DOCSLIB.ORG

Application of Body Condition Indices for Leopard Tortoises (Geochelone Pardalis)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Application of Body Condition Indices for Leopard Tortoises (Geochelone Pardalis) APPLICATION OF BODY CONDITION INDICES FOR LEOPARD TORTOISES (GEOCHELONE PARDALIS) Laura Lickel, BS,* and Mark S. Edwards, Ph. California Polytechnic State University, Animal Science Department, San Luis Obispo CA 93407-0255 USA Abstract Indirect methods of assessing chelonian body condition using combinations of body mass and shell measurements have been explored:1,2,4-9 however, there is little published data on tracking captive chelonian health and growth using a body condition index (BCI).10 Two published BCI formulas were compared for application with a captive colony of leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis). Eighteen, 5 year-old leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis), hatched at the Department of Herpetology, Smithsonian National Zoological Park (Washington, DC) and transferred to the Animal Science Department, California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo, CA) were included in this study. Animal husbandry, diets and enclosures are described elsewhere.3 Body weight and selected morphometrics are recorded weekly. Body weight (BW, g) was quantified to 0.1g (Delta Range® SB32001DR, Mettler-Toledo, Inc., 1900 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240). Shell measurements included: straight carapace length (SCL), the maximum straight line length between the anterior to posterior edges of the carapace to 0.1 cm (Figure 1); plastron width (PW), the width along the plastral suture between the pectoral and abdominal scutes measured with 150mm dial calipers (General Tools Mfg. Co. LLC, New York, NY 10013) to 0.01cm (Figure 2); and carapace height (CH), the height at the greatest point of the third vertebral scute measured with a 40cm metal combination square (Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co. Inc., 6333 West Donges Bay Rd., Mequon, WI 53092-4456) to 0.1 cm (Figure 3). Eighteen consecutive wks of data from all animals is presented here. Use of the animals indicated in this study, protocol #903, has been reviewed and approved by the California Polytechnic State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. A body condition index simulating a physical density value described as a ratio of body mass to estimated shell volume (SV) in g/cm3 proposed for use in free-ranging adult desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) is calculated as: 4 body mass, g [Formula A] BCI = carapace length x width x height, cm3 Formula A, without the need for complicated regression equations, can be used to rapidly assess nutritional and hydration status of desert tortoises under field conditions. When applied to desert tortoises through 2 years of above average rainfall, prime BCI (defined as the highest BCI during the study period) averaged 0.64 g/cm.4 Overall, this value did not vary with age, sex, or body size differences.4 The authors believed it to be useful as an initial condition indicator in the field.4,8 However, this formula is limited by the assumption that the shell conforms to a rectangular prism8 (Figure 4). The unoccupied space within the rectangular prism fitted with a domed carapace, overestimates SV, decreasing the BCI below 1. Applying measurements from this group of leopard tortoises, using Formula A, the mean BCI was 0.60 ± 0.02 g/cm3, a value similar though slightly lower than observed in desert tortoises (Figure 5).3 A single, 10 yr old female leopard tortoises had a mean BCI of 0.51 ± 0.03 g/cm3. An alternate equation [Formula B] was investigated for free-ranging Namaqualand speckled padlopers (Homopus signatus signatus).7 This equally practical equation considers the domed carapace shape by using half of an ellipsoidal volume calculation (Figure 8). 6 x body mass, g [Formula B] BCI = π x SCL x PW x CH, cm3 Over a 5 yr period, springtime BCI for wild Namaqualand speckled padloper males, females, and juveniles using Formula B was 1.05, 1.08, and 1.02, respectively7. In the same study, seasonal fluctuations were substantial (up to 18% change in females). It was suggested the increase in female BCI in spring may have been associated with springtime nesting.7 Application the formula to previous studies of desert tortoises and pond turtles produced similar body densities of 1.17 and 1.13 g/cm3, respectively. Evaluation of Formulas A and B in other chelonian species has been suggested7. Using Formula B, with measurements from this group of leopard tortoises, mean BCI = 1.15 ± .05 g/cm3. The individual 10 yr old female had a mean BCI = 0.97 ± 0.05 g/cm3 using Formula B. A relationship of 1g of body mass per cm3 is rational, as the density of water is 1g/cm3. To the authors’ knowledge, these body condition indices have not been evaluated in conjunction with other direct or indirect measurements of body composition. The values produced using Formulas A and B are relative, and should not be used as true indications of body condition. Further evaluation of these formulas through body composition studies would provide crucial information for their evaluation and practical use with tortoises. Acknowledgments The authors wish to express their sincere appreciation to the following: the Smithsonian National Zoological Park for donation of animals to the California Polytechnic State University teaching and research program; PMI Nutrition International / Mazuri® for their contributions supporting the California Polytechnic State University Comparative Animal Nutrition program; the California Polytechnic State University Mathematics Department for assistance with equation analysis, and the California Polytechnic State University Animal Science students that provide daily expert animal care. LITERATURE CITED 1. Bjorndal, KA, Bolten, AB, Chaloupka, MY. 2000. Green turtle somatic growth model: evidence for density dependence. Ecological Applications. 10(1):269-282. 2. Grubb, P. 1971. The growth, ecology and population structure of giant tortoises on Aldabra. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. 260:327-372. 3. Higgins C, Edwards MS. 2009. Application of allometric field metabolic rate equations to predict energy and food requirements of leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis). Proceedings of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association Nutrition Advisory Group. Tulsa OK. 4. Nagy, KA, Henen, BT, Vyas, DB, Wallis, IR. 2002. A condition index for the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). Chelonian Conservation Biology. 4(2):425-429. 5. Lambert, MRK. 1995. On geographical size variation, growth, and sexual dimorphism of the leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis, in Somaliland. Chelonian Conservation and Biology. 1(4):269-278. 6. Lambert, MRK, Campbell, KLI, Kabigumila, JD. 1998. On growth and morphometrics of leopard tortoises, Geochelone pardalis, in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with observations on effects of bushfires and latitudinal variation in populations of eastern Africa. 1998. Chelonian Conservation and Biology. 3(1):46-57. 7. Loehr, VJT, Hofmeyr, MD, Henen, BT. 2007. Annual variation in the body condition of a small, arid-zone tortoise, Homopus signatus signatus. Journal of Arid Environments. 71:337-349. 8. Stevenson, RD, Woods, Jr, WA. 2006. Condition indices for conservation: new uses for evolving tools. Integrative and Comparative Biology. 46(6):1169-1190. 9. Willemsen, RE, Hailey, A. 2002. Body mass condition in Greek tortoises: regional and interspecific variation. Herpetological Journal. 12:105-114. 10. Willemsen, RE, Hailey, A, Longepierre, S, Grenot, C. 2002. Body mass condition and management of captive European tortoises. Herpetological Journal. 12:115-121. Figure 1. Application of a modified fish Figure 2. Measurement of plastron width board to measure midline straight carapace (PW) of a juvenile leopard tortoise length (MSCL) of a juvenile leopard (Geochelone pardalis). tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) Figure 3. Measurement of carapace height Figure 4. The relationship of the area of a (CH) of a juvenile leopard tortoise rectangular prism to the volume of a (Geochelone pardalis). juvenile leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) shell. Figure 6. Relationship of a half ellipsoid to the volume of a juvenile leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis). Figure 5. Mean (± s.d) body condition index of 18, 5 yr old leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis) using two different formulas developed to characterize body condition in tortoises.a,b Formula A Formula B (rectangular prism) (half-ellipsoid) Tortoise ID Mean ± s.d Mean ± s.d. 307094 0.59 0.01 1.12 0.03 307097 0.61 0.01 1.17 0.03 307098 0.61 0.01 1.16 0.02 307099 0.57 0.02 1.09 0.04 307100 0.60 0.02 1.15 0.04 307101 0.61 0.02 1.17 0.04 307102 0.63 0.02 1.21 0.04 307103 0.61 0.02 1.16 0.04 307104 0.59 0.02 1.12 0.03 307105 0.61 0.01 1.16 0.03 307106 0.63 0.01 1.20 0.03 307107 0.61 0.02 1.16 0.03 307109 0.60 0.02 1.14 0.04 307110 0.62 0.02 1.19 0.03 307111 0.59 0.02 1.13 0.04 307112 0.61 0.02 1.17 0.04 307113 0.58 0.01 1.11 0.02 307114 0.57 0.02 1.10 0.04 aFormula A (BCI) = body mass, g / carapace length x width x height, cm3 bFormula B (BCI) = 6 x body mass, g / π x SCL x PW x CH, cm3 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Conservation Biology of Tortoises
    The Conservation Biology of Tortoises Edited by Ian R. Swingland and Michael W. Klemens IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology Occasional Papers of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) No. 5 IUCN—The World Conservation Union IUCN Species Survival Commission Role of the SSC 3. To cooperate with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is IUCN's primary source of the in developing and evaluating a data base on the status of and trade in wild scientific and technical information required for the maintenance of biological flora and fauna, and to provide policy guidance to WCMC. diversity through the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species of 4. To provide advice, information, and expertise to the Secretariat of the fauna and flora, whilst recommending and promoting measures for their con- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna servation, and for the management of other species of conservation concern. and Flora (CITES) and other international agreements affecting conser- Its objective is to mobilize action to prevent the extinction of species, sub- vation of species or biological diversity. species, and discrete populations of fauna and flora, thereby not only maintain- 5. To carry out specific tasks on behalf of the Union, including: ing biological diversity but improving the status of endangered and vulnerable species. • coordination of a programme of activities for the conservation of biological diversity within the framework of the IUCN Conserva- tion Programme. Objectives of the SSC • promotion of the maintenance of biological diversity by monitor- 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Aldabrachelys Arnoldi (Bour 1982) – Arnold's Giant Tortoise
    Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation ProjectTestudinidae of the IUCN/SSC — AldabrachelysTortoise and Freshwater arnoldi Turtle Specialist Group 028.1 A.G.J. Rhodin, P.C.H. Pritchard, P.P. van Dijk, R.A. Saumure, K.A. Buhlmann, J.B. Iverson, and R.A. Mittermeier, Eds. Chelonian Research Monographs (ISSN 1088-7105) No. 5, doi:10.3854/crm.5.028.arnoldi.v1.2009 © 2009 by Chelonian Research Foundation • Published 18 October 2009 Aldabrachelys arnoldi (Bour 1982) – Arnold’s Giant Tortoise JUSTIN GERLACH 1 1133 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7BX, United Kingdom [[email protected]] SUMMARY . – Arnold’s giant tortoise, Aldabrachelys arnoldi (= Dipsochelys arnoldi) (Family Testudinidae), from the granitic Seychelles, is a controversial species possibly distinct from the Aldabra giant tortoise, A. gigantea (= D. dussumieri of some authors). The species is a morphologi- cally distinctive morphotype, but has so far not been genetically distinguishable from the Aldabra tortoise, and is considered synonymous with that species by many researchers. Captive reared juveniles suggest that there may be a genetic basis for the morphotype and more detailed genetic work is needed to elucidate these relationships. The species is the only living saddle-backed tortoise in the Seychelles islands. It was apparently extirpated from the wild in the 1800s and believed to be extinct until recently purportedly rediscovered in captivity. The current population of this morphotype is 23 adults, including 18 captive adult males on Mahé Island, 5 adults recently in- troduced to Silhouette Island, and one free-ranging female on Cousine Island. Successful captive breeding has produced 138 juveniles to date.
    [Show full text]
  • (Geochelone Pardalis) on Farmland in the Nama-Karoo
    THE STATUS AND ECOLOGY OF THE LEOPARD TORTOISE (GEOCHELONE PARDALIS) ON FARMLAND IN THE NAMA-KAROO MEGAN KAY McMASTER Submitted in fulfilment ofthe academic requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE School ofBotany and Zoology University ofNatal Pieterrnaritzburg March 2001 Preface The experimental work described in this dissertation was carried out in the School of Botany and Zoology, University ofNatal, Pietermaritzburg, from November 1997 to March 2001, under the supervision ofDr. Colleen T. Downs. This study is the original work ofthe author and has not been submitted in any form for any diploma or degree to another university. Where use has been made ofthe work of others, it is duly acknowledged in the text. Each chapter is written in the format ofthe journal it has been submitted to. ..fj~K'. Megan Kay McMaster Pietermaritzburg March 2001 11 This thesis is dedicated to myfather, the late Eric Ralph McMaster, for his constant encouragement and beliefin me, and to my brother, the late Gregory CIifton McMaster,for always making me smile. III Abstract The Family Testudinidae (Suborder Cryptodira) is represented by 40 species worldwide and reaches its greatest diversity in southern Africa, where 14 species occur (33%), ten of which are endemic to the subcontinent. Despite the strong representation ofterrestrial tortoise species in southern Africa, and the importance ofthe Karoo as a centre of endemism ofthese tortoise species, there is a paucity ofecological information for most tortoise species in South Africa. With chelonians being protected in < 15% ofall southern African reserves it is necessary to find out more about the ecological requirements, status, population dynamics and threats faced by South African tortoise species to enable the formulation ofeffective conservation measures.
    [Show full text]
  • Leopard Tortoise Stigmochelys Pardalis
    Leopard Tortoise Stigmochelys pardalis Class: Sauropsida Order: Chelonia Family: Testudinidae Characteristics: The leopard tortoise is the fourth largest tortoise species in the world. They get their name from their color pattern on the elevated carapace, or shell. The rings of yellow, tan, and brown resemble leopard spots. These tortoises can reach up to two feet in length and weigh up to 80 pounds (National Zoo). Tortoises lack ears, but can sense vibrations from the surrounding environment. They also lack teeth, but have a sharp beak for tearing into foods. These tortoises are well adapted to hot, arid areas (Maryland Zoo). Range & Habitat: Leopard tortoises are found in Behavior: sub-Saharan Africa, from Sudan Leopard tortoises are considered crepuscular. They try to seek shade and south to the Cape Province of avoid activity during the hottest parts of the day in the savannah sun. They South Africa. They are often found spend most of their time grazing on grasses (Maryland Zoo). If threatened, in savannah grasslands (Reptile a leopard tortoise has been known to poop on its predator. Males compete Database). for females during mating season by pushing each other until one is flipped upside down (National Zoo). Reproduction: Females will dig a nest about one foot deep and will lay up to 30 eggs in the nest. The eggs will hatch about 18 months after they are laid. Neither the male nor female are involved in parenting the offspring. Diet: Wild: grasses and succulents (prickly pear cactus) Zoo: mixed greens, sweet potato, apple, carrot, tomato, oranges, clovite, Lifespan: over 100 years in hay, tortoise pellet.
    [Show full text]
  • Leopard Tortoise Care
    RVC Exotics Service Royal Veterinary College Royal College Street London NW1 0TU T: 0207 554 3528 F: 0207 388 8124 www.rvc.ac.uk/BSAH LEOPARD TORTOISE CARE Leopard tortoises are large tortoises, originating from the grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. It is essential not to underestimate the space and resources needed to look after these tortoises which will grow very large. It is important to note that these tortoises do not hibernate. HOUSING • Tortoises make poor vivarium subjects. Ideally a floor pen or tortoise table should be created. This needs to have solid sides (1 foot high) for most tortoises. Many are made out of wood or plastic. As large an area as possible should be provided, but as the size increases extra basking sites will need to be provided. For a small juvenile at least 90 cm (3 feet) long x 30 cm (1 foot) wide is recommended. This is required to enable a thermal gradient to be created along the length of the tank (hot to cold). • Hides are required to provide some security. Artificial plants, cardboard boxes, plant pots, logs or commercially available hides can be used. They should be placed both at the warm and cooler ends of the tank. • Substrates suitable for housing tortoises include newspaper, Astroturf, and some of the commercially available substrates. Natural substrate such as soil may also be used to allow for digging. It is important that the substrates either cannot be eaten, or if they are, do not cause blockages as this can prove fatal. Wood chip based substrates should never be used for this reason.
    [Show full text]
  • Keeping and Breeding Leopard Tortoises (Geochelone Pardalis)
    Keeping and breeding Leopard Tortoises Keeping and breeding Leopard Tortoises (Geochelone pardalis). Part 1. Egg-laying, incubation, and care of hatchlings ROBERT BUSTARD HIS captive-breeding/husbandry article on a length of about 15cm (6"). At this time they will Tvery beautiful — indeed magnificent-looking court females assiduously. Females are — tortoise, resulted from a discussion at Council considerably larger, however, before they in October 2001 on the inadequate number of commence breeding with the result that these practical articles on keeping the various species of newly sexually mature males have trouble in reptiles and amphibians being submitted to The mounting them successfully. Although female Herpetological Bulletin. I at once had a `whip leopards take on average a couple of years longer round' getting everyone present to undertake to than males to reach sexual maturity, size/weight is write an article on some topic of their competence. always a much more reliable guide than age in I then asked Council what they wanted me to reptiles and females can be expected to commence write. I think it was Barry Pomfret who actually breeding around a weight of 8kg. `roped me in' for this topic as he said there were a Because of the leopards' highly-domed lot of people keeping 'leopards' these days. Partly carapace males need to be sufficiently large to be I was to blame, as I had said that they were able to successfully mount any given female. `boring', and didn't do much and — insult of Enthusiasm is not enough! As is common in insults — that one would be as good with some tortoises, optimistic males will usually select the garden gnome leopards as with the real thing! largest female on offer.
    [Show full text]
  • TESTUDINIDAE Geochelone Chilensis
    n REPTILIA: TESTUDINES: TESTUDINIDAE Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. Ernst, C.H. 1998. Geochelone chilensis. Geochelone chilensis (Gray) Chaco Tortoise Testudo (Gopher) chilensis Gray 1870a: 190. Type locality, "Chili [Chile, South America]. " Restricted to Mendoza. Ar- gentina by Boulenger (1 889) without explanation (see Com- ments). Syntypes, Natural History Museum. London (BMNH), 1947.3.5.8-9, two stuffed juveniles; specimens missing as of August 1998 (fide C.J. McCarthy and C.H. Ernst, see Comments)(not examined by author). Testudo orgentinu Sclater 1870:47 1. See Comments. Testrrdo chilensis: Philippi 1872:68. Testrrrlo (Pamparestrrdo) chilensis: Lindholm 1929:285. Testucin (Chelonoidis) chilensis: Williams 1 950:22. Geochelone chilensis: Williams 1960: 10. First use of combina- tion. Geochelone (Che1onoide.r) chilensis: Auffenberg 197 1 : 1 10. Geochelone donosoharro.si Freiberg 1973533. Type locality, "San Antonio [Oeste], Rio Negro [Province, Argentina]." Ho- lotype, U.S. Natl. Mus. (USNM) 192961, adult male. col- lected by S. Narosky. 22 April 1971 (examined by author). Geochelone petersi Freibeg 197386. Type locality. "Kishka, La Banda. Santiago del Estero [Province, Argentina]." Ho- lotype, USNM 192959. subadult male, collected by J.J. Mar- n cos, 5 May 197 1 (examined by author). Geochelone ootersi: Freiberzm 1973:9 1. E-r errore. Geochelone (Chelonoidis) d1ilensi.s: Auffenberg 1974: 148. MAP. The circle marks the type locality; dots indicate other selected Geochelone ckilensis chilensis: Pritchard 1979:334. records: stars indicate fossil records. Geochelone ckilensis donosoburro.si: Pritchard 1979:335. Chelorroidis chilensis: Bour 1980:546. Geocheloni perersi: Freibeg 1984:30: growth annuli surround the slightly raised vertebral and pleural Chelorioidis donosoharrosi: Cei 1986: 148.
    [Show full text]
  • Movement, Home Range and Habitat Use in Leopard Tortoises (Stigmochelys Pardalis) on Commercial
    Movement, home range and habitat use in leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) on commercial farmland in the semi-arid Karoo. Martyn Drabik-Hamshare Submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Discipline of Ecological Sciences School of Life Sciences College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg Campus 2016 ii ABSTRACT Given the ever-increasing demand for resources due to an increasing human population, vast ranges of natural areas have undergone land use change, either due to urbanisation or production and exploitation of resources. In the semi-arid Karoo of southern Africa, natural lands have been converted to private commercial farmland, reducing habitat available for wildlife. Furthermore, conversion of land to energy production is increasing, with areas affected by the introduction of wind energy, solar energy, or hydraulic fracturing. Such widespread changes affects a wide range of animal and plant communities. Southern Africa hosts the highest diversity of tortoises (Family: Testudinidae), with up to 18 species present in sub-Saharan Africa, and 13 species within the borders of South Africa alone. Diversity culminates in the Karoo, whereby up to five species occur. Tortoises throughout the world are undergoing a crisis, with at least 80 % of the world’s species listed at ‘Vulnerable’ or above. Given the importance of many tortoise species to their environments and ecosystems— tortoises are important seed dispersers, whilst some species produce burrows used by numerous other taxa—comparatively little is known about certain aspects relating to their ecology: for example spatial ecology, habitat use and activity patterns.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Billing Code: 3410-34-P Department Of
    This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on 06/10/2013 and available online at http://federalregister.gov/a/2013-13682, and on FDsys.gov BILLING CODE: 3410-34-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS-2013-0028] Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Interstate Movement of Certain Land Tortoises AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Extension of approval of an information collection; comment request. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with regulations for the interstate movement of certain land tortoises. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before [Insert date 60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register]. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2013-0028-0001. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2013- 0028, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. 1 Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2013-0028 or in our reading room, which is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • The Rarest Tortoise on Earth David Curl
    The rarest tortoise on earth David Curl The Madagascan tortoise Geochelone from the Oryx 100% Fund, the author, yniphora, known locally as the 'angonoka', is together with Ian Scoones, Mike Guy and found only near isolated patches of bamboo Gilbert Rakotoarisoa, has recently carried out forest in the vicinity of Baly Bay in north- a survey of the area. In this article, he western Madagascar. As part of an Oxford discusses the conservation of this highly University Expedition, and with some help endangered animal. The angonoka, or angulated tortoise (Dauid Curl). Rarest tortoise on earth 35 Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.35.229, on 02 Oct 2021 at 01:46:58, subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605300025898 One hundred years after its first description by (IUCN) has declared the tortoise to be one of the Vaillant in 1885, the angonoka Geochelone 12 rarest animals on earth. yniphora is now believed to be the world's rarest tortoise. It was not until the turn of the century that its natural location, in north-western Distribution Madagascar, was discovered (Siebenrock, 1903), Today, there are five different tortoises to be and since then little has been written about the found in Madagascar. The hinged tortoise Kinixys tortoise. A few visits to Baly Bay in the early/mid- belliana may well have been brought over from 1970s gave little cause for optimism and, as a the African mainland in comparatively recent result, a total population estimate of between a times, but the remaining four species have been few dozen and 100 animals was made (IUCN/ evolving in isolation for millions of years.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Register/Vol. 66, No. 137/Tuesday, July 17, 2001/Rules
    Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2001 / Rules and Regulations 37125 of this section, the scope of the by providing that only an accredited veterinarian and found free of ticks. reopened proceeding shall be limited to veterinarian may sign the certificate. This action was necessary to enable the a determination of the alien’s eligibility This action is necessary to enable the export, interstate commerce, health care, for suspension of deportation or export, interstate commerce, health care, and adoption of these types of tortoises cancellation of removal pursuant to and adoption of these types of tortoises while providing protection against the section 309(h)(1) of IIRIRA, as amended while providing protection against the spread of exotic ticks known to be by section 1505(c) of the LIFE Act spread of exotic ticks known to be vectors of heartwater disease. Amendments. vectors of heartwater disease. This We solicited comments on our second (3) If the Board has jurisdiction and action will also relieve an unnecessary interim rule for 60 days, ending grants only the motion to reopen filed burden on Federal veterinarians. September 19, 2000. We received two pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section, EFFECTIVE DATE: July 17, 2001. comments by that date. They were from a State department of agriculture and an it shall remand the case to the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Immigration Court solely for D. D. Wilson, Senior Staff Entomologist, association. We discuss the comments adjudication of the application for Emergency Programs, VS, APHIS, 4700 we received on the second interim rule, as well as comments we received on the suspension of deportation or River Road Unit 41, Riverdale, MD first interim rule that were not cancellation of removal pursuant to 20737–1231; (301) 734–8073.
    [Show full text]
  • Astrochelys Yniphora)
    Herpetology Notes, volume 7: 685-688 (2014) (published online on 17 November 2014) New data on the naturally-occurring maximum sizes attained by Ploughshare Tortoises (Astrochelys yniphora) Angelo Mandimbihasina1 and Andrea Currylow2,* As part of larger studies in January, April, and May extreme demand in the illicit trade and incited poaching 2013, we recorded morphometrics on 127 Ploughshare from the wild, making it truly the “golden tortoise”. Tortoises (Astrochelys yniphora) (Vaillant 1885) and As in many turtle species, the Ploughshare Tortoise found previous reports of morphometrics to be lacking exhibits sexual dimorphism, and sexes can be the breadth of size this species can achieve. The distinguished via secondary sexual characteristics. As Ploughshare Tortoise is the largest extant tortoise in compared to females, male characters include overall Madagascar; however, it has previously been described longer carapaces, elongated gular scute, concave as reaching morphometrics that fall up to 36% short of plastron, longer tail, and longer anal fork. In contrast, our findings. Using data presented herein, we propose females have shorter upturned gular scute, flat plastron, to update and add to the current species description, and wider anal notch which allows egg passage. Adult offering a new standard metric for size. Ploughshare Tortoise straight carapace length (SCL) The Ploughshare Tortoise (known locally as is described as being 250–486 mm (Juvik et al., 1997; “Angonoka”) is endemic to Baly Bay National Park Smith et al., 1999; Pedrono, and Markwell, 2001). In in northwest Madagascar. The species is known as the 2001, Pedrono and Markwell reported the maximum rarest and most endangered tortoise in the world (Curl size and weight known among both male and female et al., 1985; Curl, 1986).
    [Show full text]