sign in sign up
<<
Home , Centrochelys, Gopherus, Greek tortoise, Russian tortoise, Sea turtle, Sonoran Desert tortoise

Dedicated to & Club Turtle & Tortoise Conservation, Preservation the Tortuga Gazette and Education Since 1964 Volume 55, Number 6 • November/December 2019

Testudo graeca, the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise, photographed at Balcalı, Adana, Turkey. Photo © 2018 by Zeynel Cebeci. Source Wikimedia Com- mons; license: CC-BY-SA-4.0.. Mediterranean Spur-thighed Tortoise, graeca (Linnaeus 1758) The Complex by M. A. Cohen Members of the genera Testudo tortoise , the Testudinidae, projection) on the outer surface and Agrionemys, the Mediterra- which consists of some 11 genera of each thigh, and some may have nean tortoise are endemic and 40 to 50 species, depending two or three tubercles per thigh. to arid regions of Mediterranean on the authority one consults. All lack keratinized tips , North , and portions Generally speaking, T. graeca is a on their tails. The males of each of the Middle East. The Mediterra- small- to medium-sized tortoise subspecies have longer, thicker nean species include the following: found in “semi-dry grassland and tails than the females. 8 Testudo graeca, the brush areas” throughout its range A cautionary note: Testudinid her- spur-thighed tortoise; ( of the World, n.d.). All sub- 8 Testudo hermanni, Her- pesvirus 3 (TeHV-3) is a growing species are primarily herbivorous, threat to wild and captive popu- mann’s tortoise; feeding on forbs (herbaceous 8 Agrionemys. horsfieldi, the lations of , and members flowering plants) and grasses re- of the Testudo seem par- ; gardless of the region they inhabit. 8 Testudo kleinmanni, the ticularly vulnerable to it. TeHV-3 At least one subspecies is some- causes an infection with extremely Egyptian tortoise; and what omnivorous. 8 Testudo marginata, the Mar- high mortality rates. If the tortoise ginated tortoise. As the common name (spur-thigh- does survive the infection, it be- ed tortoise) implies, all T. graeca comes an “asymptomatic carrier” The Testudo and Agrionemys subspecies have at least one of the virus for the rest of its life genera both belong to the land conical tubercle (a small rounded (Science 2.0, 2015). 2 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

The Greek Tortoise Complex by M. A. Cohen 1 C Dr. Kristin Berry Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award 4 O How a Hashtag Aims to Save Endangered Leatherback Turtles N Neurological Signals from the Turtle’s Spinal Cord Surprise Scientists 5 T The Turtle’s Garden: Mallow (Lavatera maritima) 6 E —The Protection Society of Greece 8 N Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. 10 T Restoration Initiative Update (Galápagos Conservancy) 11 Meetings and Programs S Causes and Prevention of URTD in Grazing Tortoises by Dr. Todd Driggers 12

T. graeca Subspecies islands of and Sicily and Although there are at least 20 on mainland Italy, the subspecies published subspecies names cur- exists, but has likely been intro- rently in use, there is no consensus duced in these locations (Turtles as to the validity of all these of the World, n.d.). names. In addition, there are doz- T. g. graeca is sometimes called ens of synonyms that have been the Moorish spur-thighed tortoise, used historically, creating even presumably because it inhabits more taxonomic confusion. North Africa and Spain, where the Testudo graeca ibera. A wild juvenile tortoise pho- tographed at the Bolata Reserve on the While the (classification) Muslim civilization known as the th of northeastern . Photo © 2012 by of T. graeca remains in flux, there Moors flourished between the 8 MrPanyGoff. Source: Wikimedia Commons; license: th is general agreement on at least and 15 centuries. CC-BY-SA-3.0. three subspecies. Additionally, The carapacial color of T. g. graeca A larger subspecies, the Eurasian there is one member of the com- is typically cream, yellow or tan spur-thighed tortoise reaches plex that some chelonian biologists with brown or black markings. Its up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) regard as a graeca subspecies, plastron is similarly light in color when mature. T. g. ibera displays while other biologists consider it to with highly contrasting, symmetri- considerable variation in the col- be a completely separate species. cal dark markings. The head of this oration of its . Some subspecies is usually dark. One of Testudo graeca graeca individuals are nearly solid black, the smaller subspecies, T. g. graeca while others are tan with brown or grows to 8 inches (20 centime- ocher markings. The shape of its ters) at maturity. carapace is somewhat flatter and Testudo graeca ibera rounder than others in the graeca There are differences of opinion complex (Soler, Silvestre and Fer- among taxonomists about whether nandez, 2009). this taxon is a graeca subspecies While it is primarily herbivorous, T. or a completely separate species. g. ibera is an omnivore, especial- In this article, the taxon is consid- ly in the wild, consuming ered a subspecies, the conclusion Testudo graeca graeca photographed at the and mollusks as well as forbs and of a study published in Chelonian Labenne Zoo in France. Photo © 2019 by Vorlod. grasses. Source: Wikimedia Commons; license: CC-BY- Conservation and Biology in 2012. Testudo graeca terrestris SA-4.0 Sometimes called the Minor Ranging through southern Turkey, or Eurasian spur-thighed tortoise, Found in North Africa and south- Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and west- T. g. ibera is native to northeast ern Europe, T. g. graeca occurs in ward from Israel to northern Egypt Greece and the northern Aegean northern Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria or Libya, T. g. terrestris is some- islands, portions of the Balkan and Libya, on the Pityusae Islands times called the “Golden Greek states, and parts of Turkey south- of the Balearic Islands, and in tortoise” because its carapace ward to or Iraq (Pollock and southern Spain (Ernst and Barbo- is comparatively lighter in color- Kanis, 2015). ur, 1989). On the Mediterranean ation than that of other graeca 3 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

elongated, high-domed carapace Dormancy and a single spur on each thigh. While T. graeca in the southern The head of the Iranian tortoise is portions of the species’ range typically plain gray in coloration. estivate throughout the summer T. g. zarudnyi appears to be the and do not brumate, in the colder least studied member of the grae- northern portions of the range, ca complex, and very little general they typically brumate until late information exists about this rare March or early April. subspecies. Threats and Conservation Once very popular in the Euro- T. g. terrestris, photographed at the Dibbeen Range and Habitat pean pet trade, thousands of The range of the T. graeca complex Forest Reserve in northwest Jordan. Photo © spur-thighed tortoises were re- 2013; source: Wikimedia Commons; license: CC- spans three continents, Asia, Af- moved from the wild, causing the BY-SA-3.0. rica, and Europe. According to the of some local popula- Red List of the International Union subspecies. However, “Golden tions (Ernst and Barbour, 1989). for the Conservation of Nature, Greek” is a misnomer because this Today conservation measures offer the species is endemic to “Albania; subspecies is not found in the na- the species some protection. tion of Greece Algeria; ; ; Bul- garia; Egypt; ; Greece; Iran, Last assessed in 1996 by the T. g. terrestris is sometimes called Islamic Republic of; Iraq; Israel; IUCN, T. graeca was designated the Mesopotamian tortoise, re- Jordan; Libya; Moldova; Morocco; as “Vulnerable” to extinction. An ferring to its occurrence in the North Macedonia; Romania; Rus- annotation in the Red List indi- region historically known as Mes- sian Federation; Spain; Syrian Arab cates that the assessment “needs opotamia, the territory of the Republic; Tunisia; Turkey; Ukraine” updating.” Along with all other Tigris-Euphrates River System. (The IUCN Red List of Threatened members of the Testudinidae fam- Another small tortoise in the grae- Species, 1996). ily, T. graeca is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International ca complex, this subspecies grows A categorization widely-accepted Trade in of to 8 inches (20 centimeters) at by the scientific community is the maturity. Wild Fauna and Flora (The IUCN division of the graeca complex into Red List of , Testudo graeca zarudnyi two groups, one from North Africa 1996). [ and southern Spain, and the other from Eurasia and the Middle East References Ernst, C. and Barbour, R. (1989). Turtles of the (Turtles of the World, n.d.). World. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institu- Composed solely of Testudo grae- tion Press, pp.266-267. ca graeca, the North African/ The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. southern Spain group inhabits (1996). Testudo graeca. [online] Available at: ecosystems from sea level to http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996. RLTS.T21646A9305693.en. montane areas of some 6,000 feet (1,900 meters) of elevation Pollock, C. and Kanis, C. (2015). Greek or Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca in the Atlas Mountains. Often complex). [online] LaFeberVet. Available at: found in semi-dry grasslands, this https://lafeber.com/vet/basic-information- subspecies also lives on coastal sheet-greek-or-spur-thighed-tortoise/ , the margins of marshlands, Science 2.0. (2015). The Tortoise and the Testudo graeca zarudnyi, photographed by Omid brush-covered hillsides, and pine Herpes Virus. [online] Available at: https:// Mozaffari in 2006 in the Bidoieh Protected Area, www.science20.com/news_articles/ Kerman, Iran, Islamic Republic of. Source: CalPho- woods (Turtles of the World, n.d.). the_tortoise_and_the_herpes_virus-158249 tos. Public domain. The other graeca group, consisting Soler, J., Silvestre, A. and Fernandez, M. (2009). of the Eurasian and Middle Eastern Native to Iran, Afghanistan, Azer- Testudo graeca ibera. Reptilia Number 64. baijan, and Pakistan, T. g. zarudnyi subspecies, populates ecosys- [online] amasquefa.com. Available at: http:// is sometimes called the Zarudnyi tems from sea level to 9,000 feet www.amasquefa.com/uploads/Testudo_grae- ca_ibera439.pdf spur-thighed tortoise or the Irani- (2,700 meters) of elevation. These an tortoise. Very rare in the wild, subspecies prefer steppes (dry, Turtles of the World. (n.d.). Testudo graeca. flat, unforested areas), and also [online] Available at: https://turtles.linnaeus. and even more so in captivity, T. naturalis.nl/linnaeus_ng/app/views/species/ g. zarudnyi is a larger subspecies inhabit coastal dunes, scrub thorn ecoregions, and dry woodlands taxon.php?id=8177https://turtles.linnaeus. that reaches up to 11 inches (27.5 naturalis.nl/linnaeus_ng/app/views/species/ centimeters) at maturity with an (Turtles of the World, n.d.). taxon.php?id=8177 4 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

Dr. Kristin Berry Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award Dr. Kristin Berry, founding and “Many in the conservation com- in the northwestern Mojave for current board member of the munity consider Dr. Berry to be the the Natural Area. Desert Tortoise Preserve Com- authority on agassizii Land [was] purchased and restored mittee (DTPC), was honored with [Agassiz’s desert tortoise]. She specifically for desert tortoises a Lifetime Achievement Award at is arguably the most persistent and their environment through the the 17th Annual Symposium on the advocate as her efforts have Desert Tortoise Preserve Com- Conservation and Biology of Tor- kept the plight of desert tortoise mittee...[Dr. Berry] has not only toises and Freshwater Turtles on in the public eye for almost 50 contributed great scientific knowl- August 7th in Tucson, Arizona. The . Her career post graduate edge, but also effective conserva- award was presented by Dr. Anders school has [been] almost entirely tion, the preservation of land, legal Rhodin, founder and director of with the federal government, first protection, and changes in policy.” the Chelonian Research Founda- employed by the Bureau of Land Dr. Berry and DTPC President Ron tion. Collaborator and friend of Management and since 1997...as a Berger both attended the Sym- Dr. Berry’s, Dr. Taylor Edwards of research biologist/ecologist with posium. They presented a talk the University of Arizona Genet- the U.S. Geological Survey. While entitled “Protection and Recovery ics Core provided an introduction still in [graduate] school...Dr. Berry of Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise at the describing Dr. Berry as persistent, was one of the [three] founders Desert Tortoise Research Natural comprehensive in her work (pub- of the [Desert Tortoise] recovery Area and Adjacent Critical Habi- lishing over 80 research papers), group, later to become the Desert tat.” [ collaborative, professional and a Tortoise Council...Already ahead of pioneer. Excerpts from the intro- her time, in 1974, Dr. Berry, along Originally published in the DTPC newsletter Tor- toise Tracks Edition 39: 3 (Fall 2019). Reprinted duction are provided below. with a group of concerned scien- with permission. tists, helped designate public land

‘Deserve to Live’: How a Hashtag Aims to Save Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtles: hashtag #saveleatherbacks —Turtle Island Restoration Network press release

15 October 2019—Pacific Leath- generations. The Eastern Pacific Turtle Island Restoration Network erback Conservation Day falls on sub-population has been partic- is a leading advocate for leather- October 15 and this , envi- ularly hard hit, with a 97 percent backs: ronmental activists are taking to decline in three generations. • Closed the California longline social media to raise awareness of fishery to prevent leatherback The leatherback’s decline is mortality; the rapidly declining species. caused by unsustainable human Less than 50 years ago, leather- activities: • Organized the first Leatherback back sea turtles—one of Earth’s • Illegal and legal harvest of Survival Conference; largest living —were thriv- and meat kills remaining popula- • Authored successful State law ing in the world’s . Today, tions; to have the Pacific leatherback the is tee- • Coastal development destroys listed as California’s state marine tering on the edge of extinction. nesting ; ; Global populations have decreased • Plastic bags and balloons closely • Produced several award-winning by 40 percent in the past three resembling jellyfish degrade the leatherback documentaries; and leatherback’s • Implemented the Pacific Leath- foraging area; erback Conservation Area. • Drowning in With only 633 Eastern Pacific commercial leatherback sea turtles left, scien- fisheries such tists predict this iconic sea turtle as longlines or could be extinct by 2040. driftnets; and We can’t let this happen. • Entanglement in fishing line, Join the conversation today – tell , us why you think leatherbacks de- or ghost nets serve to live and tag #saveleather- Leatherback hatchlings emerge from their on Eagle , Aruba. . backs. Together, our voices make a Photo © 2008 by Elise Peterson. License: Creative Commons CC-BY-3.0. difference. [ 5 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

Neurological signals from the turtle’s spinal cord surprise scientists Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences | University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Denmark Neurology—19 September 2019— Thus, when the turtle rhythmi- multiple cells at the same time. With a study of the network cally scratches itself using crawl Instead, the researchers now between nerve and muscle cells movements from its hind leg, the believe that neurological signals in turtles, researchers from the fireworks of lightning quick neu- originate from a major, scattered University of Copenhagen have rological impulses that are set off network of cells, each of which gained new insight into the way in inside the shell are not far from the sends signals to only a few other which movements are generated mechanisms that also trigger our cells. A result which the group has and maintained. In the long term, own muscles. subsequently replicated in com- the new knowledge may have an From Metronome to Network puter models of a simulated, simple impact on the treatment of, for ex- So far, it has been a common nervous system. ample, ALS and spinal cord injuries. assumption that the activation of Potential for ALS and Spinal For most people, it is easy to put muscle neurons originates from Cord Injuries one leg in front of the other and some sort of command centre that keep walking. The ability to do it is sends a signal to many cells at one With these results, research- second nature or, so to speak, in time. ers have come a step closer to our . Quite literally. precisely understanding where ‘Because the origin of movement and how movements are actually ‘Most movements are actually has been difficult to find, it has long generated. generated in the spinal cord. Nat- been assumed that it is a small urally, there is a conversation with core that sets the pace. Like some ‘If we do not know enough about high-ranking parts of the nervous kind of metronome. But our data the network and how it works, system, such as the cerebrum, has shown that it may in fact be we grope a bit in the dark when it but there are also reflexes that a large network’, says Assistant comes to treatment. Converse- simply stem from the back’, says Professor Henrik Lindén from the ly, once we gain insight into the Associate Professor and Head of research group behind the study. principles behind the distribution Research Rune W. Berg from the of the network, and which cell So far, it has been the common types are important, we can better Department of Neuroscience at belief that a dense collection of the University of Copenhagen. put the treatment of neurological a few cells triggers movement by disorders on the right track’, says He and his research group are sending the same signal to many Rune W. Berg. behind a study of the network other cells at the same time. In- between nerve and muscle cells stead, research from the Universi- Amongst others, he emphasizes which has been published in the ty of Copenhagen now shows that neurological disorders such as ALS renowned scientific journal Nature it is more likely a matter of a large, as well as spinal cord injuries, for Communications, and which pro- scattered network of cells, each example from traffic accidents, as vides completely new insight into of which only signals a few other areas where increased knowledge the ways in which movements are cells. about the spinal nervous system generated and maintained. can lead to advances in treatment To test whether it was a matter in the long term. Turtle Crawl of small command units or a large In the study, the research group network, the researchers com- Likewise, new insights from basic used electrodes to study the pared the relatively quiet rhythm research into the neurons of the spinal cord reflex of turtles when of the turtle’s movement with the spinal cord may benefit other parts they scratched themselves with rapid neurological impulses from of the neurology, for example in one hind leg. A reflex also found in the spine. connection with cot death, which dogs, cats and a number of other is associated with defects in brain To the surprise of the research stem activity. . group, the measurements showed Humans are likewise equipped with no evidence of correlation – and Now, the next step for the re- a variety of spinal reflexes. And thus no evidence that the neu- search group is to continue the although in terms of the evolution, rological signals in multiple cells mapping of the scattered neu- we are rather distant from the should have originated from the rological network with optical turtle, scientists believe that many same source, which would indeed measurements that allow them to of the basic mechanisms are the have been the case if it had been a track the activity simultaneously same. command center that signaled to over a larger area. [ 6 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

the Lavatera maritima ≈Malva subovata Turtles Tree Mallow arden ning or heonins by M A Cohen eing a member of the Mallow Description Bfamily, the Malvaceae, the tree A medium-sized, mallow is one of a notable group of evergreen shrub, plants that includes the tropical hi- the tree mallow biscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), the rapidly reaches flowering maple (Abutilon hybrids), a height of 6 to the desert mallow (Sphaeralcea 10 feet (1.8 to 3 ambigua), the Rose of Sharon (Hi- meters) with a biscus syriacus), and other mallow spread of 8 to 12 species previously profiled in this feet (2.4 to 3.7 column. meters). Because its growth is so Lavatera maritima in full bloom. Photo © 2012 by Consultaplantas, As a native of the western Medi- captured at the Jardín Botánico de Barcelona in Spain. Source: Wikimedia fast, it is compar- terranean region, the tree mallow Commons; license: CC-BY-SA-4.0. thrives in Mediterranean climates atively short-lived worldwide, including that in South- and typically lasts drought or extremely high heat (In- ern California, given the proper about five years. However, this trait land Valley Garden Planner, n.d.). makes the shrub a good, fast-filling growing conditions and care. L. With a diameter of 2 to 3 inches hedge or background shrub for a maritima, sometimes called “sea (5 to 8 centimeters), tree mal- perennial bed. mallow,” is native to the coastal low flowers feature five pale pink Mediterranean region. Maritima Drought-tolerant once estab- petals that have deep lavender to is based on the Latin maritimus lished, tree mallow, with its gray- purple centers and veining. Flower- from the root word mare, meaning green, maple-like, tomentose ing occurs from spring through fall the sea. The tree mallow tolerates (downy) leaves and large, showy and is most abundant in summer. In seaside conditions such as salt flowers, is an attractive addition to mild regions blossoms may appear air and wind (Inland Valley Garden the low-maintenance landscape. throughout the year. A light prun- Planner, n.d.). This shrub is drought-deciduous, ing following the first bloom of the Some botanists and websites refer meaning it will lose some or all of season will encourage more flow- to this species using the its leaves without supplemental ering and keeps the shrub compact Malva subovata. However, water during periods of prolonged (Gardenia.net, n.d.). this terminology has yet Care to be widely adopted, Tree mallow thrives in particularly in the com- light, sandy soil that mercial nursery trade. is moderately fertile This column will use the and has good drainage name L. maritima under (Gardenia.net, n.d.). The which the plant is com- species will not tolerate monly available. a waterlogged planting Sometimes the species site. is sold as L. m. ‘Bicolor‘ Except in hot, arid or L. bicolor. This name locations, L. maritima refers to a cultivar with thrives in full sun. In in- a blossom that fea- tense desert heat, tree tures petals with highly mallow requires “partial contrasting coloration Close-up of the blossoms, buds, and leaves of the Tree Mallow, Lavatera maritima, to full shade” (Brenzel, (Hinsley. 2008). sometimes sold as. Lavatera bicolor. Photo © 2011 by Peter A. Mansfield. Source: 2012). Wikimedia Commons; license CC-BY-3.0. 7 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

While it requires consistent Edibility watering to become established Very little information is pub- in the landscape, the tree mallow lished regarding the edibility of will need moderate to occasional L. maritima. According to a risk watering once established. During assessment by the Institute of periods of intense heat, or if it is Pacific Islands Forestry, tree planted in a container, tree mal- mallow shows no evidence of low will require more water than it toxicity to either or would if planted in the landscape. people, presents no allergy risk, Supplemental water will not be and it is palatable to grazing necessary during the rainy season animals (Pacific Island Ecosys- unless rains fail to arrive. tems at Risk [PIER], 2008). [ L. maritima adapts well to pruning, References Tree mallow blossom with a visiting pollinator, a bee. and may be lightly pruned for size Photo © 2015 by Junkyardsparkle. Public domain.. and shape as needed throughout Brenzel, K., ed. (2012). The Sunset West- ern Garden Book. 1st ed. New York: its growing season. Horticultur- Time-Warner Entertainment, Inc., p. ists recommend a hard pruning in 404. Inland Valley Garden Planner. (n.d.). Sea mallow late winter or early spring prior to Lavatera maritima. [online] Available at: Gardenia.net. (n.d.). Lavatera maritima (Tree https://inlandvalleygardenplanner.org/ flowering to promote dense growth Mallow). [online] Available at: https:// plants/lavatera-maritima/ and prolific bloom. www.gardenia.net/plant/lavatera-mariti- ma-tree-mallow Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). (2008). Pollinators and other beneficial Lavatera maratima. [online] Available at: wildlife are attracted to the flowers Hinsley, S. (2008). Lavatera aff maritima ‘Bicol- http://www.hear.org/pier/wra/pacific/lavat- or’. [online] The Lavatera Pages. Available at: era_maratima_htmlwra.htm of tree mallow, including humming- http://www.malvaceae.info/Genera/Lavat- birds, bees, and butterflies. era/bicolor.html

t As the sun rises on her day yard, Tammy, a desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), is out basking. A “hitch-hiking” Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) sees Tammy’s carapace as a basking platform, while Tammy seems oblivious to the lizard. Photograph © 2019 by Karen Berry.

u Stonewall the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) snoozing in the sun, using a concrete ledge as his “pillow.” Photograph © 2019 by Karen Berry. 8 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

ARCHELON—ΤThe Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece Founded in 1983, ARCHELON, the Double release and triple joy, Euroturtles Coordinator from the Sea Turtle Protection Society of this time together with our Croatian Natural History Museum. Greece, is dedicated to the protec- Life Euroturtles partners! “Many loggerheads nest in Greece tion of “sea turtles and their habi- but feed and spend a lot of time in Two rescued female loggerhead tats in Greece through monitoring the Adriatic Sea and other parts of sea turtles returned to their nat- and research, developing and the Mediterranean, together with ural habitat, the sea, after a stay implementing management plans, us and our fishermen. The threats of about 10 months in ARCHE- habitat restoration, raising public of the sea turtles at sea are com- LON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. awareness, and rehabilitating sick mon in all countries” he added. The event took place on Thursday and injured turtles,” according to Representatives of the European 26/9/2019 and marks the hap- the ARCHELON website. Commission, more specifically from py outcome of a lengthy rescue Executive Agency for Small and Based in Athens, Greece, ARCHE- effort in both cases. “” Medium-sized Enterprises, who LON partners with other conser- was found with a deliberate head are supervising Life projects, also vation-oriented groups on various injury in Ermioni, in November joined the meeting in Glyfada. projects, and it operates a Rescue last year and was Center in Glyfada (near Athens) at directly transport- which sick and injured sea turtles ed to the Rescue are rehabilitated with the goal of Centre. “Katerina” release into the wild. The organiza- was found with a tion conducts surveys and col- deliberate head lects data, participates in habitat injury in Halkidiki, management, and operates both also in Novem- permanent and seasonal “infor- ber last year. This mation stations” around Greece turtle was given to raise public awareness of the first aid by Prof. A. importance of sea turtles. Komninou at the Through its programs for tagging Veterinary School and applying satellite-trans- of Thessaloniki mitters, ARCHELON monitors University and , Caretta caretta. Photo © 2006 by ukanda. the movements of sea turtles consequently was Source: Wikimedia Commons; license: CC-BY-2.0. throughout the transported to the and beyond. Rescue Centre for treatment. It is also a fact that with the latest improvements at the Rescue Cen- So, double release, but triple joy as As it is with many conservation tre, ARCHELON’s staff and volun- the whole Life-Euroturtles team organizations, ARCHELON relies teers have been able to put up with attended this event. ARCHELON on volunteers and donations for the increased number of arrivals of was hosting the annual meeting many of its projects. The following sea turtles deliberately injured in of the project and partners from is a recent press release (1 Octo- the head. “These cases take a long Cyprus, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia ber 2019) describing some of the time to reach rehabilitation. Last and were in Glyfada during Society’s work. winter, until the recent extensions, most of last week. The Life-Eu- there was no space available at the roturtles project aims to improve Archelon the turtle Centre to admit new cases” says connections and synergism on key The largest turtle ever known to exist, Eirini Kassimati, biologist MSc, conservation aspects among 6 EU Archelon lived in the late who is ARCHELON’s rescue/reha- countries, which are amongst the period (100.5–66 million years ago). bilitation officer. A marine species, known locations for most important countries for the Archelon fossils are South Dakota and conservation of sea turtles in the All of the above having been said, Wyoming in the USA. The name Archelon Mediterranean. All participants our last thought is with the two derives from root words meaning “ruling were looking forward to the event rescued sea turtles who start a turtle.” Based on fossil evidence, paleon- of the rescued turtles release. new journey and the tens of volun- teers who took care of them during tologists estimate the size of Archelon to “We find it extremely useful to their stay! Good luck to all of you, be 15 feet (460 centimeters) from nose meet and exchange on the imple- as well as to our Life Euroturtles to tail with a weight of 4,900 pounds mentation of our commonly agreed partners! [ (2,200 kilograms). activities” says Drasco Holcer, the 9 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019 10 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • September/October 2019

Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. A varied selection of recent articles, stories and sites on the Web that some of you may find as interesting as I did. This list is also posted at tortoise.org/turtlenetpicks/turtlenetpicks.html

Thelma the Travelling Tortoise Turtle Traffickers Busted Dorian Wiped Out 8,000 Turtle Between August 2000 and August 2002, Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission in Florida a named Thelma charged 2 men with and confiscat- Surveys conducted at the Na- trekked 23 miles from Saguaro National ed large numbers of turtles and shells. tional Wildlife Refuge in Melbourne Beach Park to the Santa Rita Mountains and then Don’t Kiss Your Turtle! shows that Hurricane Dorian washed away came back again. The Center for Disease Control reports 13 45% of nests. Sea turtle David Morafka Award cases of turtle-related Salmonella infection species that nest and hatch earlier in the The Desert Tortoise Council is accepting this year. Please remember to wash your season were less impacted. applications for its annual David J. Morafka hands before and after handling any turtle Turtle Fossil Shows Research Award. or tortoise Signs of Being Crushed by a PARC Inventory and Monitoring Green Sea Turtle Shape Can Dinosaur Guide Help Identify Genetic Lineage Road works in the Jura Mountains in Swit- PARC’s Inventory and Monitoring: Rec- Important new study opens new possibili- zerland uncovered a fossil Thalassochelyd- ommended Techniques for Reptiles and ties to explore ecological and evolutionary ian turtle that may have been stomped by a Amphibians, with application to the United hypotheses in turtles with wide morpho- dinosaur some 50-200 million years ago. States and Canada is now available for free logical variation and broad geographic CTTC’s Turtle And Tortoise download. distribution range. Listserve Long-Term Turtle Declines: Online Sea Turtle Necropsy CTTC’s Turtle and Tortoise list has now Protected Is a Verb, Not an Lectures moved to io.groups. If you want to talk Outcome Important NOAA educational resource for with other turtle and tortoise fans in a Long-term monitoring of people participating in sea turtle postmor- friendly atmosphere just send an email populations reveals their ability to persist tems. These are very informative videos to: trajectory and underlines the importance of CTTC on Facebook active management within protected areas. For breaking news updates visit and “like” us on Facebook!

Speedy, a desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), enjoying a tropical hibiscus blossom (Hibis- cus rosa-sinensis). Photograph © 2018 by Karen Berry. 11 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

Galápagos Conservancy News Giant Tortoise Restoration Meetings and Programs Initiative: 99.9% of Tortois- Click on your Chapter’s website link for the latest program information. Programs es Repopulated to Santa Fe may be scheduled after newsletter publication. Island are in Good Health Chino Valley: 15 November; Ridgecrest: 11 November; 10 September 2019—According to NO MEETING in December 9 December the preliminary monitoring results Foothill: 25 November: Laura Santa Barbara-Ventura: Contact from the Santa Fe Island Ecologi- Brewer from Prehistoric Pets; the chapter for meeting cal Restoration Plan, 99.9% of the 16 December: Annual Christmas information. tortoises released on the island Party/Potluck [NOTE DATE over the past four years have sur- Santa Clarita: 16 November: Annual CHANGES] vived and are in good health. This Holiday Potluck and Bingo Party project is part of the Giant Tor- High Desert: 11 November; TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo): toise Restoration Initiative (GTRI), 9 December 19 November; 17 December a collaborative effort between Inland Empire: 1 November; TTCS (Long Beach): 15 November; the Galápagos National Park and 6 December Galápagos Conservancy. 20 December Kern County: 11 November; Valley: 15 November; 20 December Of the 549 individuals released 9 December on Santa Fe since 2015, only four Executive Board: TBA January 2020. have died to date, which is pre- Low Desert: 2 December Meetings take place at the Los sumed to be due to natural preda- Orange County: 8 November; Angeles County Arboretum in tion by Galápagos hawks. 13 December Arcadia, CA. “These young tortoises fulfill their role as engineers of the ecosys- tem, as we can clearly see tortoise paths in approximately 30% of the surface of the island. It has also Classified Advertisements been proven that they are actively Classified advertisements run for one issue at $500 for up to four lines. Ads are contributing to seed dispersal, accepted at the discretion of the Editor. Classified ads are available to members especially of Opuntia cactus,” and subscribers only and are run as a service to our members. California Turtle said Jorge Carrión, director of the & Tortoise Club is not responsible for merchandise placed for sale in the Tortuga Galápagos National Park. Gazette. Washington Tapia, Director of the Please make your check payable to the California Turtle & Tortoise Club. Giant Tortoise Restoration Ini- Please send ad fee to: CTTC Tortuga Gazette, attn Treasurer, P. O. Box 7300, Van tiative, noted that “this will help Nuys, CA 91409-7300. improve the population dynam- ics of cacti whose population is Mail fee with ad copy to the Tortuga Gazette mailing address; OR, mail fee to the currently made up mainly of adults postal address above, and email the ad copy to the Gazette Editor. and subadults; a situation that represents a risk for the future of that species.” California Turtle & Tortoise Club: a Society The Tortuga Gazette (ISSN 1073-1334) is owned As part of this effort, GTRI team Dedicated to Turtle & Tortoise Preservation, by the California Turtle & Tortoise Club Execu- members installed a network of Conservation and Education since 1964. Pro- tive Board, which is incorporated in the State of 60 cameras on Santa Fe to record moting and Facilitating the Care, Rehoming, and California as a Not-for-Profit Corporation and is Adoption of Native and Nonnative Turtles and tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3). images of tortoise activity, as well Tortoises. All material is copyright © CTTC unless as changes in the vegetation of the otherwise attributed. CTTC policy permits repro- 20 permanent plots established to duction of articles by other not-for-profit groups measure their long-term effects. and educational institutions when permission is requested. Permission is granted on a case-by- Is your email address changing? Click Tortoise release to watch a case basis and CTTC must be cited as the source Update your email address through your of the material. video of the 2015 reintroduction MailChimp account by clicking the “Update Views expressed in the Tortuga Gazette are of Santa Fe Galápagos tortoises to Your Preferences” link on your newsletter those of the contributors and not necessarily the island. [ notice. Or send your changes and corrections those of the Editor or the California Turtle & Tor- to [email protected] toise Club. —Galápagos Conservancy press release 12 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019 Causes and Prevention of URTD in Grazing Tortoises by Dr. Todd Driggers, Avian and Exotic Clinic of Arizona, Mesa, AZ

This article is based on a presentation at the studies conducted on captive des- Distribution of URTD General Meeting of the National Turtle & Tortoise ert tortoises, a bacterial organism, Society (Phoenix, AZ ) held on June 28, 1996. • Entire range of the desert tortoise, Pasteurella testudinis, was isolat- including Mojave and Sonoran Deserts Dr. Driggers is a graduate of Purdue University. ed and incriminated as a possible He completed an internship with Dr. Elliot Ja- • Most likely caused by captive tortoises cause. However, P. testudinis has cobson of the University of Florida , and with Dr. being released back into the wild also been isolated from healthy Doug Mader of Long Beach, California. He worked • Causes in captive tortoises are multifac- in Indianapolis as an exotic and avian veterinari- tortoises and the significance of torial and yet completely understood an. he also worked at the Lincoln Park Zoo and is this organism remains unknown. In a published author. the 1970s, desert tortoises with ern Mojave Desert of California, signs of the disease were observed around Las Vegas Valley in Nevada, Known Species of Tortoises that are on the Beaver Dam Slope of Utah, and on the Beaver Sam Slope of Affected by URTD a site where many captive tortois- Utah and Arizona. • Testudo graeca es were being released. • Testudo hermanni In May 1989, with a contract from In 1988, desert tortoises at the • Testudo (=Agrionemys) horsfieldii the U.S. Bureau of Land Man- Desert Tortoise Natural Area • Gopherus agassizii agement (BLM), studies on the (DTNA), Kern County, California • Gopherus polyphemus desert tortoises ill with URDS were were seen with clinical signs of • (=Stigmochelys) pardalis initiated in an attempt to eluci- illness similar to that of captive • Geochelone (=) sulcata date the responsible pathogens. desert tortoises. Signs included • Geochelone (=) radiata During the course of these studies, a mild to severe nasal discharge, • Geochelone elegans the pathology of the disease was puffy eyelids, eyes recessed into All tortoises can be considered as having better understood and findings the orbits, dullness to the skin and the potential to contract and spread the indicated that the upper respira- scutes, weight loss, and either disease. tory tract was the major site of waking up during hibernation or involvement. Based on these find- inability to hibernate. Based on ings, the disease was determined The bacteria which causes URTD these clinical signs, Upper Respi- to be a chronic upper respiratory (Upper Respiratory Tract Disease) ratory Disease Syndrome (URDS) tract disease and the acronym in desert tortoises was discovered was used to character this syn- URTD was used. Today, URTD more by Dr. Jacobson during testing at drome. the University of Florida. Symp- appropriately designated this dis- toms of URTD in tortoises include ease this illness and should replace Symptoms of URTD a runny nose,and bulging eyes. URDS. • Mild to severe nasal discharge Desert tortoises in the Mojave • Bulging eyes Microbiologic investigations [Desert] and in Utah have declined • Reddened asymmetric choana [Ed. note: with URTD failed to incriminate a due to this disease and inefficient the hindmost internal openings of the nasal virus as a potential causal agent. hibernation. But desert tortoises passages in the roof of the mouth] Pasteurella testudinis was isolat- are not the only ones affected by • Anorexia and weight loss ed from most of the ill tortoises URTD—it can affect any grazing • Waking up during hibernation or will not examined and a previously un- tortoise including Leopard (Geoch- hibernate identified Mycoplasma was also elone pardalis), Radiated (Geoch- isolated from ill tortoises. Electron elone radiata), Indian Star (Geo- microscopic studies confirmed the Surveys of the DTNA in 1989 and chelone elegans), African spurred presence of Mycoplasma on the 1990 revealed that many tortoises (Geochelone sulcata), Russian surface membranes of the upper were ill with the disease, and shells (Testudo horsfieldii), and gopher respiratory tract of desert tortois- of many tortoises indicated a major tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). es ill with URTD. Captivity predisposes these ani- die-off was underway. Research on In 1992, research was conducted mals to disease. Until 1990-1991, long-term study plots with marked on transmission of the disease. The attempts at demonstrating or tortoises showed that more than findings support the contention incriminating a causal agent were 70% of adult tortoises of adult that Mycoplasma is the most like unsuccessful. Because of negative tortoises died between 1988 and cause of URTD. A causal relation- findings and failure to incriminate 1992. Other surveys indicate that ship of between Mycoplasma and a specific bacteria, a virus was wild desert tortoises with URDS URTD has been established. Still, considered as a possible cause. In are also widespread in the west- 13 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

least until the rhinitis has abated). Since enrofloxacin is very irritating to mucous membranes surround the eyes, it is important to avoid contact of enrofloxacin with those tissues. It is important to maintain tortoises at an optimum environ- mental temperature during the course of treatment. While antibi- otic therapy may result in clinical improvement and complete re- gression of clinical signs, this does not mean that this tortoise will be free of disease thereafter. Turtles may remain carriers of Mycoplas- ma for life with recurrence of the disease at some point in time in the future. Results of clinical trials with these Free-ranging Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) photographed in the Mojave Desert by new drugs and drug combina- staff from the Pacific Southwest Region US Fish and Wildlife Service. Public domain. tions for treating tortoises ill with Pasteurella and other bacteria can transmit this disease to both URTD are extremely promising for may affect the severity of the captive and free-ranging clinically captive tortoises. Unfortunately, disease. healthy tortoises. the situation for ill free-ranging tortoises is not as promising. Since A blood test has been developed at the disease is more than likely mul- the University of Florida to deter- Primary Causes of URTD tifactorial, schemes for managing mine exposure status of tortoises • Humidity is too high (non-desert) URTD in free-ranging populations to Mycoplasma. Preliminary stud- • Over-watering of grazing grass are going to be difficult to develop ies are very promising in that this • Misting sprinklers and implement. Minimally, tor- test may ultimately be useful in • Housing with infected tortoises toise hobbyists and veterinarians assessing conditions of tortoises. • Immunocompromized/stressed tortoise • Malnutrition can make a major contribution by Predisposing factors such as poor getting the word out that captive nutrition (resulting from habitat tortoises should not be released Until recently, no antibiotics or degradation), drought, and release into the wild. More than likely this combination of antibiotics have of captive desert tortoises ill with practice has contributed to the been efficacious for treating URTD into the wild are also more spread of URTD in wild populations. than likely involved. The whole tortoises ill with URTD. With issue of releasing an ill pet desert evidence that Mycoplasma is the Preventive Action tortoise into the wild needs to be etiological agent of URTD and • Remove tortoises before watering their publicized because this practice that Pasteurella testudinis and grazing area. should not continue. Transmis- other gram negative bacteria may • Flood irrigate if it is not possible to sion studies have clearly demon- contribute to the severity of the remove the tortoises. strated the infectious nature of disease, antibiotic therapy with • Wait until water has completely soaked URTD. Thus it is safe to assume enrofloxacin [Baytril®] at 5 mg/ in before returning animals to the area. that captive tortoises that are ill kg of body weight every other day for 10 treatments is considered • Do not soak tortoises frequently. the therapy of choice. In addition, • Practice good husbandry. Transmission of URTD injectable enrofloxacin should be • Quarantine affected animals. • Bacteria transmitted by respiratory diluted 1:10 in sterile saline and a • Test tortoises with runny noses for secretions, although other means of small quantity (up to 0.5 cc) should disease. contracting the bacteria are possible be flushed up both nostrils of the • Test fecal samples. • Disease is considered infectious affected tortoise utilizing a syringe • DO NOT MIX SPECIES. • Poor nutrition and loss of habitat also and attached catheter of appro- • Handle affected tortoises last. play a role in the expression and severity priate diameter. Flushing should of the disease [in free-ranging tortoises]. continue daily for one month (at — Article concludes on page 14, column 1. 14 Tortuga Gazette 55(6) • November/December 2019

The following points should be re- of captive tortoises may have membered with regard to grazing been responsible for disease tortoises and URTD: outbreaks in the Mojave Des- I only have a minute. [ u URTD is a chronic infectious ert.* disease affecting not only des- References Sixty seconds in it. ert tortoises but other tortoise Lawrence, K. and J.R. Needham. 1985. Rhinitis in long-term Mediterranean tortoises (Te- species as well. studo graeca and T. hermanni). Veterinary Forced upon me, I u Scientific evidence supports Record. 117: 622-664. did not choose it, the belief that Mycoplasma is Jackson, O.F. and J.R. Needham. 1983. Rhinitis the infective agent responsible and virus antibody titers in chelonians. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 24: 31-36 But I know that I for URTD. Snipes, K.P., E.L. Biberstein and M.E. Fowler. must use it. u URTD is a transmissible 1980. Pasteurella sp. associated with respiratory disease in captive desert disease. Because of this, tor- tortoises. Journal of American Veterinary toises showing clinical signs of Medical Association. 177: 804-807. Give account if I illness should be isolated from Snipes, K.P. and E.L. Biberstein. 1982. Pas- abuse it. healthy tortoises. teurella testudinis sp. nov.: a parasite of desert tortoises. International Journal of u Different species of tortois- Systematic Bacteriology. 32: 201-210. Suffer, if I lose it. es should NOT be kept togeth- Jacobson, E.R., J.M. Gaskin, M.B. Brown, K.K. er in captivity, since foreign Harris, C.H. Gardiner, J.L. LaPorte, H.P. Ad- Only a tiny little pathogens may be introduced ams, and C. Reggiardo. 1991, Chronic upper respiratory tract disease of free-ranging minute, into new hosts. desert tortoises (Xerobates agassizii). u Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 27(2): 296- Although antibiotic treat- 316. ment may result in complete But eternity is in it. Originally published in the National Turtle & remission of clinical signs, Tortoise Society’s newsletter The Carapace, poem written by Dr. Benjamin Mays tortoises may still develop the July/August 1996 (Volume XII, Number 4). and quoted by the Honorable disease at a future date. Elijah E. Cummings (1951-2019), * [Editor’s note: For this very reason, profes- American legislator u Ill or formerly ill desert sionals and non-professionals alike generally tortoises should never be believe that NO formerly captive tortoise released into the wild. Release should ever be released into the wild.]

The California Turtle & Tortoise Club (CTTC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Contri- CTTC Mailing Addresses butions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please pay by USA funds only (US bank Chino Valley Chapter: P. O. Box 1753, Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter: P.O. check, money , or International Postal Chino, CA 91708-1753 Box 3086, Camarillo, CA 93011-3086 Order). Membership in the CTTC and subscriptions to Foothill Chapter: P. O. Box 51002, Pas- Santa Clarita Chapter: P.O. Box 4012, the Tortuga Gazette are handled through the adena, CA 91115-1002 Castaic, CA 91310 CTTC Chapters. The Chapters also manage membership renewals (see postal addresses High Desert Chapter: P. O. Box 163, TOOSLO Chapter: P.O. Box 763, Grover below). Victorville, CA 92393 Beach, CA 93483 Many members choose to join a nearby Chapter Inland Empire Chapter: P.O. Box 2371, Turtle & Tortoise Care Society Chap- to participate in Chapter meetings and other San Bernardino, CA 92406-2371 ter: P O Box 15952, Long Beach, CA activities. Print membership forms from the 90815 CTTC website. Kern County Chapter: P.O. Box 81772, Your Chapter and your renewal date (month/ Bakersfield, CA 93380-1772 Valley Chapter: P.O. Box 7364, Van year) are displayed on your newsletter notifi- Nuys, CA 91409-7364 cation. Mail your new or renewal membership/ Low Desert Chapter: P.O. Box 4156, subscription to the Chapter of your choice. Palm Desert, CA 92261 Tortuga Gazette California Turtle & Tortoise Club Membership fees Orange County Chapter: P.O. Box Post Office Box 7300 00 •Student membership $15 11124, Santa Ana, CA 92711 Van Nuys, CA 91409-7300 •Individual membership $2500 •Family membership $3500 Ridgecrest Chapter: P. O. Box 1272, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 •Life membership $50000