford), Bakersfield, CA 93309 Lola McAulay Secretary/treasurer/adoptions: Meeting: Second Wednesday, 7:00 Low Desert Chapter Lynda Misiak pm at PG&E Community Center, General Information: Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at 6588 Ontario Road, San Luis Obis-

Chino Girl Scout House, 5007 Cen- Tony Vaninetti po, CA 94505 ter Street, Chino, CA 91710 Secretary: Marlies Dietrich Adoptions: Bill Powers Turtle & Tortoise Care Society Foothill Chapter Meeting: First Monday of every (Long Beach) Chapter President: Robin Robb even-numbered month 7:00 pm at President: Richard Roosman Vice president: Joanna Bolt The Living Desert Reserve, 47-900 Vice president: John Kim Secretary: Mardy Graves Portola, Palm Desert, CA 92260- Secretary/Membership: Treasurer/membership: 6156 Anita De Leon Jeanette Lea Treasurer: John Wong Orange County Chapter Meeting: Fourth Friday, 7:30 pm at Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Los Angeles County Arboretum, General Information: University Baptist Church, 3434 301 No. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, [email protected] Chatwin, Long Beach, CA 90808- CA 91007 President/membership: 2613 Stephanie Roberts High Desert Chapter Vice president: Richard Montagna Valley Chapter President/adoptions: Dave Zantiny Secretary: Joyce Keyak President: Bob Hazard Secretary/adoptions: Mary Dutro Treasurer: Marian Bronston Treasurer: Karen Berry Meeting: Second Monday, 7:00 Meeting: Second Friday, 7:30 pm at Adoptions: Valley Adoption Team pm at Sterling Inn Regency Room, Grand Street Center (First Presby- Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at 17738 Francesca Road, Victorville, terian Church), 146 N. Grand Street, Woodland Hills Christian Church, CA 92395 Orange, CA 92866 5920 Shoup Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367-3327 Inland Empire Chapter Ridgecrest Chapter President: Monica Dirac President: Robert Parker Vice president: Richard Roosman Vice president: Sue Parker NOTE: The postal mailing ad- Corresponding Secretary: Adoptions: Montynne Yates dresses for each Chapter are Amy Taylor Meeting: Second Monday, 7:30 pm listed on the last page of this Treasurer: Robyn Kohr at Maturango Museum, 100 East newsletter. Meeting: First Friday, 7:30 pm at Las Flores Ave., Ridgecrest, CA “The Ark” Church of the Nazarenes 93555 in the Fellowship Hall in Young Hall, 1307 East Citrus Avenue, Redlands, Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter CA 92374 President: Don Williams Adoptions: Wes Shipway Meeting: Contact the Chapter for meeting information. 13 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019

Critical Habitat Proposed for Endangered Arizona Mud Turtle Tucson, Arizona—4 December ians and reptiles. “I’m so happy to isolated populations of the turtles, 2018— The U.S. Fish and Wild­­life see the Fish and Wildlife Service limiting opportunities for migration. Service today proposed critical moving forward with protections Legal action by the Center forced habitat for the endangered Sonoyta for these little guys.” the Fish and Wildlife Service to pro- mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense The proposed critical habitat tect the Sonoyta mud turtle under longifemorale). These highly aquat- consists of 12.3 acres in the Rio the Endangered Species Act, which ic turtles are found only in Pima Sonoyta watershed of Organ Pipe led to today’s habitat proposal. County, Ariz. and Sonora, Mexico. Cactus National Monument in Pima “With only one population in the “These turtles have been pushed to County. This area is currently occu- U.S., the Sonoyta mud turtle is ex- the brink as their aquatic habitats pied by the only known population tremely vulnerable, especially as were degraded and destroyed, so of Sonoyta mud turtles in the Unit- dry conditions worsen with climate this is a crucial step,” said Jenny ed States. change,” said Loda. “Protection Loda, a Center for Biological Di- With webbed feet and an innate under the Endangered Species Act versity biologist and attorney who ability to swim, the Sonoyta mud are our best hope to save them. The focuses on protecting rare amphib- turtle has evolved to be highly Act has a nearly perfect record of aquatic in one of the driest preventing plants and animals from parts of the Sonoran Desert. going extinct.” Diversion of surface water and Four populations are also currently pumping of groundwater have known in Mexico, but the loss of led to the loss of much of the the turtle has already been report- watery habitat the turtle needs ed from an additional site. At all of to survive. these sites, the number of turtles The turtle’s habitat loss has has declined as aquatic habitat has been worsened by drought been reduced. conditions that have persist- The public has 60 days to comment ed for the past 20 years. Long on today’s proposed critical habitat. stretches of dry streams have Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemo- —Center for Biological Diversity press release rale). Photo by the National Park Service. Reprinted with permission.

What is Critical Habitat? “When a species is proposed for listing as endangered or threat- ened under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must consider whether there are areas of hab- itat believed to be essential the species’ conservation. Those areas may be proposed for designation as “critical habitat.” Critical habitat is a term de- fined and used in the Act. It is a Ciénega Creek, in the Ciénega Creek Natural ciénega, geomorphological forces propel ground specific geographic area(s) that Preserve (CCNP), is located in the Sonoran Des- water to the surface of the land over a wide area. contains features essential for ert in eastern Pima County, Arizona. The CCNP A ciénega provides conditions that promote the conservation of a threat- includes some 4,000 acres (1,619 hectares), and exceptional biodiversity within an ecosystem. Ciénega Creek is one of the few riparian habitats ened or endangered species Additional information about the CCNP is in which the Sonoyta mud turtle resides. In the and that may require special available on the Northern Arizona University’s United States, this turtle species is found only in . management and protection.” Pima County. Arizona Heritage Waters website Source: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/ Photo © 2014 by $1LENCE D00600D. Source: Found only in the American Southwest, a ciénega report/table/critical-habitat.html Creative Commons; license CC-BY-SA-3.0. is a wetland area in an otherwise arid region. In a 14 Tortuga Gazette 55(1) • January/February 2019 Turtle Park (aka Turtle Playground) In St. Louis, Missouri there is a turtle, a red-eared slider, a Missis- sculpture park located in southern sippi map [turtle], three box turtles Forest Park (near the Tamm Avenue and a stinkpot turtle. In addition to overpass of I-64/US 40) that is the turtles, there are seven over- dedicated to the seven species of sized turtle eggs, three of which turtle native to Missouri. There are include hatching baby turtles, and three giant concrete turtles and a long sinuous snake that appears four large concrete turtles, sculp- to be taking a bite out of the [Tamm 2 tures ranging from seven to 40 feet Avenue] overpass.” in length, and all are suitable for The giant sculptures are truly Happy climbing. enormous! For example, the largest According to the Forest Park of the sculptures, a snapping turtle, Statues and Monuments web- is 40 feet long, and it was built with 0 site, “represented in concrete are 120,000 pounds of concrete. New a snapping turtle, a soft-shelled St. Louis philanthropist Sonya “Sunny” Glassberg donated the funds to devel- Ye a r op the sculpture park. The 1 playground was designed by Richard Claybour and St. Louis sculptor Robert Cassilly created the turtle sculptures. The three giant turtle sculptures represent 9 Ms. Glassberg’s children, and the four large turtle The soft-shelled turtle sculpture in Turtle Park. Photo © sculptures, her grandchil- 2013 by Paul Sableman. Source: Creative Commons; license: dren. = CC-BY-2.0.

The California Turtle & Tortoise Club (CTTC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Contri- CTTC Mailing Addresses butions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please pay by USA funds only (US bank Chino Valley Chapter: P. O. Box 1753, Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter: P.O. check, money order, or International Postal Chino, CA 91708-1753 Box 3086, Camarillo, CA 93011-3086 Order). Membership in the CTTC and subscriptions to Foothill Chapter: P. O. Box 51002, Pas- Santa Clarita Chapter: P.O. Box 4012, the Tortuga Gazette are handled through the adena, CA 91115-1002 Castaic, CA 91310 CTTC Chapters. The Chapters also manage membership renewals (see postal addresses High Desert Chapter: P. O. Box 163, TOOSLO Chapter: P.O. Box 14222, San below). Victorville, CA 92393 Luis Obispo, CA 93406 Many members choose to join a nearby Chapter Inland Empire Chapter: P.O. Box 2371, Turtle & Tortoise Care Society Chap- to participate in Chapter meetings and other San Bernardino, CA 92406-2371 ter: P O Box 15952, Long Beach, CA activities. Print membership forms from the 90815 CTTC website. Kern County Chapter: P.O. Box 81772, Your Chapter and your renewal date (month/ Bakersfield, CA 93380-1772 Valley Chapter: P.O. Box 7364, Van year) are displayed on your newsletter notifi- Low Desert Chapter: P.O. Box 4156, Nuys, CA 91409-7364 cation. Mail your new or renewal membership/ Palm Desert, CA 92261 subscription to the Chapter of your choice. Tortuga Gazette Orange County Chapter: P.O. Box California Turtle & Tortoise Club Membership fees 11124, Santa Ana, CA 92711 Post Office Box 7300 •Student membership $1500 Van Nuys, California 91409-7300 Individual membership $2500 Ridgecrest Chapter: P. O. Box 1272, • Ridgecrest, CA 93555 •Family membership $3500 •Life membership $50000