On Emys Orbicularis and the Other European Freshwater Turtles
5th International Symposium on Emys orbicularis and the other European freshwater turtles
Programme and Abstracts
19–21 August 2015 - Kiten - Bulgaria This event is dedicated to memory of
Tatiana Kotenko, as a tribute of respect for her contribution to science, and still more for her naturalness and friendliness Organisers
National Museum of Natural History, Sofia, Bulgaria Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Sofia, Bulgaria Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia, Bulgaria Fauna Carpatica, Košice, Slovak Republic
Organizing Committee
Peter Havaš - Slovak Republic Yurii Kornilev - Bulgaria Nikolay Natchev - Bulgaria Borislav Naumov - Bulgaria Georgi Popgeorgiev - Bulgaria Nikolay Tzankov - Bulgaria
Scientific Supervisor
Uwe Fritz - Germany Yurii Kornilev - Bulgaria
Chairmen
Sonja Đorđević - Serbia Uwe Fritz - Germany Nikolay Natchev - Bulgaria Maria Schindler - Austria Melita Vamberger - Slovenia
1 Contents
Time Schedule 3
List of Posters 7
Abstracts 10
List of Participants 46
2 Time Schedule
18 August (Tuesday) - Arrival
17:00 – 22:00 Registration and time for authors to affix posters
19 August (Wednesday) - Lectures
07:00 – 09:30 Registration and time for authors to affix posters 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast 09:30 – 10:00 Word(s) of wellcome
Conservation and Management
10:00 – 10:20 Popgeorgiev, G., Tzankov, N., Kornilev, Y., Stoyanov, A., Naumov, B. Efficacy of the Natura 2000 network in Bulgaria to protect suitable habitats of native freshwater turtles 10:20 – 10:40 de Vries, W., Rodriguez, E. Freshwater turtle monitoring with volunteers in SW Spain 10:40 – 11:00 Vergilov, V., Natchev, N., Kornilev, Y. Preliminary data on anglers knowledge and perceptions about freshwater turtles in Bulgaria 11:00 – 11:20 Tomović, L., Krizmanić, I., Đorđević, S., Golubović, A. Results of project of DNA sampling of Emys orbicularis in Serbia - conservation issues 11:20 – 11:40 Schindler, M., Frötscher, H., Hille, A. Ten years nesting site protection of Emys orbicularis in Austria - Success and Challanges 11:40 – 12:00 Valdeón, A., Longares, L.-A. How to identify at least more than 1000 turtles without marks? A case study in Emys orbicularis
12:00 – 13:30 Lunch
3 13:30 – 13:50 Biserkov, V., Lukanov, S. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveying of freshwater turtle populations 13:50 – 14:10 Meeske, A.-C.M. A living fossil returns – first results and evaluation of a reintroduction project of Emys orbicularis in Northwest-Germany 14:10 – 14:30 Mascort, R., Budó, J. The European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, in the river Ter area, northeastern Iberian Peninsula: 30 years of consevation 14:30 – 14:50 Đorđević, S., Golubović, A. Brilliant, we seized a huge shipment! But now what?!
14:50 – 15:20 Coffee break
15:20 – 15:40 Schneeweiß, N. The influence of racoon on relict populations of Emys orbicularis and the first experiences by the implementation of conservation and monitoring methods 15:40 – 16:00 Pupins, M., Pupina, Ai., Pupina, Ag. From the officially extinct species to the successful overwintering of the released adult bred autochthonous turtles: northern Emys orbicularis population restoration in Latvia
16:00 – 19:00 Discussion and Free programme
19:00 – 20:00 Supper
20 August (Thursday) - Excursion to the Veleka river
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast 09:30 Departure from the Kiten bus station 10:00 – 12:00 Boat trip on the Veleka river 12:00 – 17:00 Free programme - visit the Sand Strip beach, village Sinemorets, Butamyata beach 17:00 Departure from Sinemorets
19:00 – 20:00 Supper
4 21 August (Friday) - Lectures + Poster session
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
Special Lecture
09:00 – 10:00 Fritz, U. At home with the wacky diapsids (turtles), with a focus on the genetic (r)evolution and the so-called 'Old World'
10:00 – 10:20 Coffee break
Distribution and Habitat
10:20 – 10:40 Tzankov, N. Tertiary history of genera Emys and Mauremys in the Balkan Peninsula 10:40 – 11:00 Saçdanaku, E., Haxhiu, I. Distribution, habitats, morphology and population structure of European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Vlora Bay, Albania 11:00 – 11:20 Golubović, A. Distribution and conservation of European pond turtle in Serbia: presentation of the Rufford project results 11:20 – 11:40 Drobenkov, S. Distribution, habitats and conservation of European pond turtle in Belarus 11:40 – 12:00 Tzankov, N., Popgeorgiev, G., Kornilev, Y., Natchev, N., Stoyanov, A., Naumov, B., Ivanchev, I. Spatial distribution of Emys orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata in the lower Veleka River
12:00 – 13:30 Lunch
Ecology and Population Dynamics
13:30 – 13:50 Girondot, M., Guillon, J.-M. From air temperature to sex ratio for Emys orbicularis: best practices 13:50 – 14:10 Girondot, M. Thermal constraint for distribution of Emys orbicularis in France
5 Morphology, Systematics and Phylogeography
14:10 – 14:30 Natchev, N., Kummer, S., Singer, K., Lemell, P., Jennemann, G., Tzankov, N., Heiss, E. Feeding on land with a small tongue- ecomorphology of the feeding system in the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis L., 1758 14:30 – 14:50 Vamberger, M., Stuckas, H., Ayaz, D., Fritz, U. Speciation under gene flow? The case of Mauremys caspica and M. rivulata
14:50 – 15:20 Coffee break
15:20 – 17:00 Poster session
18:00 – 19:00 Supper
19:30 – 23:00 Bulgarian evening / Diner party
22 August (Saturday) - Departure
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
6 List of Posters
Conservation and Management
Dux, M., Doktór, D., Hryniewicz, A., Prusak, B. Evaluation of 11 microsatellite loci for reconstructing kinship groups in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) Mărginean, G.-I., Gherman, E. An assessment of Emys orbicularis online trade in Romania - a threat factor for conservation Martínez-Silvestre, A., Verdaguer, I., Vidal, F., Fortuño, L., Franch, M.A., Soler, J., Velarde, R. Outbreak of mortality associated to thyroid hyperplasia in Emys orbicularis breeding program in Ebro Delta (Spain)
Ottonello, D., Jesu, R., Oneto, F., Gili, C., Genta, P., Salvidio, S. First data on reinforcement of a population of Emys orbicularis with an ex-situ captive breeding program (NW Italy) Poggenburg, C., Meeske, A.-C.M., Kierdorf, U. Reintroduction programme of Emys orbicularis at Lake Steinhude – First Results Pupina, Ag., Pupina, Ai., Pupins, M. Realisation of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis species protection Plan in Latvia in 2007-2014 Pupina, Ai., Pupins, M., Pupina, Ag. The first and the updated records of 9 exotic turtle species and subspecies in Latvia and remarks on their threats to the native small northern populations of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis Pupins, M., Pupina, Ai., Pupina, Ag. The updated European pond turtle Emys orbicularis records in Latvia till 2014 Schneeweiß, N., M., Beckmann, H. First experiences in reinforcement and reintroduction of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the northwestern border area
Schneeweiß, N., Pletz, M., Beckmann, H. The application of digiscoping for recognition of individual patterns within the monitoring of Emys orbicularis populations
7 Veysset, A. For the abandonment of the classification of Minorca (Baleares) in 1993 by UNESCO as "Biosphere Reserve" because of the regression of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis indicator of biodiversity
Distribution and Habitat
Havaš, P. Distribution of Mauremys rivulata on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast Ruben I., Bîrsan, C.-C., Székely, P., Cogălniceanu, D. Spatio-temporal bias in the European pond turtle distribution in Romania Vamberger, M., Fritz, U. Caution! Using the SEH atlas by Sillero and colleagues (2014), the distribution of Emys orbicularis will be misunderstood!
Ecology and Population Dynamics
Ayaz, D., Çiçek, K., Bayrakci, Y., Tok, C.V. Reproductive ecology of European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis, from Mediterranean Turkey
Bayrakci, Y., Ayaz, D., Çiçek, K., Cumhuriyet, O., İlhan, S. Population dynamics of European Pond Turtle Emys orbicularis from Eğirdir Lake (Isparta/Turkey)
Bona, M., Danko, S., Burešová, A., Novotný, M., Havaš, P. Thermal conditions in nest chambers of European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the Tajba National Nature Reserve, Slovakia Havaš, P., Bona, M., Burešová, A., Danko, S., Novotný, M. Do all freshwater turtles overwinter buried in the pond bottom? The case of Emys orbicularis Ottonello, D., Oneto, F., Zuffi, M.A.L., Malavasi, S., D'Angelo, S. Preliminary data on the Emys trinacris population inhabiting the “Lago Perola – Gorghi Tondi” Natural Reserve (Sicily, Italy)
Šebela, M. History, biology and ecology of the reintroduced population of European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) at the Betlém site (South Moravia, Czech Republic) Tóthová, E., Danko, S., Havaš, P. Does temperature influence egg-laying period of Emys orbicularis?
8 Morphology, Systematics and Phylogeography
Ayaz, D., Çiçek, K., Tok, C.V. Some morphological anomalies and structures observed on some terrestrial and aquatic turtles (Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni, Mauremys caspica, Mauremys rivulata, Emys orbicularis) from Turkey Prusak, B., Doktór, D., Górecki, G., Mitrus, S., Najbar, B., Grzybowski, T. Pattern of mitochondrial DNA variation (ND4, cytb, 12SrRNA, tRNA-His, tRNA-Ser, tRNA-Leu genes, and control region) in Polish populations of Emys orbicularis
9 Abstracts
Reproductive ecology of the European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis, from Mediterranean Turkey
Ayaz, D. (1), Çiçek, K. (1), Bayrakci, Y. (1), Tok, C.V. (2)
1 Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Bornova / İzmir, Turkey 2 Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Science-Literature, Department of Biology, Çanakkale, Turkey
Between the years 2011−2014 studies on the reproductive ecology of Emys orbicularis were carried out in the Mediterranean region. According to the results, the species usually emerge from hibernation at the end of February or in early March. Depending on latitude and elevation of the area, copulation occured between March−May, and egg laying between May−July. The start of hatching and appearance of juveniles were observed between June−August. The average fecundity in females was 7 (5−10) eggs and the incubation period was between 80−110 days. The average size of the eggs was calculated as 33.55 × 20.32 mm and a weak correlation between the number of eggs and SCL was found. In hatchlings average SCL was 20.6 mm (18–23 mm), PL was 19.6 (17.6–22.4 mm) and weight was 3.6 g (2.9–4.3). Also, factors that affect reproductive success were discussed.
Poster presentation
Some Morphological Anomalies And Structures Observed On Some Terrestrial and Aquatic Turtles (Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni, Mauremys caspica, Mauremys rivulata, Emys orbicularis) from Turkey
Ayaz, D. (1), Çiçek, K. (1), Tok, C.V. (2)
1 Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Bornova / İzmir, Turkey 2 Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Science-Literature, Department of Biology, Çanakkale, Turkey
During the present study, a total of 475 turtle specimens (179 ♂♂, 217 ♀♀, 77 juv.), which were previously collected and deposited in the herpetological
10 collection of the Zoology Department, Ege University (ZDEU), were investigated from the viewpoint of their morphological anomalies. Of these, 31 specimens (11 ♂♂, 19 ♀♀, 1 juv.) belong to Mauremys caspica, 111 (22 ♂♂, 49 ♀♀, 40 juv.) to Mauremys rivulata 83 (33 ♂♂, 49 ♀♀, 1 juv.) to Emys orbicularis, 191 (92 ♂♂, 65 ♀♀, 34 juv.) to Testudo graeca and 57 (21 ♂♂, 35 ♀♀, 1 juv.) to Testudo hermanni. The study encompasses wounds/injuries observed on the carapace, plastron, the tail and on the extremities; algae accumulation on the carapace; the anomalies in counts concerning the carapace (supracaudals, nuchals, vertebrals, costals, marginals) and plastron (gulars, humerals, pectorals, abdominals, femorals, anals) scutes. The factors affecting anomalies were also discussed. Furthermore, a juvenile Testudo graeca specimen was observed to have two completely developed heads.
Poster presentation
Population dynamics of the European Pond Turtle Emys orbicularis from Eğirdir Lake (Isparta/Turkey)
Bayrakci, Y., Ayaz, D., Çiçek, K., Cumhuriyet, O., İlhan, S.
Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Bornova / İzmir, Turkey
In this study, the Eğirdir Lake population of Emys orbicularis was monitored for three years and population size, sex ratio and some information about habitat were gathered using the mark-recapture method between the years 2011−2013. A common habitat type that turtles prefer was the reed fields, which have dense vegetation and depth between 0.5–2 meters. For this reason, sampling studies were carried out in these areas (approximately 5 ha), and captured individuals were released after marking. During the whole sampling period 4 juveniles, 105 males and 98 females were captured and marked. According to POPAN formulation, the three year super population size of Eğirdir Lake was calculated as 460 individuals. Capture rate and survival rate were calculated as 0.17 and 0.61 respectively. Sex ratio was determined to be nearly equal (male:female = 1.07).
Poster presentation
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveying freshawater turtle populations
11 Biserkov, V., Lukanov, S.
Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Gagarin Street № 2, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Surveys with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) are routinely conducted to assess and monitor a number of species of marine mammals and birds. However, they have not been used in herpetological studies. UAVs may facilitate more accurate, human-risk free aerial surveys, and allow for monitoring of areas which would otherwise be inaccessible to humans (i.e. wetland habitats overgrown with reed). Another advantage is that, because of their relatively small size, drones are less likely to disturb the studied animal than direct observation. We used a Phantom 3 Professional drone with ultra-high definition video (3840×2160) and 12 MP photo camera to record freshwater turtles from two localities in Sofia – a lake in the Druzhba neighbourhood and ponds in the city’s South park. We successfully registered 6 Trachemys scripta elegans from the Druzhba Lake and 3 E. orbicularis from the South Park. On-site experiments determined that the best altitude for surveillance was 10 m, as above that turtles were not clearly visible and below 10 m the noise from the engines and the silhouette of the drone disturbed the basking animals. Some of the observed turtles were swimming below the water surface, which presents another advantage of this method over the direct observation from the shore or a boat. The option for storing recorded video/photos on memory card (up to 32 GB) is useful in documenting the observations. The drone has a built-in GPS, which allows for easy positioning of the registered animals on a map. This technology might also be used in mapping shorelines and different types of terrain. One disadvantage we noticed was the short battery lifespan – only around 20 minutes – which required at least two sets of batteries to complete the survey. Overall, UAVs present a new and exciting trend that could prove to be very useful in herpetological studies.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 13:30 – 13:50
Thermal conditions in nest chambers of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in NPR Tajba, Slovakia
Bona, M. (1), Danko, S. (2), Burešová, A. (2), Novotný, M. (2), Havaš, P. (2)
1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Košice, Slovakia 2 Fauna Carpatica, Maďarská 5, 04013 Košice, Slovakia
12 The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in eastern Slovakia starts to lay eggs from the end of May to the last decade of June. Incubation of European pond turtle eggs takes place in nest chambers and the hatchlings mostly stay in the nests until the next spring. During seasons 2008 and 2009/2010 we recorded nest temperatures in NPR Tajba, south-east Slovakia, and we divided the whole nesting period into four parts. During the first two and half to three months the incubation of eggs takes place. After that the post-incubation period starts, which is characterized by a gradual reduction of temperature down to zero. At this point starts the overwintering period that lasts for 61 to 93 days, depending on the particular year. After that starts the post-overwintering period, which ends when hatchlings leave the nest. Nevertheless we recorded turtles leaving the nest during the post-incubation period for first time in Slovakia. The highest temperature recorded in the nests was 34.5˚C, while the lowest temperature was -9˚C. Long- term measurement of temperature in nests can provide information on the current status of hatchlings in the nest depending on the outside temperature at the site of the nest that can be useful in determination of ideal places for egg laying. Such information is necessary when choosing places for introduction of Emys orbicularis to new places and also for recovery of nesting places and reproduction management of existing populations.
Poster presentation
Freshwater turtle monitoring with volunteers in SW Spain
De Vries, W. (1), Rodriguez, E. (2)
1 Asociation EPMAC, Urkhovenseweg 570º, Eindhoven, Netherlands 2 University Pablo Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
In 2008 educational activities were initiated in Sierra Norte Natural Park (Andalucía, SW Spain. Local naturalists were involved in research and conservation actions for the two native freshwater turtles. Unto 2014 volunteers visually surveyed the main rivers and streams. Over 1000 Mauremys leprosa and 7 Emys orbicularis were recorded. As there were indications on a decline of especially the latter species, a specific research was elaborated to define the actual distribution, conservation status and to initiate monitoring. The monitoring consisted of visual (telescope) countings combined with mark-recapture with baited crayfish-funnel traps in two three-days sessions. Importantly, volunteers were involved in the mark-recapture study. Because of the involvement of
13 volunteers, much more information was collected. A second positive element was that over 50 persons actually could hold a turtle in hand and became aware of the conservation problems such as habitat destruction and the introduction of exotic species. 768 Mauremys were observed in transects and 27 Emys. In the crayfish funnel traps 237 Mauremys and 1 Emys were captured. The population sizes in two areas with both species were calculated as 162 (seasonal river system) and 310 (artificial lake) for Mauremys. For the Emys population it was calculated as 15 in the river and could not be calculated for the artificial lake. As the study and comparison with earlier distribution data showed a stable situation for Mauremys and a strong decline in Emys, a conservation action plan is required. The monitoring of the populations will continue in the following years.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 10:20 – 10:40
Brilliant, we seized a huge shipment! But now what?!
Đorđević, S. (1), Golubović, A. (2)
1 University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology. Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia 2 Serbian Herpetological Society "Milutin Radovanović", 142 Despota Stefana Blvd., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
On December 23rd 2012, an illegal shipment of live pond turtles was seized on the border between the FYR of Macedonia (FYROM) and Serbia. The scientific authority identified, counted and sexed the animals: there were 674 males, 544 females and 109 juveniles. The animals were taken to the Belgrade zoo – to be housed temporarily, until the officials from the two countries find a way to return them to their place(s) of origin. Two and a half years later, the turtles are still in the zoo. They are in permanent mutual contacts, often direct: all 1,327 individuals were put in a space smaller than 300 m2, where 30–50 pond turtles have already been kept, together with several Red-eared sliders. These circumstances are ideal for transmission of pathogens; also, (inter)breeding cannot be avoided. The turtles now suffer from various diseases and disorders: mycoses, bacterial and viral infections, ecto- and endoparasites, necroses, anaemia, complications with internal organs... The opinion of the colleague biologists and the zoo veterinarian is that these turtles cannot be released into nature. To our knowledge, nobody has an idea how to solve this and similar problems. The described case highlights the urgency of establishing a high-level regional cooperation, a centre where the seized animals or unwanted pets could be accepted and processed, and of a range-wide DNA
14 database of reptilian species threatened with illegal collection and trade, which could enable timely returns of these animals into their source populations.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 14:30 – 14:50
Distribution, habitats and conservation of the European pond turtle in Belarus
Drobenkov, S.
Academicheskaja St., 27, Minsk, Belarus
The present range of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) covers south and southwest parts of Belarus and roughly coincides with the European broad-leafed- pine zone. A major part of the population is distributed in surviving boggy woodlands whereas the population is very small in the vast territories of the reclaimed bogs and farmlands. Aquatic habitats are represented by a wide range of ponds, rivers and channels with diverse environmental conditions. The habitats are usually shallow, warm, standing ponds and slow flowing streams, covered by the abundant aquatic and marsh vegetation during the summer. Forest bogs, small artificial ponds, rivers, valley ponds and drainage channels are the most important turtle habitats. Number (density) of the populations varies from 3.4 to 80.0 individuals per hectare (average 34.8 ± 1.7). The south and south-western parts of Belarus are occupied by the nominate subspecies Emys orbicularis orbicularis which is characterised by it large body sizes, black coloration, flat carapace, amongst other features. The carapace length ranges from 150 to 210 mm for adult females, and from 150 to 190 mm for males; the average carapace size in the population equals 173.2 ± 0.7 mm. A portion of specimens of the population had various innate deflections from the common scheme of scutes on carapace and plastron, including their numbers, form and topography. Some turtles had diverse damages (by the forms and distribution) on the shell, legs and tail, caused by predators. The morphological analysis indicates low variability and high similarity of the territorial groups of the pond turtle in different areas of Belarus, which is connected with an absence of significant barriers and a free exchange of genes between them. The sex ratio in several of the biggest samples and in the country generally is displaced to significant domination of females (ratio approximately 1:2). The reproductive ecology of the pond turtle in Belarus differs by some traits, such as forming the numerous nesting aggregations of females during the reproductive season, their purposeful long-distance migrations to nesting habitats, some changes of mating and laying time. Commonly from 5–7 to 20–25 females
15 nested in communal breeding habitats, but in few survived favorable biotopes their number reaches 50–70 and even 250–300 females. Large-scale drainage and amelioration of wetlands of Belarus, destruction of communal nesting habitats, high pressure from egg-eating predators and intensive traffic on the roads are principal causes of the Belarusian population decline. The clear trend of decrease in species number was observed in the 1960–70s and has been connected with intensive development of human impact. The most important current tasks of conservation and restoration of regional population of the European pond turtle in Belarus are expansion of the area of protected collective breeding habitats, creation of new wild reserves, effective nature protection actions and development of various preservation approaches.
Oral presentation – 21 August, 11:20 – 11:40
Evaluation of 11 microsatellite loci for reconstructing kinship groups in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis)
Dux, M. (1), Doktór, D. (2), Hryniewicz, A. (3), Prusak, B. (1)
1 Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland 2 Foundation for Oswin Lake, Węgorzewo, Poland 3 City Zoological Garden in Warsaw, Poland
Multiple paternity has been investigated in many reptile taxa. The aim of the study was to evaluate a set of 11 microsatellite loci (msEo2, msEo41, msEo21, msEo29, Emys2, Emys6, Emys11, GmuD107, GmuD16, GmuD88, GmuD93) for the detection of multiple paternity and the number of potential fathers in the clutches of the European pond turtle. We analyzed hatchlings from six nests (64 samples in total) collected at three localities situated in the Zwolenka river valley, central Poland (Borowiec reserve, Siekierka and Zastocze). We examined the power of the increasing number of loci for PE and PI. Paternity analysis was performed with Kinanalyzer software. GenAlex was used to estimate allele frequencies, observed and expected heterozygosities, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and the power of exclusion (PE). PIC was calculated with PICcalc from allele frequencies. The PE for individual loci was from 0.18 to 0.87 (mean 0.58) and the combined PE increased when adding the remaining loci one by one. The error probability in paternity testing was low as indicated by the combined probability of exclusion for eleven loci in all analyzed hatchings (PE1 0.995 – more than 99.99%, PE2 0.925 – 0.993, PE3 0.999 – more than 99.99%), and the values of polymorphic information content ranging from 0.27 (msEo41) to 0.81 (GmuD88) (mean 0.55). PISibs
16 calculated over eleven loci was low: 0.001 – 0.000. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.792 to 0.818, while the expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.547 to 0.658. In all but one of the analyzed clutches we identified sibling groups with the number of potential fathers from two to five. We concluded that the eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci provided an effective and reliable tool for paternity testing in Emys orbicularis.
Poster presentation
At home with the wacky diapsids (turtles), with a focus on genetic (r)evolution and the so-called ‘Old World’
Fritz, U.
Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A. B. Meyer Building, Dresden, Germany
Part of the vertebrate endoskeleton is transformed into an exoskeleton, the shoulder and pelvic girdles are completely embedded within the thorax, the skull is without fenestration and without teeth – this is the description of some basic morphological features of turtles. If these creatures were extinct, they would be ranked among the most bizarre vertebrates that ever lived on Earth. Thus, it is no wonder that turtles were traditionally thought to represent some remote branch of the vertebrate tree of life. For a long time, turtles were understood to be the last survivors of some Permian stem reptiles without fenestrated skull roof, the anapsids, and within the framework of a phylogenetic system, turtles have been suggested to be the sister group of all other amniotes. However, molecular evidence suggested later that they are just diapsids with massively modified morphology. This placement has been recently also supported also by the discovery of Pappochelys rosinae, the oldest Triassic stem-turtle, still with many non-turtle characters. In addition to this revolutionary reassessment of the phylogenetic relationships of turtles, recent years have seen another revolution regarding the diversity of extant turtles. Like in other animal groups, the taxonomy of extant turtle species largely rested on external morphology, and, to a lesser extent, on osteological characters. However, when molecular data entered the arena, external morphology in particular turned out to be highly unreliable, and many turtles with strikingly different appearances were unravelled to be just ecotypes or very closely related local forms. On the other hand, putatively conspecific turtles without conspicuous morphological characters, typically small- to medium-sized taxa without ‘beautiful’ coloration or pattern, turned out to be composed of genetically deeply divergent distinct species. In my talk, I will focus on some examples, especially from Africa, Asia and Europe.
17 Moreover, I will show that some freshwater turtles contradict the earlier belief that seawater – sea straits or even open sea – constitutes a significant dispersal barrier for them. Granted, sometimes transoceanic dispersal was facilitated by humans who extensively used turtles as ‘living provisions’ during voyages. However, some freshwater turtles can be incredibly seawater-resistant and do not need the ‘crown of creation’ for long-distance dispersal across the sea.
Oral presentation – 21 August, 09:00 – 10:00
Thermal constraint for distribution of Emys orbicularis in France
Girondot, M
Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris Sud, CNRS and AgroParisTech, Orsay cedex, France
Emys orbicularis is a widespread species in Europe, but the constraints on its distribution are not fully understood. In France, Emys orbicularis is present in approximately half of the country. To understand species distribution, different tools exist but most of them are purely correlative and make strong assumptions about fundamental and realized niche. An alternative that we developed is to mechanistically model the niche. Whereas it is impossible to model all the parameters of the niche, we concentrated on the thermal niche for egg incubation. We modeled egg incubation at the scale of France during 15 years. The distribution of regions with possible egg incubation fits well the species distribution indicating that egg incubation could be one of the main limiting factors for the distribution of the species.
Oral presentation – 21 August, 13:50 – 14:10
From air temperature to sex ratio for Emys orbicularis: best practices
Girondot, M., Guillon, J-M.
Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris Sud, CNRS and AgroParisTech, Orsay cedex, France
Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) has been first discovered for turtles in the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis. This species has been the
18 most studied for TSD with more than 40 papers describing many aspects of its sex determination pattern. However, even after so many studies, the prediction of sex from time series of nest temperatures remains challenging. The different proxies that have been used in other species will be reviewed and we will show that none can be used safely. A new mechanistic approach to predict sex ratio from nest temperatures will be described. In the first step, the growth pattern of the embryo must be modeled to determine the thermosensitive period and in a second step, the sexualisation thermal reaction norm must be determined to allow prediction of sex. Whereas it is the best strategy, we will show that we lack data for Emys orbicularis to estimate the sexualisation thermal reaction norm and then the sex ratio in nature.
Oral presentation – 21 August, 13:30 – 13:50
Distribution and conservation of the European pond turtle in Serbia: presentation of the Rufford project results
Golubović, A.
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology. Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
The main goals of the project are gathering distribution data and tissue samples of the European pond turtle. These data are necessary for efficient conservation and active protection of the nationally and internationally protected European pond turtle. Currently, the known distribution of Emys orbicularis in Serbia mainly includes the northern (i.e. Vojvodina Province) and eastern parts of the national territory. Although the central part of the country has plenty of water bodies (e.g. Velika, Zapadna and Južna Morava Rivers), surprisingly this region remains vastly understudied. Additionally, it seems that abundant deserted overgrown gravel mines along river banks in central Serbia offer large areas of suitable habitats for the turtles. Besides the European pond turtles, the project aims to explore the distribution of the Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) as one of the greatest threats for E. orbicularis and its habitats. So far, it seems that Red-eared sliders are grouped in ponds near human settlements, probably close to places where they were “released” by their owners. Although they were not found in the wild, the fact that they reproduce efficiently adds a sense of emergency to educate pet owners and stop the expansion of this highly invasive species.
Oral presentation – 21 August, 11:00 – 11:20
19 Distribution of Mauremys rivulata on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast
Havaš, P.
Titogradská 18, 04023 Košice, Slovakia
Mauremys rivulata is widely distributed through the Mediterranean region from coastal Croatia to central Israel. In Bulgaria, it inhabits just the southernmost parts of the country including the Black Sea coast. Although modern publications dealing with Bulgarian herpetofauna mention its range on the Black Sea coast from the river Ropotamo southward to the Rezovska River, since its discovery in 1930 for Bulgaria, just four more or less precise localities have been known: the mouth of the Rezovska River, the river Veleka, a stream near village Ahtopol (population extirpated between 1974 and 1983, but rediscovered in 2000) and a small stream 4 km northwest of the village Ahtopol (single observation of a single specimen in 1983). Present release of captured specimens to the river Ropotamo is not considered to be a natural occurrence of the species. Since 1983 I have visited the area from the Turkish border to Maslen Nos Cape over 30 times and all permanent or semipermanent water bodies (streams, rivers, marshes, ponds) have been inspected for the presence of M. rivulata. The species has been found at eight localities with northernmost occurrence near the town Tsarevo. Extensive searching near the villages Lozenets and Primorsko, where M. rivulata demonstrably occurred in the 1970s, has been unsuccessful in locating any individuals, suggesting that the species is probably extirpated there, most likely due to habitat destruction by large-scale construction of tourist complexes.
Poster presentation
Do all freshwater turtles overwinter buried in the pond bottom? The case of Emys orbicularis
Havaš, P. (1,3), Bona, M. (2), Burešová, A. (3), Danko, S. (3), Novotný, M.(3)
1 Titogradská 18, 04023 Košice, Slovakia 2 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Košice, Slovakia 3 Fauna Carpatica, Maďarská 5, 04013 Košice, Slovakia
Generally it is believed that freshwater turtles inhabiting the temperate climates of Europe, Asia and North America overwinter at the bottom of water bodies, mostly
20 buried into its mud. During the implementation of the rescue programme for the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Eastern Slovakia and studying its natural history, the initial results have revealed that things might be different. Between 2002 and 2014, pre-, post- and overwintering behavior of E. orbicularis was monitored in three localities near the villages Streda nad Bodrogom and Malý Kamenec (Eastern Slovakia). Monitoring has been performed by comparison of the carapacial surface temperatures with ambient temperatures, by using telemetry and physical control of the overwintering turtles under ice cover and by visual observations. All monitored turtles from all studied areas and from different types of biotopes have shown the same pattern of behavior: 1) turtles do not start overwintering before freezing of water surface; 2) during overwintering turtles stay tightly under ice cover with temperature about 1°C; 2) no turtle has been buried into pond bottom; 4) if ice cover melts, turtles break overwintering and start breathing for air; and 5) if water surface does not freeze during the winter period, turtles do not overwinter at all, they move, register surroundings, and, in the case of disturbance, they escape to deeper water.
Poster presentation
An assessment of Emys orbicularis online trade in Romania – a threat factor for conservation
Mărginean, G.-I. (1), Gherman, E. (2)
1 Str. Goethe Nr. 5, Sibiu, Romania, postal code 550372 2 Str. 23 August Nr. 15, Bl. P17, Sc. 2, Ap. 16, Otopeni, Ilfov, Romania
The reptile pet trade in the European Union was estimated at around $ 4.3 million in 2010. Amongst the traded species, aquatic turtles are a favorite, being traded for food, traditional medicine and especially as pets. While the legal pet trade with aquatic turtles in Romania is focused almost exclusively on exotic species such as Graptemys and Trachemys sp., the illegal pet trade with aquatic turtles is composed of locally wild caught individuals of Emys orbicularis and has increased in the last years. In the present study, we have attempted to illustrate the size of the pet trade with wild caught E. orbicularis in Romania and the impact on the conservation efforts on this endangered species. During the time period 04.2013–05.2015 we have actively searched on the main Romanian commerce websites for offers regarding E. orbicularis individuals. We have recorded 88 online trade offers, resulting in a total number of at least 140 sold individuals of this protected species. The illegal online trade with E. orbicularis is a threat factor for conservation of this
21 species and must be urgently addressed. We have made several recommendations and proposed a few solutions for this problem.
Poster presentation
Outbreak of mortality associated to thyroid hyperplasia in Emys orbicularis breeding program in Ebro Delta (Spain)
Martínez-Silvestre, A. (1), Verdaguer, I. (1), Vidal, F. (2), Fortuño, L. (2), Franch, M.A. (2), Soler, J. (1), Velarde, R. (3)
1 CRARC (Catalonian Reptile and Amphibian Rescue Center) Masquefa, Spain 2 Estacio Biologica Canal Vell. Delta de l'Ebre. Deltebre, Spain 3 Departament Patologia Medica. Facultat de Veterinaria. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. Bellaterra, Spain
We present a case of an outbreak of mortality in a breeding installation of Emys orbicularis in the Ebro Delta (Tarragona, Spain). The scope of this plan is to breed turtles of haplotype V for reintroduction in their distribution area, especially the natural park of the Ebro Delta. The breeding program began in 2006 and generates approximately 250 turtles each year. During the course of 2014 and 2015 hatchlings died during the fall and winter belonging to age groups between the ages of 0 and 2 years. During this period the total number of turtles born was 366, with 334 of them dying, representing 91.26% of the turtles born in that season. Symptoms were soft shell, apathy and anorexia that appeared between 1 and 5 days before death. During the outbreak of mortality approximately 10 to 30 turtles died per week. The turtles were analyzed to determine the possible infectious causes through microbiological cultures of two selected animals with symptoms. We collected samples of three more specimens for analysis by PCR: Coccidia, Herpesvirus and Ranavirus. During the visit, four turtles that had died only one hour earlier were selected. From each turtle we collected thyroid, liver, kidney, intestine, stomach, thymus and parathyroid. The samples were analyzed by histology staining them with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as Von Kossa. Results: At necropsy, all turtles had enlarged thyroid glands bilaterally (about 2–3 times their normal size). Histologically, thyroid follicles were lined by hypertrophic columnar epithelium and follicular lumina were devoid of colloid. In the kidneys, mild to moderate degeneration and tubular necrosis with mineralization of tubular epithelium was seen in all four animals. The PCR conducted were negative. The culture was positive to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Discussion: The cause of death was due to a thyroid and renal malfunction that caused an opportunistic
22 secondary infection. The diet of the turtles was changed and a therapy with antibiotics was started to the affected turtles. The outbreak of mortality began to resolve after a few weeks of diagnosis. The turtle Emys orbicularis has in its first years of life stricter requirements regarding feeding and variations in the composition of its food can provoke outbreaks of mortality.
Poster presentation
The European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, in the Ter river area, northeastern Iberian Peninsula: 30 years of conservation
Mascort, R. (1), Budó, J. (2)
1 C. la Jonquera, 17, 2 , Figueres, Spain 2 CRT l'Albera, Mare de Deu del Camp, Garriguella, Spain
During the mid-1980s, a small, vanishing population of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, was located on the Ter river mouth area, in northern Catalonia, northeastern Iberian Peninsula. By that time and basically due to intensive coastal development and water pollution, in Catalonia the few still existing populations had been reduced to only a few dozen animals at four remaining wetlands, which were all close to disappearing. Since the early eighties and after about a decade of observation and individual identification of the European pond turtles at the Ter river mouth wetlands, during 1992 and 1993, when only less than fifteen animals remained, all the surviving animals were captured and kept at the Centre de Reproducció de Tortugues de l’Albera (CRT l’Albera), a turtle and tortoise captive breeding center, 40 kilometers from the river Ter mouth area. Since then, captive breeding has been carried out and several reintroduction programs have been implemented with young animals bred at the CRT l’Albera. The first reintroduction program was developed in the same area where the first wild animals were captured (the Ter river mouth wetlands) on the first EU LIFE project “Amphibian and aquatic reptiles’ habitat recovering in Baix Ter wetlands” (2005−2008), and nowadays more than 100 animals have been released there. The second reintroduction program was carried out within the second EU LIFE program “Improving the habitat and species of Banyoles Natura 2000: a demonstrative project” (2010−2013), where 130 turtles were returned to their habitat at “llacunes de Can Morgat”, a restored wetland close to Banyoles Lake. A third EU LIFE program, “Conservation of river fauna of European interest in the Natura 2000 network in the basins of the rivers Ter, Fluviá, and Muga" (2014−2017) is being implemented and 70 of a total of 200 animals have already been released into the
23 middle reaches of the river. After the implementation of these three EU LIFE programs and other local and private collaborative reintroduction projects, the situation of the European pond turtle in the Ter river drainage will be restored and future action must then focus on the close monitoring of the reintroduced populations and on habitat conservation.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 14:10 – 14:30
A living fossil returns – first results and evaluation of a reintroduction project of Emys orbicularis in Northwest-Germany
Meeske, A.-C.M.
NABU Niedersachsen, Germany
Due to the fact that Emys orbicularis had a wider distribution in Germany some centuries ago but became extinct in most of the areas, some federal states in Germany started reintroduction projects in the last 15 years. In 2013 a reintroduction project was begun in Northwest-Germany by the NGO NABU Niedersachsen (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union Lower Saxony) on the initiative of the Ministry of environment in Lower Saxony. The main aim of the project is the establishment of a viable population in a nature reserve near the big lake Steinhude based on the evaluation of a feasibility study conducted prior as preparatory work. In consideration of the genetic suitability turtles of the haplotype IIa were selected for the breeding and release program. In cooperation with Swiss colleagues cytochrome-B and microsatellite analyses were implemented in order to recognize suitability of potential individuals. In 2014 the first 14 animals (ca. 6 years old) were released in one pond. In the first three months after release daily visual and telemetry controls as well as first recaptures were conducted. Since autumn irregular radiotracking controls were done. In 2015 a total of 50 juveniles (3–5 years old) were released in three ponds. Radiotracking and visual controls shall help to follow the new ones in direct comparison with the animals from 2014 for evaluation of first reintroduction activities.
Oral presentation, 19 August, 13:50 – 14:10
Feeding on land with a small tongue – ecomorphology of the feeding system in the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis L., 1758
24 Natchev, N. (1,2), Kummer, S. (1), Singer, K. (1), Lemell, P. (1), Jennemann, G. (1), Tzankov, N. (3), Heiss, E. (1)
1 Department of Integrative Zoology, Vienna University, 14 Althanstrasse, 1090 Vienna, Austria 2 Faculty of Natural Science, Shumen University, 115 Universitetska Str., 9700 Shumen, Bulgaria 3 National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
The endangered emydid Emys orbicularis L., 1758 was reported to live purely aquatic, semiaquatic, or even partly terrestrial in some phases of its life history. We investigated the morphology of the feeding apparatus in E. orbicularis using light microscopy and SEM techniques and our results show that the morphological features of the feeding apparatus in E. orbicularis fall into the category “aquatic carnivorous”. The relatively small tongue in E. orbicularis was largely accreted with the floor of the mouth – only the anterior-most part of the tongue was free. On the dorsal lingual surface were relatively flat, rather cuboidal papillae. To study the function of the feeding apparatus we further analysed the aquatic feeding behaviour of E. orbicularis by using high-speed films (500 fr/s). The European pond turtle used exclusively hydrodynamic mechanisms to obtain and transport food under water. Additionally, we tested whether the turtles can complete the whole feeding process on land as well. The subadult specimens, used in our experiments, grasped the offered food on land just by the jaws and dragged it into the water for transport and swallowing. By contrast, the adult specimens protracted their tongues toward the food item, after which, food was grasped by the jaws. During the start of the terrestrial food transport, the whole hyolingual complex was moved anteriorly to ensure the contact of the small tongue to the food. The hyolingual protraction was followed by a rapid hyoid retraction and depression. The kinematic profiles of terrestrial food uptake and food transport and the coordination between the movement of the jaw, the neck and the hyolingual complex in E. orbicularis resembled that of the kinematics in aquatic feeding. We suggest that the European pond turtle uses a modified version of its aquatic feeding motoric program for food uptake and food transport on land.
Oral presentation – 21 August, 14:10 – 14:30
First data on reinforcement of a population of Emys orbicularis with an ex-situ captive breeding program (NW Italy)
25 Ottonello, D. (1), Jesu, R. (2), Oneto, F. (3), Gili, C. (2), Genta, P. (4), Salvidio, S. (5)
1 DAIS, Cà Foscari, University of Venice - Dorsoduro 2137, Venezia, Italy 2 Costa Edutainment S.p.A., Genoa Aquarium - Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, Genova, Italy 3 Ce.S.Bi.N. Srl, c/o DISTAV, Genoa University - Corso Europa 26, Genova, Italy 4 Provincia di Savona, Savona, Italy 5 DISTAV, Genoa University - Corso Europa 26, Genova, Italy
Emys orbicularis was commonly found along the west coast of Liguria (NW Italy) until 1970. After this time the species has undergone a rapid decline, due mainly to habitat loss and modification, that brought it to near local extinction. Recently, few small and isolated populations were discovered in the Albenga plain. Therefore, since 2000, a restoration and captive-breeding program was implemented by different public authorities, private entities, NGOs, and volunteers. Starting from 2013 a LIFE+ Nature project (LIFE EMYS - LIFE12 NAT/IT/000395) allowed to develop many others actions such as the removal and management of allochthonous freshwater chelonians, standardized veterinary protocols and communications. A total of 195 individuals (three to five years old) were released in the wild since 2008. The analyses of data show that the recapture rate and the variation of Body Condition Index (BCI) one year after the release are site- dependent. Preliminary data from 20 restocked Emys orbicularis that were radiotracked for two month after their release show that almost all the individuals remained in the original release site. These results suggest that the populations are demographically increasing but still highly endangered.
Poster presentation
Preliminary data on the Emys trinacris population inhabiting the “Lago Perola – Gorghi Tondi” Natural Reserve (Sicily, Italy)
Ottonello, D. (1), Oneto, F. (2), Zuffi, M.A.L. (3), Malavasi, S. (1), D'Angelo, S. (4)
1 DAIS, Cà Foscari, University of Venice - Dorsoduro 2137, Venezia, Italy 2 Ce.S.Bi.N. Srl, c/o DISTAV, Genoa University - Corso Europa 26, Genova, Italy 3 University of Pisa, Museum of Natural History – Via Roma 79, Calci (Pisa), Italy 4 WWF Italia -Via Po 25/C, Roma, Italy
A species endemic to Sicily, Emys trinacris is considered “Data Deficient” by
26 IUCN, because almost nothing is known about its distribution, ecology, biology, and population dynamics. Present data are part of a PhD research program carried out on the “Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi” Natural Reserve that is aimed at filling the gaps of knowledge about the population dynamics and natural history of this species. The protected area has an area of 335 ha with five karstic lakes surrounded by an agricultural matrix. In this paper we analyze preliminary data of the long- term CMR research program developed in one out of the five lakes – Gorgo Tondo Basso (surface = 3 ha). We collected a total of 409 terrapins with a sex-ratio of 2.8:1 (275 males, 97 females and 37 juveniles). Our data confirm that females (CL mean = 130.25 ± 11.04 mm) are bigger than males (CL mean = 119.94 ± 5.81 mm). The population’s abundance is estimated to a total of 718.6 ± 47.1 animals using the “Rcapture package” for closed populations that selected the Mt model following the Akaike Information Criterion. Further analyses are needed to explore the causes that may influence this unbalanced sex ratio and the possibility of the presence of meta-population dynamics between different lakes using models for open populations.
Poster presentation
Reintroduction programme of Emys orbicularis at Lake Steinhude – First Results
Poggenburg, C. (1), Meeske, A.-C.M. (2), Kierdorf, U. (3)
1 Email: [email protected] 2 NABU Niedersachsen, Germany 3 University of Hildesheim, Germany
In Germany the European pond turtle belongs to the list of the most threatened species. In Lower Saxony it is classified as extinct. To enrich the fauna of the federal state a reintroduction programme for Emys orbicularis was started in 2013. Fourteen subadult individuals were released in one pond in a nature reserve at Lake Steinhude in June 2014. Ten got transmitter for tracking. Beside the main objectives of the research (preferred locations and activity ranges), vegetation preferences, basking behaviour and risk of predation were noticed. With a share of 50 % the animals could be located predominantly in the Glyceria fluitans community, while the structure “Open water” was the least frequented. No significant differences could be found between males and females, but all animals were still immature. The basking observations increased from June to August, last basking was noticed in the middle of September. Mostly, only one specimen could
27 be seen at a time and existing basking structures were rarely used by several animals. Deadwood was preferred compared to the shore (only 5 sightings of 60). A general change in basking places was registered conforming to changing water- level. At the pond three predator species of the turtles could be determined: racoon (Procyon locor), stone martens (Martes foina) and wild boar (Sus scrofa).
Poster presentation
Efficacy of the Natura 2000 network in Bulgaria to protect suitable habitats of native freshwater turtles
Popgeorgiev, G. (1), Tzankov, N. (1), Kornilev, Y. (1), Stoyanov, A. (1), Naumov, B. (2)
1 National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria 2 Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Str., Sofia, Bulgaria
The European ecological network Natura 2000 (including SPAs and SCIs) was implemented in order to protect priority species and habitats, such as both water turtle’s species native to Bulgaria. Emys orbicularis is distributed across the country, but Mauremys rivulata is confined to the southern border areas. During the national mapping campaign in 2011–2012, E. orbicularis was found in 136 out of the 194 protected areas in which it is listed (70% confirmed presence), while M. rivulata was confirmed in 9 out of 16 (56%). National-level spatial distribution models (SDMs) were based on geographic data (WorldClim, DEM), with additional actual land use layer (compiled from government data) that greatly improved the predicted species ranges. The previous predictions (from 2009) were highly overestimated, for example for E. orbicularis potential range covered 51% of the country’s territory. The refined SDMs revealed that the optimal territories potentially occupied by E. orbicularis at the national level are approximately 1%, the suitable are 4% and the low suitability – 13.3%, with 53% of the optimal and 37% of the suitable territories falling outside of SCIs. For M. rivulata results were even more alarming as 82% and 74% of those classes, respectively, were outside SCIs. We identified a set of threats for both species and a set of conservation measures that need to be taken. Presently, SCIs are still potentially insufficient for the long-term conservation of turtles and the preparation and adoption of management plans for key SCIs are urgently needed.
28 Oral presentation – 19 August, 10:00 – 10:20
Pattern of mitochondrial DNA variation (ND4, cytb, 12S rRNA, tRNA- His, tRNA-Ser, tRNA-Leu genes, and control region) in Polish populations of Emys orbicularis
Prusak, B. (1), Doktór, D. (2), Górecki, G. (3), Mitrus, S. (4), Najbar, B. (5), Grzybowski, T. (6)
1 Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland 2 Foundation for Oswin Lake, Węgorzewo, Poland 3 Institute of Zoology, Field Station in Urwitałt, Warsaw University, Poland 4 Institute of Civil and Environmental Engineering / Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland 5 Department of Biosystematics, Opole University, Opole, Poland 6 Department of Molecular and Forensic Genetics, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Institute of Forensic Medicine, The Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
The aim of the study was to analyse mitochondrial DNA variation in the 907-bp- long fragment of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) plus the adjacent tRNA genes (tRNA-His, tRNA-Ser, partial tRNA-Leu), the 1140-bp of the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene, the 396-bp-long fragment of the 12S rRNA gene, and in the 659-bp-long fragment of the control region. We analyzed 105 Emys orbicularis individuals from 4 regions in Poland. Mitochondrial DNA sequences of all analyzed fragments were combined into individual haplotypes (3102 bp). The diversity of mtDNA sequences (both at the haplotype and nucleotide level) and the geographic variation of haplotypes (AMOVA) were estimated using Arlequin 3.11. The number of variable positions in the analyzed concatenated sequences of all mitochondrial fragments was 52, of which 35 positions were informative. Our samples contained thirteen distinct mitochondrial haplotypes, of which one haplotype was shared in the four analyzed regions, one – in two regions, and eleven haplotypes were detected in a single geographical region. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial sequences identified three clades of haplotypes corresponding to distinct genetic lineages. The haplotype network showed the common haplotype that was present in four of the populations, with single haplotypes around it. The star-like shape of this part of the network may indicate little geographical structure in the eastern populations. The dominant haplotype had a frequency of 0.48. The highest haplotype and nucleotide diversity were recorded in western Poland. The AMOVA showed that the most genetic variation (61.29 %
29 of total diversity, P = 0.000) was among populations. FST values for mitochondrial data found significant differentiation between all but one pair of populations. Mantel test comparing the genetic and the geographic distances exhibited no significant correlation. The sub-structuring observed in mitochondrial DNA of Emys orbicularis from Poland reflects major routes of postglacial colonization of Poland, as well as cases of translocations and hybridization of turtles from relict western population with non-native genetic lineage.
Poster presentation
Realisation of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis species protection Plan in Latvia in 2007–2014
Pupina, A. (1), Pupina, A. (2), Pupins, M. (1)
1 Departament of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University. Parades street 1A, Daugavpils, LV5400, Latvia 2 Latgales Ecological Society
The legal status and protection of Emys orbicularis vary in different European countries. The key document ensuring the protection of E. orbicularis in Latvia is Cabinet Regulations No. 396 “On the list of the specially protected species and the specially protected species whose use is limited” (2000), as well as the list of animals for which it is permitted to create micro-reserves. E. orbicularis is included in both these lists. For the purpose of protection of the animals from these lists official Species Protection Plans are elaborated and implemented in Latvia, which are national strategies for the conservation of a particular species. The plan for protection of E. orbicularis in Latvia was developed and approved by the Ministry of Environment in 2007. The condition of E. orbicularis in Latvia has been analysed and the main threats to the species and its habitats were determined in the plan: the fragmentation of the natural habitats and the range of populations, the catching of E. orbicularis for keeping as a pets, fishing, the death of turtles under the wheels of transport, the factor of anxiety, as well as the burning of grass in the spring etc. The invasive species Nyctereutes procyonoides, Neovison vison introduced and greatly reproduced in Latvia are predators dangerous to E. orbicularis in Latvia. The following species conservation measures in Latvia are recommended in the plan: the study of the distribution and ecology of E. orbicularis in nature and aquaculture, the establishment and strengthening of the protection regime of the territories inhabited by E. orbicularis, monitoring and optimization of ponds and egg-laying places, control of predators, creation of
30 corridors for migration and genetic contacts, acquisition of important territories by the state, creation of the ex-situ turtle conservation centre, breeding and release of young turtles into nature, creation of a shelter for exotic turtles, etc. Many recommended measures have been implemented since 2007: the technology of aquaculture has been developed; the distribution and ecology of E. orbicularis is studied, including in cooperation with French, German, Polish and Belarusian colleagues (parts of the research were supported by the project "Creation of a new scientific group for modernization of aquaculture technology'' # 2013/0067/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/13/APIA/VIAA/060; and by the Project LIFE- HerpetoLatvia); a breeding group has been formed; the Turtle Conservation Centre has been created where juvenile turtles are born each year which are kepy until maturity at the Center; the bred young adult turtles were released into nature; a shelter intended for exotic turtles was created, education of local people is carried out. Some of the measures were not implemented due to lack of funding. This Plan should have been revised in 2013, but as it is practiced in Latvia if the Plan was not revised, its recommendations remain valid. At present the authors are developing a new revised Plan.
Poster presentation
The first and the updated records of 9 exotic turtle species and subspecies in Latvia and remarks on their threats to the native small northern populations of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis
Pupina, A. (1), Pupins, M. (1), Pupina, A. (2)
1 Departament of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University. Parades street 1A, Daugavpils, LV5400, Latvia 2 Latgales Ecological Society
Only one autochthonous and rare turtle species, namely, Emys orbicularis inhabits Latvia. It is also known about one case of catching Caretta caretta in the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea in 1829. The development of pet trade and the open EU borders contribute to the import and spread of exotic species of turtles in Latvia as pets. These turtles are imported into Latvia both legally bought in shops in other countries and illegally caught by Latvian tourists in southern European counties. Some of them get into the nature having fled their owners or they are illegally released. We have been conducting targeted research of occurrence of exotic turtles in Latvia since 2004. Parts of the research were supported by the project "Creation of a new scientific group for modernization of aquaculture technology'' #
31 2013/0067/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/13/APIA/VIAA/060; and by the Project LIFE- HerpetoLatvia. The basic research method is a population survey and field studies. We also assess the vitality and fitness of caught turtles in order to evaluate their adaptability to Latvian conditions, check their ability to adapt to the climate and overwintering in outdoor enclosures. The first catching of an exotic turtle (old female of Testudo horsfieldi) in Latvia registered by us dates back to 1960. Nine exotic turtle species and subspecies were caught and observed in Latvian nature from 2006 to 2014: Trachemys scripta elegans (18 observations, out of which there were 3 groups of 2 to 6 individuals); T. s. troostii, T. s. scripta, Mauremys caspica, M. rivulata, Testudo horsfieldii, T. hermanni hercegovinensis, Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni (all of which were observed as single individuals). Pelodiscus sinensis was registered in Latvian nature three times. All captured turtles were in good shape, active and mobile. Turtles which are caught and taken from owners are kept in a shelter of Latgales Zoo, the aquatic species are kept in aquaculture. Trachemys scripta elegans successfully overwinters in Latvia both in nature and in an experimental outdoor pool and lays eggs after overwintering. Taking into account the northern climate of Latvia and extreme paucity of the native species of E. orbicularis, the greatest threat of exotic turtles to E. orbicularis is the possible vector of new parasite species both from the places of their natural distribution and from terrariums where the infection might take place. In order to manage exotic turtles in Latvia, we have conducted trapping of them and taken unwanted turtles from their owners to keep the turtles in the shelter, and have educated the local population. It is necessary in Latvia to upgrade penalties for the illegal release of turtles, illegal trade on the Internet, and to improve veterinary checks.
Poster presentation
The updated European pond turtle Emys orbicularis records in Latvia till 2014
Pupins, M. (1), Pupina, A. (1), Pupina, A. (2)
1 Departament of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University. Parades street 1A, Daugavpils, LV5400, Latvia 2 Latgales Ecological Society
We have been independently and constantly studying the distribution of Emys orbicularis in Latvia since 1984. The basic research methods are a population interviews involving mass media and field expeditions. We assess the reports
32 received from the population based on their plausibility on a scale from “1” (the least plausible) to “4” (the most plausible): “1” - a respondent did not find a turtle, but other people told him/her about the finding, „2” – a respondent who is not a biologist observed a turtle, „3” – a turtle was found in nature by the respondent who is a biologist and „4” – the authors of the present study saw a turtle or there is a photograph of a turtle. Parts of the research were supported by the project "Creation of a new scientific group for modernization of aquaculture technology'' # 2013/0067/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/13/APIA/VIAA/060; and by the Project LIFE- HerpetoLatvia. If the respondent could not exactly name the year of observation of Emys orbicularis, then the midpoint of the interval specified by the respondent was counted as the year of observation. The acquired data are placed on a map and regularly updated. The majority of confirmed findings in Latvia are of single adult individuals caught by the respondents during migration of E. orbicularis on land, including females which lay eggs within a day or two after being caught. As of June 2015, we have compiled 97 cases of observed E. orbicularis in Latvia in total. The last finding was made in Gravu fish pond, Demene parish, Daugavpils district (N 55.696657°; E 26.509655°), the report was received from a local landowner. That was a semi-adult E. orbicularis, therefore we may suggest that there is a breeding population in vicinity.
Poster presentation
From the officially extinct species to the successful overwintering of the released adult bred autochthonous turtles: northern Emys orbicularis population restoration in Latvia
Pupins, M. (1), Pupina, A. (1), Pupina, A. (2)
1 Departament of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University. Parades street 1A, Daugavpils, LV5400, Latvia 2 Latgales Ecological Society
The European pond turtle Emys orbicularis inhabits Latvia on the extreme northern border of its European range. It is a very rare and protected animal here. The first known finding of E. orbicularis in Latvia was made in Jatele in 1820. Subsequently E. orbicularis was occasionally found in different parts of the country. The rarity of the E. orbicularis in Latvia served as the basis for it to be ascribed to the “zero” category (an extinct species) of the Red Book in 2004, although an existing population in Apgulde city was mentioned in the same article. We have been studying and restoring E. orbicularis in Latvia in-situ and ex-situ
33 since 1984–85 using minimally invasive methods of research and conservation according to our concept because of the rarity and vulnerability of E. orbicularis in Latvia, therefore the process was difficult and long. For example, for the purpose of forming a breeding group we did not capture E. orbicularis in Latvian nature but used only autochthonous E. orbicularis, which had been previously found by local people and who kept them as pets for a while, and if other E. orbicularis were not found around. Therefore, the breeding group was formed from 1985 to 2011 in the way it looks now. For the purpose of strengthening the populations of E. orbicularis bordering with Belarus 4 pairs of turtles of E. orbicularis of Belarusian origin will also be used starting in 2015. In order to improve the efficiency of aquaculture of E. orbicularis we have been breeding intensively E. orbicularis under suboptimal conditions with an abundance of food for a year, then they were kept until maturity in more natural conditions for 10–15 years and following an adaptation period of 1 to 2 years and overwintering in natural climatic conditions they were released in nature. Therefore, for the first time in Latvia, 42 bred young adults that already lay eggs and subadults of E. orbicularis were released in wild, in particular, in three restored ponds in the Silene Nature Park bordering with Belarus in 2014. We observed 5 of them sun-basking in 10 May 2015 confirming that the restored population had the first successful overwintering. Parts of the research were supported by the project "Creation of a new scientific group for modernization of aquaculture technology'' # 2013/0067/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/13/APIA/VIAA/060; and by the Project LIFE- HerpetoLatvia.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 15:40 – 16:00
Spatio-temporal bias in the European freshwater turtle distribution in Romania
Ruben I. (1,2), Bîrsan, C.-C. (3), Székely, P. (1,2), Cogălniceanu, D. (1,2)
1 Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Ovidius University Constanţa, 900470 Constanţa, Romania 2 Asociación Chelonia Romania, 062082 Bucharest, Romania 3 Romania Academy, Institute of Biology - Bucharest, Department of Ecology, Taxonomy and Nature Conservation, 296 Spl. Independenț ei, Sect. 6, Bucure ș ti, Romania
We have compiled a database consisting of 739 distribution records of Emys orbicularis in Romania, based on published data (76.4%), museum collections (2.8%) and personal field data (20.8%). As expected, there are temporal inconsistencies in terms of sampling effort with 50% of the data recorded from
34 1926 to 1996, and 50% recorded after 1996. Emys orbicularis holds an occupancy area of only 5.1% of Romania’s territory aggregated in 510 5×5 km UTM cells. Out of these cells, 26% have more than one record and 74% have only one record. The altitude ranges between 0 and a maximum of 1,300 m a.s.l. (mean value 238 m). We analyzed the species distribution patterns to detect any spatial bias using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic on the number of records per UTM cell. The results reveal intensely sampled regions (hot spots, e.g. Central Transylvania) and literally neglected regions in terms of sampling records (cold spots, e.g., Danube floodplain). These results suggest the distribution pattern does not reflect the species real ecological niche, being rather a picture of the inventory bias. Our results have implications in directing further studies towards under-sampled areas and in promoting consistent conservation policies and spatial planning.
Poster presentation
Distribution, habitats, morphology and population structure of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Vlora Bay, Albania
Saçdanaku, E. (1), Haxhiu, I. (2)
1 Department of Biology, University of “Ismail Qemali”Vlora. L.Pavarsia 9400 Vlore - Albania 2 Herpetological Albanian Society (HAS) Rr. Myslym Shyri, P.10, Sh. 1, Ap. 3, 1001 Tirana Albania
This study aims to provide information about the distribution, habitats and population structure of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis in the area of Vlora Bay, Albania. Since the studies and publications in Albania are very scarce, this study has a high importance in understanding the bioecology of the species. Two main different habitats, freshwater channels (lentic habitats) and ponds or swamps (stagnant habitats) were monitored from June 2014 to May 2015. Several freshwater channels in different areas and two ponds, Zverneci [40°30’39.19’’N 19°24’27.43’’E] and Orikumi [40°19’26.87’’N 19°27’09.56’’E] were checked during the study. The largest number of individuals of E. orbicularis were observed in Zvernec pond and in the freshwater channel of Panaja [40°34’46.86’’N 19°28’20.40’’E]. A total of 122 individuals of E. orbicularis were captured and studied using different methodologies, with 29 of these individuals being recaptures (19 were recaptured once, 7 – twice, 2 – three times, and 1 – four times). Curved Carapace Length (CCL), Curved Carapace Width (CCW), Plastron Length (PL), Plastron Width (PW) and body size were measured for each individual of E.
35 orbicularis and were statistically analyzed. Each individual E. orbicularis was marked by notching the marginal scutes of the carapace. Sex was determined by secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., plastral concavity, length of tail). Carapace and plastron scutes were counted for each individual, in order to see the deviation from the normal pattern of carapace and plastron.
Oral presentation – 21 August, 10:40 – 11:00
Ten years of nesting site protection of Emys orbicularis in Austria – successes and challenges
Schindler, M. (1), Frötscher, H. (1), Hille, A. (2)
1 Danube Floodplains National Park, Castellezgasse 19/11, Vienna, Austria 2 Danube Floodplains National Park, Donaufelder Straße 91/4/433, Vienna, Austria
In Austria only one population of Emys orbicularis is considered as mainly autochtonous. It is located in the Danube floodplains east of Vienna – in the area of the national park Donau-Auen. Main threats for the population are predation on the nesting sites and introduction of allochtonous subspecies and species. In-situ protection of the clutches was decided to be the most effective way to treat both aspects. After 10 years of experience with this measure with up to 130 protected nests per year, successes and problems will be shown and discussed.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 11:20 – 11:40
The influence of the racoon on relict populations of Emys orbicularis and the first experiences by the implementation of conservation and monitoring methods
Schneeweiß, N.
Landesamt für Umwelt, Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz Conservation Station Rhinluch, Nauener Straße 68. D-16833 Linum, Germany
During long-term investigations of European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) populations, which begun in 1995 in North East Germany (Brandenburg), the population development as well as predator-inflicted injuries and losses were evaluated in two populations. Considerable declines in the number of adult animals
36 have occurred since 2005. At the same time the injury and casualty rates have also increased significantly. These developments coincided with the immigration and exponential increase of the population of the non-native racoon (Procyon lotor) in north-eastern Brandenburg. In the course of the current examinations a high prevalence of the racoon was registered by photo traps in the shore areas of waters populated by E. orbicularis. The racoon dog and autochthonous local predator species (wild boar, fox, otter) were by far less frequently recorded despite their populations reaching high abundances in this area. Racoons were also registered at the nest sites of E. orbicularis. Racoon-caused predations of all age groups of E. orbicularis were documented several times. The following methods are applied with the purpose to reduce the predation-caused losses: 1) focused hunting of racoon in and around the pond turtle habitats; 2) covering of E.orbicularis-nests with wire netting; 3) enclosure of a whole habitat with an electric fence. The first experiences with the implementation of the conservation- and monitoring methods are presented.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 15:20 – 15:40
First experiences in reinforcement and reintroduction of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the northwestern border area
Schneeweiß, N., Beckmann, H.
Landesamt für Umwelt, Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz Conservation Station Rhinluch, Nauener Straße 68. D-16833 Linum, Germany
The European pond turtle’s range reaches its northwestern limit in northeastern Germany. It is highly threatened with extinction here. Aiming to discover, to explore and to secure the last residual populations a protection project was launched in 1994. The measures focused on protecting the nests against predators, the extraction and artificial breeding of endangered clutches (e.g. on arable land) as well as the subsequent return of the hatchlings from the breeding station into the populations. A residual population that consisted at the beginning of the project of only 3 very old animals is now extinct despite the conservation efforts. Two other populations are currently threatened with extinction, but are still not extinct thanks to the protection project. The three remaining populations could be stabilized and rejuvenated in their age structure. With 10–15 subadult and adult (2 occurrences) and 25–30 subadult and adult individuals (1 occurrence), we are also concerned about these still small but now regularly reproducing populations. In addition to the reinforcement reintroduction projects were started on the basis of a conservation
37 breeding in 3 areas. First statements about the success of the project are possible for a reinforcement project started in 2005. From 19 two- to three-year-old juveniles released in the years 2005 and 2006 at least 11 individuals (58%) survived until 2014. In 2015 two 13-year-old females of the reintroduced population laid eggs for the first time (in this area more releases of juveniles were carried out in the recent years). Despite the extensive conservation efforts that are also dedicated to the restoration and protection of the aquatic and terrestrial habitats, the relict populations only stabilize slowly. Current threatening factors are mainly the increasing losses caused by invasive species (especially the Racoon) and the increasing car traffic on roads and forest paths.
Poster presentation
The application of digiscoping for recognition of individual patterns within the monitoring of Emys orbicularis populations
Schneeweiß, N., Pletz, M., Beckmann, H.
Landesamt für Umwelt, Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz Conservation Station Rhinluch, Nauener Straße 68. D-16833 Linum, Germany
The relict populations of Emys orbicularis in NE Germany colonize natural structured waters, such as small lakes with wide aggregation areas and marsh waters with a high proportion of dead wood. These habitats are difficult to access and are colonized by some other endangered species sensitive to disturbances (e.g. Grus grus, Ciconia nigra, Bucephala clangula). Usually various different types of capture methods are used to record data on the structure and size of turtle populations (e.g. modified fish traps). Using these methods it is difficult to avoid disturbing the turtles and the other endangered species. In this project so far adult turtles caught in the wild were recorded individually, as well as two to three years old turtles shortly before their release (as part of existing subsidies). Here, especially the face and front leg patterns were photographed. The photographs, body measurements, information on gender and other similar details were added to a database. For individual recording of pond turtles in the field digiscoping has been used successfully since 2013. Here, a compact or DSLR camera is used in combination with a spotting scope (magnification 40–60×). With practice, this equipment allows detailed photos of basking turtles without interference from the shore. The photos allow individual detection of facial and leg patterns and on this basis the recognition of known turtles from a distance of up to around 40 m.
38 Poster presentation
History, biology and ecology of the reintroduced population of European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) at the Betlém site (South Moravia, Czech Republic)
Šebela, M.
Moravské zemské muzeum, Kapucínské nám. 2/4, Brno, Česká republika
From 1989 to 1995 a total of 30 (9 males, 21 females) European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis), originally from the Romanian part of the Danube Delta, were gradually released into the protected Betlém wetlands (South Moravia). The locality was chosen for this attempt at reintroduction primarily because this area is part of a region which used to be inhabited by the European pond turtle in the past. After being released, the new population was systematically monitored and this is the first study to present data on how they have lived up to the present day. Turtles regularly reproduce in and around wetlands, enabling us to acquire a great deal of information concerning reproduction, including what is needed to place a nest, incubation success rates, predation pressure or the ways in which young spend the winter. This resulted in the first retrospective phenological and ecological data on this species from the Czech Republic, where no original or other viable population of European pond turtles occurs. Catching and tagging the turtles provided data about migration and the turtles’ links to the locality. From 2011 to 2014 a total of 205 specimens were caught and tagged by making an incision in their marginal plate. All individuals were measured and weighed, and photographs were taken of the colouring on their plastron and carapace. Active measures are regularly taken to protect nests from predators in order to assure the successful survival of the population. In 2013 two new pools and an extensive laying area were built in the locality.
Poster presentation
Results of project of DNA sampling of Emys orbicularis in Serbia − conservation issues
Tomović, L., Krizmanić, I., Đorđević, S., Golubović, A.
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Studentski trg 16, Belgrade
39
During the past decades, frequent cases of illegal collecting and international trade of reptiles were recorded in Serbia. Chelonians and vipers are of special interest for these purposes. This was the reason for setting the project for collection of DNA samples of three chelonian species (Emys orbicularis, Testudo hermanni and Testudo graeca) and three viper species (Vipera ammodytes, Vipera berus and Vipera ursinii) throughout the territory of Republic of Serbia. The project started in the beginning of 2014 and was financed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection of Republic of Serbia. A team of herpetologists and students conducted field trips from March 2014 until May 2015. Most of the regions of Serbia were visited, but more intensive field research was done in the northern and central parts of the country. In total, we collected app. 250 DNA samples of all six species from nine regions and from 37 localities. Concerning Emys orbicularis, we collected 70 DNA samples from six regions and from 21 localities. At three localities, we collected relatively good population samples (more than 10 samples per locality). The database of DNA samples that was created is supposed to be referent for forensic purposes, as well as for conservation and population studies in Serbia and the surrounding countries in the Balkans.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 11:00 – 11:20
Does temperature influence the egg-laying period of Emys orbicularis?
Tóthová, E. (1), Danko, S. (2), Havaš, P. (2)
1 Univerzita Pavla Jozefa Šafárika, Vinohradnícka 863, Streda nad Bodrogom, Slovakia 2 Fauna Carpatica, Maďarská 5, 04013 Košice, Slovakia
The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is the only autochthonous species of turtles living in the Slovak Republic. Currently, the most important population occurs in the Tajba National Nature Reserve, Eastern Slovakia, and is threatened with extinction. To realize the importance of its protection, it is necessary to adopt effective measures based on the knowledge of its natural history. In the submitted research we focused on finding a possible connection between air temperature and the egg-laying period. The period of the research included the years 2010–2015, starting each year on April 1 and lasting until the first day of the nesting. Visual observations of laying and wandering females and destroyed nests at the egg- laying area nearby the Tajba National Nature Reserve were compared with temperatures obtained from the hydrometeorological station in Milhostov. According to the literature data, higher temperatures lead to an earlier nesting. The
40 data found and compared by us during the years 2010, 2011 and 2013 confirm this assumption − higher average temperatures during the gestation led to earlier laying. Dissentient results were observed in 2012, 2014 and 2015, when, despite the higher recorded average temperature, the gestation periods were longer than during the other years; this could be caused by other climatic and/or environmental factors.
Poster presentation
Tertiary history of genera Emys and Mauremys in the Balkan Peninsula
Tzankov, N.
National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria
The comparative chronostratigraphic analysis of fossil records of both genera Emys and Mauremys coming from the Balkan Peninsula is in coincidence with data from other parts of Europe. The earliest recorded taxa M. serbica and Emys sp. were reported from the MN6 zone. A later fossil, tentatively assigned to Mauremys sp., was found in eastern Thrace and, based on rich proboscidean fauna, is referred to the MN11 or MN12 zones. This taxon showed a close similarity to the clade that included the recent taxa. From the same locality a putative fossil of Emys sp. was also collected, but the level of mineralization was not supporting the stratigraphic layer of origin. However, closer examination revealed some differences from the extant taxon Emys orbicularis as well as from the known fossil Emys taxa. A Mauremys sp. was also reported from the Mio-Pliocene of the northern Aegean region. From the same region the currently occurring taxa E. orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata were reported since the Plio-Pleistocene. Few fragments clearly belonging to Emys sp. are coming from the classic and very rich on vertebrates fauna Villafranchian locality Varshets. During the Pleistocene the freshwater turtle records are very uncommon and remains (mostly E. orbicularis) are known only since the Holocene in various localities.
Oral presentation – 21 August, 10:20 – 10:40
Spatial distribution of Emys orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata in the lower Veleka River, Bulgaria
41 Tzankov, N. (1), Popgeorgiev, G. (1), Kornilev, Y. (1), Natchev, N. (2,3), Stoyanov, A. (1), Naumov, B. (4), Ivanchev, I. (5)
1 National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria 2 Department of Integrative Zoology, Vienna University, Althanstrasse 14, Vienna, Austria 3 Faculty of Natural Science, Shumen University, Universitetska 115, Shumen, Bulgaria 4 Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Str., Sofia, Bulgaria 5 Gea Chelonia Foundation, 10 Shipka str., Banya, Bulgaria
The Veleka River lies at the northern range of the distribution of the Euxinian riparian forest community, which also coincides with the one of northernmost localities of coexistence of the two native Bulgarian freshwater turtles. This river is 30–40 m wide, with seasonal catastrophic flooding and with extreme water level fluctuations of more than two meters; the lower river portion is under strong anthropogenic pressure from human activities, mainly boatmen and fishermen. Regular data (including exact GPS locations of observations of both species) were collected between 2006 and 2014 as part of the national biodiversity monitoring scheme. For the purposes of analyses of species’ spatial distribution, the study area of the river was divided into four sections of approximately 1 km. Substantial variation in species presence was detected in the different sections. Emys orbicularis dominated in the section closest to the river mouth, where Mauremys rivulata was present only with single individuals; however, the situation was completely reversed in the uppermost section. The majority of turtles from both species were found in the middle two sections. We presume the lower presence of M. rivulata in the lowermost section is directly related to the species low tolerance to human disturbance. On the other hand, the lower presence of E. orbicularis remains unresolved and needs future specific research. The presence of boats and anglers on the river brings economic benefits for the local municipality and has recreational value for tourists, but they pose a threat for the turtle population in this part of the river. Another threat for the native species is the presence of the lower section of released Trachemys scripta elegans.
Oral presentation – 21 August, 11:40 – 12:00
How to identify at least more than 1000 turtles without marks? A case study in Emys orbicularis
Valdeón, A. (1,2), Longares, L.-A. (1)
42 1 Department of Geography and Regional Planning. University of Zaragoza. Pedro Cerbuna, 12. Zaragoza, Spain 2 Department of Herpetology. Aranzadi Society of Sciences. Zorroagagaina, 11. Donostia- San Sebastian, Spain
Turtles are often endangered species, which are researched and managed for their conservation. Thus, individual identification is essential to describe population size, population structure and other more complex data like migration among ponds. Since Cagle, in 1939, many researchers have used marginal notches to mark turtles, but sometimes it causes some problems, infections being the most serious one. For this reason some researchers are developing non-invasive methods like photo-identification. Our method is based on plastral morphometrics, extracting six ratios to scale raw measurements. These ratios seem to be more or less invariable, acting as a code for each turtle. To assess a similitude measurement between pairs of turtles (or more exactly pairs of catching events) we propose the use of the root- mean-square deviation (RMSD) between a recently captured turtle and all the capture events into the database, sorting known turtles by their RMSD, being more similar when RMSD is lower. We implemented the method into a new package in R: "IDTurtle". To test this method we captured and measured 1,390 capture events of 1,050 European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) over a seven-year period, recapturing one or more times 190 of them. Turtles were marked using Cagle´s method with the code used by Holland. We compared the last capture event of each of these 190 turtles with the remaining 1,200 capture events. The method identified correctly on the first attempt 81.58% of the turtles, raising to 96.32% within three attempts, and succesfully identified all our tested turtles in the first 9 attempts. Thus, combining IDTurtle with photo-identification allowed us to compare only 10 specimens (this number can be increased for greater confidence if we compare young turtles possibly captured several years ago) prior to registering the turtle with a new ID. The majority of turtle species have plastral scutes, so this method should be useful in all these species, allowing the individual recognition of turtles without any physical marking.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 11:40 – 12:00
Caution! Using the SEH atlas by Sillero and colleagues (2014), the distribution of Emys orbicularis will be misunderstood!
Vamberger, M., Fritz, U.
Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A. B. Meyer Building, Dresden, Germany
43 Poster presentation
Speciation under gene flow? The case of Mauremys caspica and M. rivulata
Vamberger, M. (1), Stuckas, H. (1), Ayaz, D. (2), Fritz, U. (3)
1 Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A. B. Meyer Building, Dresden, Germany 2 Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Bornova / İzmir, Turkey
Oral presentation – 21 August 14:30 – 14:50
Preliminary data on anglers' knowledge and perceptions about freshwater turtles in Bulgaria
Vergilov, V. (1), Natchev, N. (2,3), Kornilev, Y. (4)
1 Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria 2 Department of Integrative Zoology, Vienna University, 14 Althanstrasse, Vienna, Austria 3 Faculty of Natural Science, Shumen University, 115 Universitetska Str., Shumen, Bulgaria 4 National Museum of Natural History, Sofia, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria
The two native water turtles – the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and the Balkan pond turtle (Mauremys rivulata) – inhabit various types of water bodies in Bulgaria. Both species are occasionally caught by anglers. The general antagonism of the anglers to freshwater turtles and their unawareness concerning the recognition of the species and the nature protection legislation could be a factor that potentially impacts the turtle populations. The main goal of the present investigation is to identify and assess threats to turtles related to anglers, as well as to develop and suggest adequate mitigation measures. As an initial step we issued a specially designed questionnaire and performed interviews. The questionnaire involves 16 questions formulated to provoke a clear and unequivocal answer. At the current stage of our investigation we had interviewed over 50 anglers. We analyzed the level of knowledge of the anglers concerning the number of water turtle species, the distribution of the animals and different basic aspects of turtle’s biology. We also studied whether the anglers consider the turtles as a predator that could potential diminish the fish reserves in the water bodies. The misleading idea that the freshwater turtles may affect significantly the fish population is widely
44 spread among fishers. A very important topic that we investigated is what the anglers do after catching a turtle with a fish hook. For sure, catching turtles with hooks could badly injure the animal, especially when the hook is not removed from the oropharynx. A considerable number of the interviewed anglers regard the unhooking of a turtle as impossible, especially when the hook is attached to the esophageal wall. In such cases most anglers simply cut the string of the hook and release the injured turtle back to the water, or directly kill the turtle. That death rate could be one of the main threats for the freshwater turtles in Bulgaria, where Emys orbicularis has relatively high local density in some areas. Our results indicate that the awareness of the local anglers concerning the ecology of the freshwater turtles is rather poor and must be highly improved by proper education campaigns.
Oral presentation – 19 August, 10:40 – 11:00
For the abandonment of the classification of Minorca (Baleares) in 1993 by UNESCO as "Biosphere Reserve" because of the regression of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis indicator of biodiversity
Veysset, A.
Emys Conservation-SHF, A3 La Voie du Sud, Longjumeau, France
Since its classification as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, the island of Minorca suffered from a major touristic invasion, mostly by Catalan and Spanish tourists, and to a lesser extent by other Europeans. The population has increased by 27% from 1996 to 2014. But these monthly statistics are much higher if we take into account the weekly "turn over" of the rented accommodations. The consequences are an increased pressure on the environment, mainly during the summer period (July and August) when the population is 1.70 times more important than during the rest of the year (monthly statistics). The naturalist association of the island, the GOB is leading the campaign "SOS Menorca" against a giant project of road interchanges on the major expressway between the two capitals Maó and Ciutadella. A wetlands indicator of biodiversity, the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), is in danger of total disappearance from the coastal areas where the touristic pressure is the highest as it disappeared almost completely from the Costa Brava in Catalogna during the seventies. The island authorities do not seem to take notice of this deterioration. The classification "Biosphere Reserve" must be given up today as it has no more justification.
Poster presentation
45 List of Participants
Ayaz Dіnçer, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey, email: [email protected]
Bancila Raluca Ioana, Speleological Institute "Emil Racovitza" of Romanian Academy, 13 Septembrie, 050711 Bucharest, Romania, email: [email protected] Bayrakci Yusuf, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey, email: [email protected] Beckmann Heidrun, State Office of Environment, Health and Consumer Protection of the Federal State of Brandenburg (Germany), Sandbergstr. 11B, 13125 Berlin, Germany, email: [email protected]
Bîrsan Constantin-Ciprian, Institute of Biology, 296 Splaiul Independenț ei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania, email: [email protected]
Bona Martin, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Šrobárova 2, 041 80 Košice, Slovakia, email: [email protected] Budó Joan, CRT l'Albera, Mare de Deu del Camp, 17780 Garriguella, Spain, email: [email protected] De Vries Wouter, Asociation EPMAC, Urkhovenseweg 570º, 5641 KX Eindhoven, Netherlands, email: [email protected] Doktór Daniel, Foundation for Oswin Lake, Zamkowa 14, 11-600 Węgorzewo, Poland, email: [email protected] Đorđević Sonja, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, email: [email protected] Drobenkov Sergey, Ecological Center for Bioresources of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus , Academicheskaja St. 27, 220072 Minsk, Belarus, email: [email protected]
Fritz Uwe, Senckenberg Dresden, Königsbrücker Landstrasse 159, 01109 Dresden, Germany, email: [email protected]
46 Gherman Elena, 23 August nr.15, Otopeni, Ilfov, Romania, email: [email protected]
Girondot Marc, University Paris-Saclay, Centre National de le Recherche Scientifique, Bâtiment 362, 91405 Orsay, France, email: marc.girondot@u- psud.fr Golubović Ana, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, email: [email protected] Havaš Peter, Titogradská 18, 040 23 Košice, Slovakia, email: [email protected] Hille Astrid, Danube Floodplains National Park, Donaufelder Straße 91/4/433, 1210 Vienna, Austria, email: [email protected] Horváth Daniel, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik Košice, Kostolianska 67, 04001Košice, Slovakia, email: [email protected] İlhan Süleyman, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey, email: [email protected] Iosif Ruben, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Ovidius University Constanţa, Al. Universităţii nr. 1, 900470 Constanț a, Romania, email: [email protected]
Kornilev Yurii, National Museum of Natural History-Sofia, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria, email: [email protected]
Lukanov Simeon, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Tzar Osvoboditel № 1, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria, email: [email protected] Mărginean George-Ioan, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, J.W. Goethe, nr. 5, 550372 Sibiu, Romania, email: [email protected]
Martinez-Silvestre Albert, CRARC, Santa Clara s/n, 08783 Masquefa, Spain, email: [email protected]
Mascort Ramon, C. la Jonquera, 17, 2 , 17600 Figueres, Spain, email: [email protected]
47 Meeske Anne-Claire Martina, NABU Niedersachsen, Hagenburger Straße 16, 31547 Rehburg-Loccum, Germany, email: [email protected], [email protected] Natchev Nikolay, Department of Integrative Zoology, Vienna University, 14 Althanstrasse, 1090 Vienna, Austria, Faculty of Natural Science, Shumen University, 115 Universitetska Str., 9700 Shumen, Bulgaria, email: [email protected] Naumov Borislav, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Str., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria, email: [email protected]
Novotný Milan, Fauna Carpatica, Maďarská 5, 04013 Košice, Slovakia, email: [email protected]
Ottonello Dario, Cà Foscari University of Venice, Dorsoduro 2137, 30123 Venice, Italy, email: [email protected]
Philippen Hans-Dieter, Turtle Survival Alliance Europe Foundation & Chelonian Journal MARGINATA, Kuhlertstr. 154, D-52525 Heinsberg, Germany, email: [email protected], [email protected] Popgeorgiev Georgi, National Museum of Natural History-Sofia, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria, email: [email protected]
Prusak Beata, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Postępu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland, email: [email protected]
Pupina Aija, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parades street 1A, LV5400 Daugavpils, Latvia, email: [email protected] Pupins Mihails, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parades street 1A, LV5400 Daugavpils, Latvia, email: [email protected]
Reimann Michael, Guthenbergstr. 9, D-55545 Bad Kreuznach, Germany Saçdanaku Enerit, University ''Ismail Qemali'', Lagja, Pavarsia, Vlore, Albania, 9404 Vlore, Albania, email: [email protected]
48 Schindler Maria, Danube Floodplains National Park, Castellezgasse 19/11, 1020 Vienna, Austria, email: [email protected]
Schneeweiß Norbert, State Office of Environment, Health and Consumer Protection of the Federal State of Brandenburg (Germany), Buchenallee 49, 16341 Panketal, Germany, email: [email protected] Soler Joaquim, CRARC, Santa Clara s/n, 08783 Masquefa, Spain, email: [email protected] Stanescu Florina, Ovidius University, Al.Universitatii, no.1, Building B, room P43., 900470 Constanta, Romania, email: [email protected] Tomović Ljiljana, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, email: [email protected] Tóthová Enikő, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik Košice, Vinohradnícka 863, 07631 Streda nad Bodrogom, Slovakia, email: [email protected] Tzankov Nikolay, National Museum of Natural History-Sofia, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria, email: [email protected] Valdeón Aitor, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain, email: [email protected] Vamberger Melita, Dresden, Königsbrücker Landstrasse 159, 01109 Dresden, Germany, email: [email protected] Vergilov Vladislav, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria, email: [email protected] Veysset Alain, Emys Conservation-SHF, A3 La Voie du Sud, F-91160 Longjumeau, France, email: [email protected] Winkler Bernhard, Feldstr. 12, D-65468 Trebur, Germany, email: [email protected]
49 Notes
50 Notes
51 Notes
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National Museum of Natural History, Sofia, Bulgaria Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Sofia, Bulgaria Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia, Bulgaria Fauna Carpatica, Košice, Slovak Republic