Exotic Turtles Research Articles

Anthropic influence on chelonian composition in a metropolitan region of Southern Brazil

Knowledge about chelonians in Brazil remains limited, especially concerning basic research on these organisms. Considered one of the most threatened vertebrate group, chelonians are negatively affected by different factors such as anthropic pressure. Therefore, this study had two main goals: to describe the freshwater turtle assemblage within the urban and periurban area of Maringá and Sarandi, Southern Brazil, as well as to compare turtle composition between areas accessed by people and inaccessible areas. Fieldwork was conducted in six sites in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2021, employing four different methods to record turtles. A total of five species were registered, whith two native to the region (Hydromedusa tectifera, Phrynops geoffroanus) and three exotic taxa (Trachemys dorbigni, Trachemys scripta elegans, Platemys platycephala platycephala). The most abundant species was T. dorbigni (n=162), followed by P. geoffroanus (n=140) and T. scripta elegans (n=95). To analyze the anthropic influence on the turtle composition, standardized samplings were conducted in two accessed and two inaccessible areas and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) was performed. The results revealed a strong relationship between the human presence in the areas and the occurrence of exotic turtles. The two alien taxa (T. dorbigni and T. scripta elegans) represented 74.5% of all chelonians analyzed, indicating a worrying scenario for the urban ecosystem.

New data regarding the distribution and status of the herpetofauna from urban and peri-urban habitats in the city of Pitești, Argeș county (Romania)

Identifying urban and peri-urban areas inhabited by species of reptiles and amphibians represents the first step in understanding how herpetofauna can adapt to anthropogenic factors. This is particularly true for regions where sampling biases have left significant gaps in our knowledge of fauna distribution, such as Romania. The aim of the study is to show my preliminary observations on the herpetofauna and its use of habitats in the urban and peri-urban environments from the city of Pitești, Argeș County, located in southern Romania. I identified nine species of amphibians (Salamandra salamandra, Lissotriton vulgaris, Triturus cristatus, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo, Bufotes viridis, Hyla orientalis, Pelophylax ridibundus and Rana dalmatina) and nine species of reptiles (Emys orbicularis, Trachemys scripta, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis, Anguis colchica, Coronella austriaca, Natrix natrix and Natrix tessellata). The most abundent species in urban environments were Podarcis muralis and Bufotes viridis, with other species naturally present in the same habitats being Lacerta viridis, Hyla orientalis and Bufo bufo. In an artificial urban pond there were present Emys orbicularis and the invasive species Trachemys scripta (together with other exotic turtles belonging to other genera) as a result of translocation and releases. When taking into account the peri-urban areas as well, the most abundant species in the study area were Bombina variegata, Rana dalmatina and Bufotes viridis, the first two being limited to the woodland area. The most widespread species were Hyla orientalis, Bufotes viridis, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis and Natrix natrix. These widespread species were present throughout all the study area. I have also recorded some species of reptiles with very few observations in the Argeș County: Natrix tessellata and Trachemys scripta. Finally, I identified anthropogenic factors that negatively impact the herpetofauna, such as habitat loss, direct persecution, road mortality, invasive species and poaching.

Modelling the Distribution of Three Invasive Freshwater Turtles in Mainland Guadeloupe: Analysis of Their Presence, Abundance and Co-Occurrence

The presence of invasive alien species in Caribbean islands is symptomatic of deleterious human impacts on ecosystems. In Guadeloupe, three invasive freshwater turtles (Pelusios castaneus, Trachemys stejnegeri and T. scripta) have been introduced, from colonial times up to the 20th century. However, little information exists on their current distribution and relative abundance. We surveyed 62 undrained sites in Guadeloupe to identify the presence and relative abundance of exotic freshwater turtles from visual observations. We then relied on statistical models to identify factors affecting spatial variation in turtle occupancy (presence/absence) rate and abundance. We found significant positive spatial co-occurrence between the two Trachemys species, suggesting that they tend to select similar habitats and to be active at the same time. In contrast, the spatial distribution of the two Trachemys species appeared to be independent of that of P. castaneus. Model selection indicated that the degree of anthropization around survey sites had contrasting effects on both the presence and abundance of turtles, being positive for Trachemys species and negative for P. castaneus. A comparison with previous reports indicated that Trachemys species have extended their spatial distribution in Guadeloupe and may have become more abundant than P. castaneus. We discuss the relevance of our results to the understanding of the invasion dynamics of exotic turtles and make recommendations for future research.

Domestic Reutilization Status of Invasive Turtle Species in South Korea Based on Trachemys scripta

This study was conducted to determine the reutilization, distribution, and import status of invasive alien turtles in South Korea. The results showed that a total of nine invasive alien turtle species including Trachemys scripta, which is designated as an ecosystem disturbing species (EDS), were traded in the traditional market, and 84 of 169 turtles registered through the National Animal Welfare Information System were reintroduced to new breeders. Additionally, the distribution of invasive alien turtles was confirmed at 341 points in 109 cities, and we found that, on average, 7 tons of non-indigenous turtles are imported annually from over 20 countries to South Korea. These results indicate the urgent need for efficient management of invasive turtles in South Korea. Therefore, we suggest (1) activating a purchase program of EDS through local governments, (2) establishing links with research institutions and experts to improve the initial species identification accuracy of the National Animal Welfare Information System, (3) establishing a follow-up management system after the designation of EDS, and (4) providing a free collection service for exotic turtles abandoned by breeders. Finally, this study provided the current distribution of invasive alien turtles in South Korea and the exotic turtle import status over 21 years.

First report of hybridization between <em>Mauremys leprosa</em> and <em>Mauremys sinensis</em> highlights the risk of exotic <em>Mauremys</em> spp. pet trade

The global exponential growth in the number of exotic turtle species exploited in the pet trade market facilitates hybridization events between distantly related species. The 1997 EU trade ban on red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans), followed by the Spanish ban on all T. scripta subspecies in 2011, resulted in the importation of other chelonians (e.g. Graptemys spp., Pseudemys spp., Mauremys spp.), mainly from America and Asia to Spain. The importation of the Chinese stripe-necked pond turtle, Mauremys sinensis, via the pet trade market resulted in its release into natural environments across Europe, including the Iberian Peninsula where it co-occurs with the Western Mediterranean pond turtle, Mauremys leprosa. We maintained three M. leprosa females and two M. sinensis males in captivity, and analysed the obtained offspring (two hatchlings) with mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and nuclear (R35) genetic markers. Both morphological (i.e. with intermediate morphological characters) and genetic (heterozygous hatchlings) results confirmed the hybridization between these two species and raise concern about the negative effects of acclimatised Mauremys sinensis across the Mauremys leprosa range.

E-commerce promotes trade in invasive turtles in China

AbstractFreshwater habitats in China are potentially suitable for invasive alien turtle species and, consequently, raising turtles in aquaculture facilities and the trade in turtles this supplies pose risks to habitats and native wetland communities when exotic turtles escape or are released deliberately. Online trade (e-commerce) is making an increasing contribution to turtle sales in China, seemingly driving demand and thus potentially exacerbating the risk of release. We document the scale and spatial pattern of online sales of non-native turtles over 90 days on China's Taobao.com e-commerce site. The majority of sales were in the ecologically sensitive middle and lower Yangtze river basin (82.35% of > 840,000 slider turtles Trachemys scripta elegans, and 68.26% of > 100,000 snapping turtles, Chelydridae spp.). These species are native to the Americas. Concurrently, over 2008–2018, we found 104 mentions of feral turtle issues listed on Baidu News where, among the 53 prefectures mentioned, issues with invasive turtle populations also focused predominantly in the middle and lower Yangtze river basin. Although circumstantial, this association suggests that the substantial online sale of alien turtles could be having detrimental effects in China's Yangtze river basin. It is important to safeguard these wetland habitats, which are of global importance, by improving policies for detecting and regulating invasive alien turtle issues and by warning consumers about the ecological hazard of their purchases.

A review of the helminths co-introduced with Trachemys scripta elegans – a threat to European native turtle health

Abstract In the 20th century large numbers of exotic turtles Trachemys scripta elegans have been imported into Europe as pets and this has led to frequent introductions into many freshwater ecosystems. Nowadays, established populations of red-eared slider, coexist and compete with the native in Europe species of turtles in the wild. Invasive turtles are a threat to indigenous species because of carriage of many parasites, which are often considered to cause disease emergence and produce high mortality in native hosts. Helminths are the most prominent group introduced with T. s. elegans and due to their host-switching ability have become important co-invaders, a potential threat to indigenous turtle health. The aim of this review was to assess the risks of the transfer of helminths co-introduced with T. s. elegans to native species of European turtles.

Distribution Characteristics of Exotic Turtles in Korean Wild

Distribution Characteristics of Exotic Turtles in Korean Wild

Systematization, Description, and Territory of the Middle Cerebral Artery in Brain Surface of the Turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Background: Trachemys scripta elegans, in Brazil, has been considered an exotic and invasive turtle; it competes with autochthon species for habitat and food, threatening biodiversity. These animals have been exported to Brazil as pets; however, despite of the commercial interest in the last years, there are only few reports about the turtle central nervous system vascularization. Therefore, this study had the objective to describe and systematize the middle cerebral artery at the brain surface of the turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans), determining a standard model of irrigation and the main ramifications and territory, in this species.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty turtles received pre-anesthetic medication composed of ketamine (80 mg/kg) and midazolam (2 mg/kg) followed by euthanasia with a sodium thiopental (100 mg/kg) overdose. The aortic arches were cannulated through the single ventricle, the cranial cava veins were incised and the vascular system washed with saline solution and heparin, and then filled with latex. Pieces remained immersed in running water and a bone window was opened in the cranial vault. Samples were fixed with formaldehyde and each brain with a spinal cord segment was removed from the cranial vault, the duramater was removed and the arteries dissected. Results were recorded and it was observed that the middle cerebral artery, collateral branch of the rostral branch of the internal carotid artery, varied between one to three components. These vessels anastomosed, originating a net that was projected from the base of the brain dorsorostralwards, reaching the convex surface of the olfactory bulb. Their lateral ramifications formed the convex hemispheric arteries, which ascended to the convex surface of the cerebral hemisphere and reached, caudally, the proximities of the caudal pole, anastomosing with the occipital hemispheric branches of the caudal cerebral artery and, dorsally, anastomosed with the caudal medial hemispheric branches of the caudal inter-hemispheric artery. Rostrally, its terminal branches, dorsal and ventral, formed a vascular ring around the coronal sulcus, which separated the cerebral hemisphere from the sessile olfactory bulb together with the rostral medial hemispheric branches of the rostral inter-hemispheric artery, branch of the rostral cerebral artery. The arteries of the olfactory bulb were originated from this ring. The middle cerebral artery in 63.4% of the samples to the right and in 56.7% to the left was double. But in 33.3% to the right and 20% to the left was triple, whereas in 3.3% to the right and in 23.3% to the left was a single vessel.Discussion: Authors reported that the middle cerebral artery, in reptiles, was originated as a single trunk, which subdivided into several arteries or was formed from several short trunks that ramified towards the convex surface of the cerebral hemisphere. In a study about turtles, the middle cerebral artery presented single origin and was emitted from the rostral branch of the internal carotid artery, emitting secondary branches that irrigated a portion of the dorsolateral surface of the cerebral hemispheres. In alligators, the rostral branch of the internal carotid artery originated a large middle cerebral artery, which emitted secondary branches towards the lateral surface of the cerebral hemisphere, continuing as rostral cerebral artery. In Cayman, the middle cerebral artery consisted of a formation of a net originated from one to five vessels, which was projected in sequence as collateral branches of the rostral branch of the internal carotid artery. This pattern of the middle cerebral artery was also observed in Trachemys, however, the net formation of the middle cerebral artery was after the emission of one to three vessels.

Parasitic Enteritis Associated with the Camallanid Nematode Serpinema microcephalus in Wild Invasive Turtles (Trachemys, Pseudemys, Graptemys, and Ocadia) in Spain

This cross-sectional study characterized the prevalence of enteritis associated with Serpinema microcephalus infections in the intestinal tracts of red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans), river cooters (Pseudemys concinna), false map turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica), and Chinese stripe-necked turtles (Ocadia sinensis) in Spain. All four species (three American, one Asiatic) were introduced into Spain through the pet trade. S. microcephalus is an Old World nematode that has been found to parasitize both invasive and native turtles. This parasite causes a significant inflammatory reaction in the intestines of exotic turtles that is not usually seen in native species. Parasites were detected in 27/70 turtles examined (38.6%; 95% confidence interval: 27.2–51%). Total worm counts ranged from 5 to 21. The nematodes were always found in the enteric mucosa of the duodenum and jejunum. The lesions in the turtles varied but included catarrhal to ulcerative enteritis and secondary hemorrhage surrounding the parasitized areas.

Free-living turtles are a reservoir for Salmonella but not for Campylobacter.

Different studies have reported the prevalence of Salmonella in turtles and its role in reptile-associated salmonellosis in humans, but there is a lack of scientific literature related with the epidemiology of Campylobacter in turtles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in free-living native (Emys orbicularis, n=83) and exotic ( Trachemys scripta elegans, n=117) turtles from 11 natural ponds in Eastern Spain. In addition, different types of samples (cloacal swabs, intestinal content and water from Turtle containers) were compared. Regardless of the turtle species, natural ponds where individuals were captured and the type of sample taken, Campylobacter was not detected. Salmonella was isolated in similar proportions in native (8.0±3.1%) and exotic (15.0±3.3%) turtles (p=0.189). The prevalence of Salmonella positive turtles was associated with the natural ponds where animals were captured. Captured turtles from 8 of the 11 natural ponds were positive, ranged between 3.0±3.1% and 60.0±11.0%. Serotyping revealed 8 different serovars among four Salmonella enterica subspecies: S. enterica subsp. enterica (n = 21), S. enterica subsp. salamae (n = 2), S. enterica subsp. diarizonae (n = 3), and S. enterica subsp. houtenae (n = 1). Two serovars were predominant: S. Thompson (n=16) and S . typhimurium (n=3). In addition, there was an effect of sample type on Salmonella detection. The highest isolation of Salmonella was obtained from intestinal content samples (12.0±3.0%), while lower percentages were found for water from the containers and cloacal swabs (8.0±2.5% and 3.0±1.5%, respectively). Our results imply that free-living turtles are a risk factor for Salmonella transmission, but do not seem to be a reservoir for Campylobacter . We therefore rule out turtles as a risk factor for human campylobacteriosis. Nevertheless, further studies should be undertaken in other countries to confirm these results.

Effects of body temperature on righting performance of native and invasive freshwater turtles: Consequences for competition

Righting behavior of aquatic turtles might be subject to coadaptation pressures between preferred basking temperature and locomotion, given that it is mainly performed on land and may critically determine the survival of turtles. We analyzed the effect of body temperature (Tb) on righting performance of two species of freshwater turtles, the endangered native Spanish terrapin (Mauremys leprosa), and the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), an introduced invasive species that is displacing native turtles in the Iberian Peninsula. Interspecific differences in morphology, basking requirements and behavioral responses have been found between Spanish terrapins and introduced sliders. Therefore, we hypothesized that Tb might differentially affect righting behavior of these two turtle species. We found a clear effect of Tb on righting response of both M. leprosa and T. scripta, with the performance enhanced at the preferred basking temperature of each turtle species. These results suggest that righting might be coadapted to preferred basking temperature in freshwater turtles. Also, M. leprosa required longer times to right on average than T. scripta, which denotes a higher efficiency of introduced sliders at righting performance. These interspecific behavioral asymmetries in righting performance between native and exotic turtles might contribute to the greater competitive ability of introduced T. scripta, favoring the expansion of exotic sliders in the new environments in which they are introduced, in detriment to native Spanish terrapins.

Does the exotic invader turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, compete for food with coexisting native turtles?

AbstractNowadays, established populations of exotic turtles, Trachemys scripta elegans, coexist with native turtles in the wild in southern Spain. We analysed the diet of this exotic species and compared it with the diet of the two native species (Mauremys leprosa and Emys orbicularis) in two ponds. The exotic turtle is an opportunistic omnivore. In one of our study ponds where exotic invasive crayfish were very abundant, adult and juvenile exotic turtles fed mainly on this prey. In the other study pond, juveniles fed mainly on animal matter and adults ate similar proportions of plants and animals. Native turtles also ingested mainly crayfish in the first study pond, but M. leprosa were mainly herbivorous in the second pond. We did not detect strong differences among the diets of the three species. While native species significantly differ in their diets, the exotic turtles did not differ from some groups of native ones. Exotic turtles had the widest range of food, overlapping the food spectra of different age groups of the two native species in both localities. Comparing with previous reports on native turtles diet of the same area, our results did not reveal changes in the diet which could be associated to interactions with exotic turtles, but the observed shift to a higher proportion of animals in the diet in one of the ponds were mainly due to the high abundance of exotic crayfish.

Predator recognition of native but not invasive turtle predators by naïve anuran tadpoles

The impact of alien predators on prey populations is well known by conservation biologists, but little attention has been paid to the negative effects that the introduction of exotic predators may have on native predators through competition for food. In the Iberian Peninsula, the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans, and other exotic freshwater turtles have been introduced, competing and displacing the native endangered terrapins (the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, and the Spanish terrapin, Mauremys leprosa). Although the nature of competitive interactions remains unclear, direct competition for food is likely to occur. Both native and invasive freshwater turtles are common predators of amphibian tadpoles. Naive amphibian tadpoles are known to recognize and respond to local predators with no prior experience, but tadpoles might not recognize new predatory species, since they have not shared a long evolutionary history with them. We examined the ability of four species of Iberian anuran tadpoles to recognize and respond to chemical cues from invasive and native freshwater predatory turtles. Three of the four tadpole species tested reduced their swimming activity when cues from native turtles were present in water, but not when cues belonged to exotic turtles. This inability of tadpole prey to respond innately to chemicals from introduced predatory turtles might be one of the causes that explains the displacement of native populations of Iberian terrapins by invasive exotic turtles, and may help clarify why alien predators sometimes prosper better in new habitats than locally adapted predators.

New Geographic Distribution Records and Host Specificity of Placobdella ali (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae)

Placobdella ali Huges and Siddall, 2007 has not been reported since its original description based on 3 specimens from Silver Mine Lake in Orange County, New York. The finding of 3 populations of P. ali in Connecticut along with further collection of this species from its type locality facilitated an investigation of host use by this leech, molecular characterization of the species, and observations on its natural history. Placobdella ali commonly occurred on substrate in Silver Mine Lake in Orange County, New York, and Clark's Pond and North Farms Reservoir in New Haven County, Connecticut. A single specimen was found in Lake Wintergreen in New Haven County, Connecticut. Placobdella ali was represented by individuals of a light-colored form and a melanic or dark-colored form. Sequences of 2 mitochondrial genes, CO-I and ND-1, were virtually identical among individuals from Connecticut and New York populations, as well as between the 2 color morphs. Placobdella ali was collected from 10 of 15 (66.7%) American snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) in North Farms Reservoir. This observation in conjunction with the absence of P. ali on 55 eastern painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) suggests a fairly high degree of host specificity. Two species of exotic turtles, 3 red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), and a single southern painted turtle (Chrysemys dorsalis), which is a state record for Connecticut, indicate the potential of introduction of exotic turtles as a vehicle for the introduction of exotic leeches. One of the 3 (33.3%) red-eared sliders was infested with a single individual of P. ali.

Competitive interactions during basking between native and invasive freshwater turtle species

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is currently introduced in many Mediterranean countries, where it behaves as an invasive species that competes and displaces native populations of the endangered Spanish terrapin (Mauremys leprosa). However, the nature of competitive interactions is relatively unknown. During basking activity, factors like greater body size or pre-existing behavioral adaptations to an original habitat with higher levels of interspecific competition might confer competitive advantages to introduced T. scripta with respect to native terrapins. We hypothesized that competition for basking places with the introduced T. scripta might negatively affect the efficiency of basking and thermoregulation of the native Spanish terrapin. We experimentally analyzed the basking activity of T. scripta and M. leprosa under occasional and long-term situations of intra- and inter-specific competition. Native M. leprosa subjected to interspecific competition reduced their basking activity, basked for shorter periods than T. scripta, and avoided basking stacked with the exotic turtles. These results suggested the displacement from the basking sites of the native terrapin by the introduced T. scripta. The decreased basking activity of native M. leprosa when competing directly for basking places with introduced sliders may lead native terrapins to a loss in the efficiency of physiological functions related to ineffective thermoregulation, such as digestion or locomotor performance, thus favoring the expansion of the invasive species.

Helminth communities of the exotic introduced turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans in southwestern Spain: Transmission from native turtles

We report the prevalence and diversity of helminth parasites found in native turtles Mauremys leprosa and Emys orbicularis from three localities in southwestern Spain and we describe the helminth communities of exotic turtles Trachemys scripta elegans coexisting in the wild with both native turtle species. Five nematodes species were identified, of which Serpinema microcephalus was the only species common between two localities, although infection parameters were different between them. This is the first report of cross transmission of S. microcephalus and Falcaustra donanaensis from native to exotic turtles and the first report of genus Physaloptera in turtles of the Palearctic Region. Continuous releasing of exotic pet turtles in wildlife ecosystems increases the risk of parasite introductions and, consequently, potential transmission to native species, and highlights the impending need for regulation of pet turtle trade in Europe.

Salmonella in free-living exotic and native turtles and in pet exotic turtles from SW Spain

We screened 78 native and 94 exotic turtles from natural ponds and 39 exotic pet turtles for presence of Salmonella, resulting with infection rates of 6.61%, 6.4%, and 5.1%, respectively. Concurrent shedding of multiple serotypes of the bacteria was only detected in one pet turtle. Eleven isolates were obtained in free-living turtles, including serotypes commonly found in reptiles and also the serotype Typhimurium, which is commonly related to human infections. In pet turtles, the five serotypes isolated were different to those isolated in free-living turtles and had been reported to cause reptile-associated salmonellosis in humans. These results confirm the risk of transmission of Salmonella from free-living and pet turtles to humans, demanding the necessity of regulation of pet turtle trade in Europe.

Conserving the Puerto Rican herpetofauna

With a total area of 8900 km2, Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles. It is divided in three physiographic regions or areas of relief: the mountainous interior, the karst region, and the coastal plains and valleys. The island comprises six ecological life zones: subtropical dry forest, subtropical moist forest, subtropical wet forest, subtropical rain forest, lower montane wet forest and lower montane rain forest. The herpetofauna of Puerto Rico consists of 25 species of amphibians (19 native, six introduced) and 56 species of reptiles (52 native, four introduced). The goal of this paper is to describe some of the present studies directed towards the conservation of Puerto Rican herpetofauna. Eleutherodactylus karlschmidti, E. jasperi and E. eneidae have not been seen or heard since 1976, 1981 and 1990, respectively, and are probably extinct. Since 2000, the potential causes of amphibian declines in Puerto Rico have been studied, and a synergistic interaction between climate change (increased dry periods) and disease (chytridiomycosis) have been proposed as an explanation for the patterns observed. Recovery efforts for Peltophryne lemur include a captive-breeding program, reintroductions island-wide educational outreach, protection and restoration of existing habitat, and the creation of new breeding ponds. Among reptiles, the first conservation efforts to protect Epicrates inornatus were limited to trying to halt collection and hunting. However, current strategies to preserve the boa include gathering basic biological information, habitat conservation, and educational outreach. Recent efforts for the conservation of Trachemys s. stejnegeri combine three research approaches to clarify the status of local populations: a mark-recapture-release study, field monitoring of reproductive activity (i. e., nocturnal patrolling to identify nesting activity), and field assessment of the potential impact of introduced species, particularly identification of predatory species and exotic turtles. Recovery initiatives for Cyclura stejnegeri include management of invasive mammals, a headstart program for hatchling iguanas, and the assessment of the etiology of a condition causing blindness in adult iguanas. A reforestation project aimed at recovering a local herpetofaunal assemblage after disturbances in a limestone valley in northern Puerto Rico is discussed. As population sizes of common colonizers such as Eleutherodactylus and Anolis increased, larger forest-interior and predatory species like Epicrates inornatus, Alsophis portoricensis and Anolis cuvieri followed. Finally, the Mona Island marine turtle monitoring program is discussed and compared to other similar programs in Puerto Rico. As these and other similar conservation efforts provide scientifically based management recommendations, we hope to succeed in conserving the diverse herpetofauna that characterizes Puerto Rico.

Confirmation of an established population of exotic turtles in urban Sydney

I investigated whether exotic turtle species were capable of establishing breeding populations in the Sydney area and confirmed that two exotic species were present: Trachemys scripta elegans and Clemmys marmorata. Mature females of both species were recorded with shelled eggs in the oviducts and evidence of nesting by T. s. elegans species was noted. Trachemys scripta elegans were observed in a range of sizes which suggested that it has established a foothold, at least in southern Sydney. Competition from this exotic species could have a detrimental impact on the local species, Chelodina longicollis and Emydura macquarii dharuk.