DOCSLIB.ORG

Assisted Colonisation of Australia's Rarest Reptile: the Western Swamp

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Assisted Colonisation of Australia's Rarest Reptile: the Western Swamp Assisted colonisation of Australia’s rarest reptile: The western swamp turtle Project Summary Project 4.1.4.1 Western swamp turtles ready for release at the southern translocation site in Sept 2018. Photo: Nicolas Rakotopare Research in Brief Why is the for reproduction and survival over summer dormancy. One of Australia’s rarest reptiles, research needed? Some of the species’ current habitat the western swamp turtle, is being The western swamp turtle is a is intensively managed by improving challenged by the rapidly drying Critically Endangered reptile endemic water retention in swamps through climate in the southwest to Western Australia, and is facing bunding, lining refuge ponds with of Western Australia, which mounting pressure from climate plastic and pumping groundwater continues to marginalise its change. already fragmented habitat. to ensure adequate water during Only an estimated 50 mature years of low rainfall. In addition, In a world first, this project is individuals remain in two small scientists from the WA Department field-testing the viability of isolated wetland reserves about of Biodiversity, Conservation and introducing this Critically 30km north of Perth. Surrounding Attractions (DBCA) have been trans- Endangered species to wetlands land use and climate change have locating individuals bred at the Perth more than 300km south of marginalised the habitat – by a 17% Zoo to nearby nature reserves to try its native range, in an effort reduction in winter rainfall since the to establish new wild populations to mitigate the negative 1970s and hotter summer conditions. close to the natural populations. impacts of climate change. Western swamp turtles are habitat With the current habitat likely to specialists and rely on the presence be altered under future climate of winter-wet ephemeral swamps change, assisted colonisation is an that are wet for 5-7 months to additional strategy that can be used allow the turtle to feed, grow and to help conserve this species in reproduce before aestivating over the wild: first, due to the clearance summer while the swamps are of surrounding wetlands, turtles dry. Recent consecutive years cannot disperse naturally to more with wet periods as short as three suitable habitat; second, low rates months limit the turtles’ capacity of reproduction and long generation A western swamp turtle after release. Photo: Nicolas Rakotopare Locating a tagged translocated Western Swamp Turtle. Photo: Nicki Mitchell times (15–30+ years) minimise the What research activities We are aiming for the second trial potential for the western swamp to capture 12 months of field data turtle to rapidly adapt to a drier are being undertaken? so as to assess seasonal variation and warmer climate. The project will field-test predictions in behaviour and growth at each of site suitability derived from release site. How will the biophysical models, and collect data research help? on growth and behaviour that will Who is involved? help inform management decisions. As the global climate is shifting too The project involves close rapidly for many species to evolve In the winter and spring of 2016 a collaboration between researchers and adapt in their current locations, first trial introduced 35 captive-bred and students from the University it is increasingly necessary to juvenile turtles to three wetlands of Western Australia, the WA explore more proactive methods of in southwest WA over a spring Department of Biodiversity conservation. Assisted colonisation growing period. One wetland was Conservation and Attractions is a complex and inherently risky an existing translocation site to the (Parks and Wildlife Service and strategy, but has the potential to north of the current range, while the Perth Zoo) and Murdoch University. mitigate the impacts of climate other two wetlands were located change on highly threatened species. approximately 300km south of the Where is the To promote the utility of assisted current range. This trial quantified research happening? colonisation it is important to growth rates, body temperatures, Fieldwork is taking place in several conduct trials that are preceded the environmental temperatures wetlands across the south-west of by extensive planning and research. experienced by turtles, and diet Western Australia. Two sites are north and food density in these novel of Perth at Ellen Brook Nature Reserve In this project we are working environments. It showed that while and Moore River; the southern site is in toward reducing the extinction southern sites were considerably the D’Entrecasteaux National Park. risk of the western swamp turtle colder than the turtles’ native range, by assessing whether wetlands late spring and early summer thermal several hundred kilometres south conditions were suitable for foraging When is the of the known range can provide and growth. As expected, wet periods research happening? suitable habitats in the immediate were longer in the south, which The project will run from 2016 to 2019. future. Field-testing the viability of allowed turtles at one southern introducing turtles to cooler and site to gain similar mass to a wetter climatic zones now, even group released 400 km north. DBCA scientist Gerald Kuchling tracks a turtle to its though we expect them to provide aestivation site Photo: Nicki Mitchell ideal conditions in approximately 50 A second trial that began in August years’ time, allows us to assess the 2018 will extend these data. Around accuracy of predictive biophysical 50 juveniles will be released in three models developed over ten years wetlands, tagged with data loggers of collaborative research between that record their temperature and can universities and management estimate daily activity patterns (e.g., agencies. Collectively, our field data periods spent basking or foraging). will be used to inform immediate Growth rates will again be monitored, management options that can best but we are now contrasting turtles support the long-term survival of released at northern and southern swamp turtles in the wild. translocation sites to a control group Further Information released into core natural habitat at Ellen Brook Nature Reserve. For more information please contact: Dr Nicola Mitchell [email protected] This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Programme..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 4.1.4.1 Western Swamp Turtle Findings Factsheet V4
    Science for Saving Species Research findings factsheet Project 4.1.4.1 Assisted colonisation trials for the western swamp turtle to cooler southern wetlands In brief This study is a world-first trial of and growth rates over six months that spanned a 350 km latitudinal assisted colonisation of a vertebrate to individuals released at an existing gradient, and focused more closely species in response to the threat northern translocation site. on post-release behaviour and of climate change. growth. Growth rates at the northern We found that growth rates at the and southern extremes of this The Critically Endangered western two southern sites were different – gradient were very similar between swamp turtle (Pseudemydura only at one of the southern sites the first and second trials, and it umbrina) naturally occurs in one did juveniles grow as much as they became clearer that factors limiting small, now isolated, ephemeral and did in the north. While the positive growth in the south included both seasonal clay swamp complex near result at one site was encouraging, lower environmental temperatures Perth, Western Australia. The species further trials over longer periods and food availability. We conclude relies on a wet winter and spring were needed, especially as the that assisted colonisation to southern period to eat, grow and reproduce south-west of Western Australia coastal regions of Western Australia within the wetlands, and is then was unusually cool throughout could be considered in the near dormant (in aestivation) when the the winter and spring of 2016. future, provided that release areas wetlands dry out.
    [Show full text]
  • The Australian Flatback by M. A. Cohen
    September | October 2016 the Tortuga Gazette Volume 52, Number 5 California Turtle & Tortoise Club founded in 1964 and dedicated to Turtle & Tortoise Preservation, Conservation and Education Nesting female Australian flatback turtle, Natator depressus, photographed in habitat in Bowen, Queensland, Australia. Photo © 2009 by Stephen Zozaya. Reprinted with permission from the photographer. Flatback Sea Turtle, Natator depressus The Australian Flatback by M. A. Cohen he Australian flatback is a mem- covers the carapace of the flatback tur- museum specimens that went undiscov- ber of the Cheloniidae, the tle. Ordinarily, keratinized scutes cover ered for decades. superfamily of sea turtles, which the carapace of sea turtles species. In the 1980s, Rainer Zangerl and Colin Tis collectively the most endangered fam- The species was first described by Limpus concluded, through indepen- ily of turtles on the planet. Least studied American ichthyologist/herpetologist dent studies, that the Australian flatback of the seven living sea turtle species, the Samuel W. Garman (1843-1927) in 1880. was a unique species and not a relative Australian flatback turtle, Natator depres- Originally Garman assigned the Aus- of C. mydas (Spotila, 2004). sus, is unusual in several respects. tralian flatback to the genus Chelonia, The flatback was officially described It is the only sea turtle that is endemic, thinking it was a type of green turtle, and as a separate species in 1988 (Flatback, i.e., restricted to a certain area (Flatback, he gave it the name C. depressa. n.d.). Consequently, it was assigned to n.d.). The Australian flatback is the only Historically, there have been differ- the genus Natator, the name which was sea turtle that does not migrate extensive ences of opinion about how to classify first given it by McCulloch in 1908.
    [Show full text]
  • 06-Executive Summary
    Defining Turtle Diversity: Proceedings of a Workshop on Genetics, Ethics, and Taxonomy of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises H. Bradley Shaffer, Nancy N. FitzSimmons, Arthur Georges, and Anders G.J. Rhodin, Eds. Chelonian Research Monographs 4:13–14 • © 2007 by Chelonian Research Foundation Defining Turtle Diversity: Proceedings of a Workshop on Genetics, Ethics, and Taxonomy of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises EXECUTIVE SUMMARY H. BRADLEY SHAFFER, NANCY N. FITZSIMMONS, ARTHUR GEORGES, AND ANDERS G.J. RHODIN Genetic data, in combination with strong field studies, vidual paternity analysis to deep phylogenetics to identify- form one of the cornerstones of evolutionary, conservation, ing genes associated with unique phenotypes. Many of these and population biology. Turtles are particularly well suited newest tools are just being applied to turtles, and the possi- to benefit from the insights that genetics can bring to impor- bilities for asking and answering new questions are truly tant management issues. With only 313 currently recognized astonishing. As new genomic-level resources for turtles extant species worldwide, turtles are a manageable group become available, it should become both easier and less from a phylogenetic perspective, such that conservation and expensive to achieve these new research goals. The avail- management biologists are able to identify species com- ability of the first full genomic sequence for a turtle plexes that will benefit from additional genetic analyses. (Chrysemys picta, scheduled for delivery in 2008) will be a Additionally, field studies of threatened and endangered huge boost for this research agenda. turtles have identified conservation and management ques- The Turtle Taxonomy Working Group (TTWG) fo- tions needing genetic answers.
    [Show full text]
  • 15Th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles
    CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 2017 15th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles Joint Annual Meeting of the Turtle Survival Alliance and IUCN Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group Program and Abstracts August 7 - 9 2017 Charleston, SC Additional Conference Support Provided by: Kristin Berry, Herpetologiccal Review, John Iverson, Robert Krause,George Meyer, David Shapiro, Anders Rhodin, Brett and Nancy Stearns, and Reid Taylor Funding for the 2016 Behler Turtle Conservation Award Provided by: Brett and Nancy Stearns, Chelonian Research Foundation, Deb Behler, George Meyer, IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Leigh Ann and Matt Frankel and the Turtle Survival Alliance TSA PROJECTS TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE 2017 Conference Highlights In October 2016, the TSA opened the Keynote: Russell Mittermeier Tortoise Conservation Center in southern Madagascar that will provide long- Priorities and Opportunities in Biodiversity Conservation term care for the burgeoning number of tortoises seized from the illegal trade. Russell A. Mittermeier is The TSA manages over 7,800 Radiated Executive Vice Chair at Con- Tortoises in seven rescue facilities. servation International. He served as President of Conser- vation International from 1989 to 2014. Named a “Hero for the Planet” by TIME magazine, Mittermeier is regarded as a world leader in the field of biodiversity and tropical forest conservation. Trained as a primatologist and herpetologist, he has traveled widely in over 160 countries on seven continents, and has conducted field work in more than 30 − focusing particularly on Amazonia (especially Brazil The TSA-Myanmar team and our vet- and Suriname), the Atlantic forest region of Brazil, and Madagascar.
    [Show full text]
  • TCF Summary Activity Report 2002–2018
    Turtle Conservation Fund • Summary Activity Report 2002–2018 Turtle Conservation Fund A Partnership Coalition of Leading Turtle Conservation Organizations and Individuals Summary Activity Report 2002–2018 1 Turtle Conservation Fund • Summary Activity Report 2002–2018 Recommended Citation: Turtle Conservation Fund [Rhodin, A.G.J., Quinn, H.R., Goode, E.V., Hudson, R., Mittermeier, R.A., and van Dijk, P.P.]. 2019. Turtle Conservation Fund: A Partnership Coalition of Leading Turtle Conservation Organi- zations and Individuals—Summary Activity Report 2002–2018. Lunenburg, MA and Ojai, CA: Chelonian Research Foundation and Turtle Conservancy, 54 pp. Front Cover Photo: Radiated Tortoise, Astrochelys radiata, Cap Sainte Marie Special Reserve, southern Madagascar. Photo by Anders G.J. Rhodin. Back Cover Photo: Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, Rafetus swinhoei, Dong Mo Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo by Timothy E.M. McCormack. Printed by Inkspot Press, Bennington, VT 05201 USA. Hardcopy available from Chelonian Research Foundation, 564 Chittenden Dr., Arlington, VT 05250 USA. Downloadable pdf copy available at www.turtleconservationfund.org 2 Turtle Conservation Fund • Summary Activity Report 2002–2018 Turtle Conservation Fund A Partnership Coalition of Leading Turtle Conservation Organizations and Individuals Summary Activity Report 2002–2018 by Anders G.J. Rhodin, Hugh R. Quinn, Eric V. Goode, Rick Hudson, Russell A. Mittermeier, and Peter Paul van Dijk Strategic Action Planning and Funding Support for Conservation of Threatened Tortoises and Freshwater
    [Show full text]
  • Western Swamp Tortoise Pseudemydura Umbrina
    Western Swamp Tortoise Pseudemydura umbrina Conservation Status: Critically Endangered Identification The western swamp tortoise Pseudomydura umbrina is Australia’s rarest reptile, found only in a small number of swamps near Perth in Western Australia. It is also notable as the smallest species belonging to the Australian Chelidae family of aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles. It is a short-necked, freshwater tortoise with a squarish shell that is brown above and white, yellow or olive-brown below. The neck is covered in tuberacles (knobbles). It has webbed toes with five claws on each foot. Females are smaller than males, and can be distinguished by the shape of the plastron (belly of shell) and the length of the tail. The western swamp tortoise is readily distinguished from other freshwater tortoises in south-west Western Australia Photos: Gerald Kuchling/DBCA by its short neck. Carapace (Shell) Length: maximum 15.5cm (males), 13.5cm (females), 2.4-2.9cm (hatchlings) Weight: maximum 550g (males), 410g (females), 3.2-6.6g (hatchlings) Taxonomy Family: Chelidae Genus: Pseudemydura Species: umbrina Other common names: western swamp turtle, short-necked tortoise, Yarkiny Distribution and Habitat The western swamp tortoise was thought to have been extinct for over 100 years prior to its rediscovery in 1953. Little is known about the species distribution prior to its rediscovery, but its possible former distribution was in ephemeral swamps on the clay soils of the Swan Coastal Plain between Mogumber in the north to Donnybrook in the south. Currently there are only two known wild populations near Perth, with two successfully translocated populations approximately 80km further north.
    [Show full text]
  • IUCN TORTOISE and FRESHWATER TURTLE SPECIALIST GROUP NEWSLETTER Issue Number 2
    IUCN TORTOISE AND FRESHWATER TURTLE SPECIALIST GROUP NEWSLETTER Issue Number 2 Group CO-Chairmen: Peter C. H. Pritchard - Ian Swingland Editor for Issue 2: Edward O. Moll December 1987 Editorial Much of what we do to conserve chelonians today is based on what is practical and/or what seems logical. In truth .. there H are few -tried ana proven methods for rebuilding depleted chelonian populations. Many of our methods are used because they are traditional. For example we establish hatche~~es because sea turtle workers have hatcheries, etc. In 1983 Nicholas Mrosovsky wrote a controversial booklet entitled Conserving Sea Turtles in which he raised many questions concerning the traditional methods. It is quite possible that much of what we have done in the past has been worthless or even worse may have exacerbated the problem (eg. widespread adoption of styrofoam boxes for incubation). A solution to the problem of determining which techniques work and which do not is to monitor the success .(or lack of success) of .ongoing programs. The problem with the solution is few programs have been in existence for long enough periods to produce any definite results. The turtles with which we are concerned are typically slow maturing animals. Any seeds of conservation sewn for such beasts may require years/decades to germinate and grow. One of the longest running conservation programs for a freshwater turtle is the river terrapin program on the Perak River of Malaysia. This program, begun by Mohamed Khan (now Director General of the Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks) in 1967, presently includes a hatchery along with facilities fer headstarting and captive breeding.
    [Show full text]
  • Dermatemys Mawii , Bajo Condiciones De Cautiverio
    El Colegio de la Frontera Sur Manejo, salud y dieta en tortuga blanca, Dermatemys mawii , bajo condiciones de cautiverio TESIS presentada como requisito parcial para optar al grado de Doctorado en Ciencias en Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable por Judith Andrea Rangel Mendoza 2014 A mi hijo, Marco Julián, que llegó a mi vida durante el proceso de estudios de este doctorado Mi grado de madre, te amo! AGRADECIMIENTOS A El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), que volvió a apoyarme en mis metas de crecimiento personal y profesional al brindarme la posibilidad de realizar mis estudios de doctorado. Con especial agradecimiento hacia al área de posgrado de las Unidades Campeche y Villahermosa del ECOSUR. A mi tutor, Manuel Weber Rodríguez, por su compromiso, su enseñanza y amistad. A los miembros de consejo tutelar: David González Solís, Gerardo Suzán y Carlos Alfonso Álvarez González, por su asesoría y acompañamiento durante este proceso de formación. Especial gratitud a Alfonso por la acogida en su laboratorio de Bioquímica, la financiación de los estudios de bioquímica digestiva y el estímulo constante a continuar y pensar más allá. A los evaluadores de mi protocolo de tesis, todos los miembros de mi consejo tutelar y como externos al Eduardo Jorge Naranjo Piñera, Amaury Cordero Tapia y Ramón Isaac Rojas González. A los evaluadores de mi examen predoctoral: Mircea Hidalgo Mihart, León David Olivera, David González Solis y Manuel Mendoza Carranza. A los sinodales en mi examen de titulación, mi consejo tutelar en compañía de Eduardo Naranjo, Rogelio Cedeño Vázquez y Claudia Elena Zenteno Ruiz. Al Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), quien brindó una beca de manutención y salud, a través de ISSSTE, durante cuatro años de estudios.
    [Show full text]
  • Types of Turtles Freshwater Turtles
    Section 2: Types of Turtles Check: References in Section 1 Freshwater Turtles References: ARKive Images of Life on Earth (2012). http://www.arkive.org/reptiles/ Western swamp turtle: http://www.arkive.org/western-swamp-turtle/pseudemydura- umbrina/ Australian Freshwater Turtle Conservation & Research Association (2010). Caring for Australian Freshwater Turtles in Captivity. Retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.aftcra.org.au/userfiles/file/pdf_files/caresheet2008(2).pdf Australian Freshwater Turtle Conservation & Research Association (2012). Retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.aftcra.org.au/home.php Cann, J. (2008). A wild Australia guide: Freshwater turtles. Archerfield, Queensland, Australia: Steve Parish Publishing. Department of Environment and Conservation (2009). No.37 Oblong turtle and exotic red-eared slider turtle. Retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,708/task,doc_downloa d/gid,2825/ Department of Environment and Conservation (2012). Reptiles: long-necked tortoise 6/2,14; 6/4,8; 9/1,17; slider turtle, red-eared (feral) 8/3,15; slider turtle, yellow-bellied (feral) 10/3,12. Western Wildlife Index 1997-2006. Retrieved April 12, 2012, from http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/component/option,com_docman/task,cat_view/gid,527/dir,AS C/order,name/Itemid,2219/limit,5/limitstart,0/ Giles, J. (2001). The impacts of roads on the population dynamics and ecology of the Oblong Turtle (Chelodina oblonga) at Blue Gum, Booragoon and Piney Lakes. Unpublished Honours thesis, Murdoch University, WA. Giles, J. (2002). The Oblong Turtle, Western Wildlife, 6 (4), p. 8. Retrieved April 12, 2012, from http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/component/option,com_docman/task,cat_view/gid,527/dir,AS C/order,name/Itemid,2219/limit,5/limitstart,25/ Giles, J.
    [Show full text]
  • Chelonian Advisory Group Regional Collection Plan 4Th Edition December 2015
    Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Chelonian Advisory Group Regional Collection Plan 4th Edition December 2015 Editor Chelonian TAG Steering Committee 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Mission ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Steering Committee Structure ........................................................................................................... 3 Officers, Steering Committee Members, and Advisors ..................................................................... 4 Taxonomic Scope ............................................................................................................................. 6 Space Analysis Space .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Survey ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Current and Potential Holding Table Results ............................................................................. 8 Species Selection Process Process ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Decision Tree ........................................................................................................................... 13 Decision Tree Results .............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Chelonia (Cheloniidae), Pseudemys (Emydidae), Batagur (Bataguridae) and Dermatemys (Dermatemyidae)
    FAUNA of AUSTRALIA 21. FAMILY CHELIDAE John M. Legler & Arthur Georges 1 21. FAMILY CHELIDAE Pl. 3.10. A Western Australian Emydura species. [Cann] Pl. 3.11. Chelodina longicollis showing characteristic, elongate neck; carnivorous; in wetlands of eastern Australia. [Cann] 2 21. FAMILY CHELIDAE Pl. 3.12. Rheodytes leukops occurs in fast flowing waters of the Fitzroy River system, eastern Queensland. [Cann] 3 21. FAMILY CHELIDAE Pl. 3.13. Pseudemydura umbrina, Australia’s most endangered reptile; one or two ponds in Western Australia; head covered with solid shield. [Cann] Pl. 3.14. Pseudemydura umbrina, Australia’s most endangered reptile; one or two ponds in Western Australia; head covered with solid shield. [Cann] 4 21. FAMILY CHELIDAE Pl. 3.15. Elseya dentata lives in large rivers and lagoons of northern Australia. [Cann] 5 21. FAMILY CHELIDAE DEFINITION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION Chelids are all aquatic or semi-aquatic freshwater turtles. In Australia, the presence of distinct ankle joints and webbed feet, each with four or five claws, readily distinguishes this family from marine turtles and Carettochelys, which have flipper-shaped limbs. The posterior parietosquamosal arch is usually present (absent in Chelodina), but the quadratojugal is absent. The vomer is always present and usually separates the palatines. The presence of nasal bones (except in Chelus) is diagnostic for the family Chelidae, if living forms only are considered (Gaffney 1979). A splenial bone is present. Chelids are typical pleurodirans in respect of features associated with the mechanism of head withdrawal. The cervical vertebrae have strong lateral processes, closely juxtaposed or fused postzygopophyses, and well developed central articulations which are never double (Williams 1950).
    [Show full text]
  • Turtles of the World, 2010 Update: Annotated Checklist of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution, and Conservation Status
    Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation ProjectTurtles of the IUCN/SSC of the World Tortoise – 2010and Freshwater Checklist Turtle Specialist Group 000.85 A.G.J. Rhodin, P.C.H. Pritchard, P.P. van Dijk, R.A. Saumure, K.A. Buhlmann, J.B. Iverson, and R.A. Mittermeier, Eds. Chelonian Research Monographs (ISSN 1088-7105) No. 5, doi:10.3854/crm.5.000.checklist.v3.2010 © 2010 by Chelonian Research Foundation • Published 14 December 2010 Turtles of the World, 2010 Update: Annotated Checklist of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution, and Conservation Status TUR T LE TAXONOMY WORKING GROUP * *Authorship of this article is by this working group of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, which for the purposes of this document consisted of the following contributors: ANDERS G.J. RHODIN 1, PE T ER PAUL VAN DI J K 2, JOHN B. IVERSON 3, AND H. BRADLEY SHAFFER 4 1Chair, IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Chelonian Research Foundation, 168 Goodrich St., Lunenburg, Massachusetts 01462 USA [[email protected]]; 2Deputy Chair, IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, Virginia 22202 USA [[email protected]]; 3Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana 47374 USA [[email protected]]; 4Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California 95616 USA [[email protected]] AB S T RAC T . – This is our fourth annual compilation of an annotated checklist of all recognized and named taxa of the world’s modern chelonian fauna, documenting recent changes and controversies in nomenclature, and including all primary synonyms, updated from our previous three checklists (Turtle Taxonomy Working Group [2007b, 2009], Rhodin et al.
    [Show full text]