Sea Turtle Species Research Articles

Nontargeted lipidomics in nesting females of three sea turtle species in Florida by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–HRMS/MS) reveals distinct species-specific lipid signatures

In recent years, the utility of lipidomics has been recognized in environmental toxicology and biomonitoring efforts due to the ubiquitous nature and importance of lipids in many cellular processes including signal transduction, energy storage, and cellular compartmentalization. Additionally, technological advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry have enabled the rapid expansion of the field, creating a surge in interest in comparative studies of lipid metabolism from a Systems Biology standpoint. Here, we adapted a nontargeted lipidomic approach for the study of plasma samples from nesting female leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles in Florida using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. We identified 877 lipids in common between the three species, of which the concentrations for 467 lipids were statistically different between two or more group comparisons. Principal component analysis revealed unique lipidomic signatures associated with each species of turtle, including various glycerophosphatidylcholines, glycerophosphatidylethanolamines, triacylglycerols, and oxidized triacylglycerols that were higher in leatherback sea turtles, diacylglycerols and select glycerophosphatidylinositols which were higher in loggerhead sea turtles, and specific plasmanyl-phosphatidylcholines that were higher in green sea turtles. Our results indicate that lipidomic profiling can be a useful tool for studying lipid metabolism and physiology of different species of sea turtles, while establishing baseline data that may be used as reference in future studies for observation of differences in life stages, for following spatial and temporal trends in nesting turtles, and for investigating population dynamics in response to various stressors.

Niche partitioning between sea turtles in waters of a protected tropical island

Juvenile sea turtles recruit in coastal areas where they act as habitat engineers modifying the coastal landscape through feeding. However, little is known about the coexistence of these mega-vertebrates and their potential competition for resources. In this work, diet, food selectivity, trophic niche width and niche overlap of juveniles of two sympatric sea turtle species (Eretmochelys imbricata and Chelonia mydas) were evaluated from gastric lavages and habitat surveys in a tropical island bay of the southwestern Atlantic. The main items selected by E. imbricata were the zoanthid Zoanthus sociatus, the sponge Chondrilla nucula and red algae while C. mydas showed strong selectivity for red algae, mainly Asparagopsis sp. Species diets differed significantly and niche overlap was low; E. imbricata’s recorded niche was 2.5 times larger than that of C. mydas. We conclude that these two species do not compete for food in a well-preserved environment and that their feeding habits provide favorable conditions for local corals and other benthic groups to prosper by means of foraging on coral-competitors.

Forensic genetic case study: Species identification and traceability of sea turtle caught in illegal trade in Bali, Indonesia

Abstract. Pertiwi NPD, Suhendro MD, Yusmalinda NLA, Putra ING, Putri IGRM, Artinigsih EY, Al Malik MD, Cahyani NKD, Sembiring A. 2020. Forensic genetic case study: Species identification and traceability of sea turtle caught in illegal trade in Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4276-4283. Although known as protected endangered species, sea turtle trade is still occurring, especially in Indonesia. Understanding the species and population origin of sea turtle being sold in the illegal market is crucial for its conservation, where it will reveal the traceability of sea turtle trade to its population origin in the management unit areas. Thus, genetic forensic has been used as a key investigating tool to help with this problem. In this research, we aim to identify the species and population origin of the sea turtle caught and traded in the illegal market in Bali. Of the 20 samples collected from confiscated sea turtle during illegal trade, by-catch, and a traditional restaurant serving sea turtle meat, 17 samples were successfully analyzed and identified using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) methods. The result identified 15 samples as a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), while two samples were olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). Mixed Stock Analysis (MSA) with Bayesian indicated that the green sea turtle caught in illegal trade in Bali is originated mostly from the rookeries populations in Berau (29.98%), Terengganu (17.84%), Sarawak (14.84%), and Ashmore Reef (11.85%). Meanwhile, 18 other locations only showed the MSA value below 2%, including the locations of Penang and Perak, Vietnam, Perhentian, Redang, Pahang, Mersing, Sabah Turtle Island Park (TIP), Sipadan, Coral Sea, western New Caledonia, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island and Guam, northern New Guinea, Gulf of Carpenteria, Scott Reef, West Java, North West Self, Cobourg Peninsula, Cocos Keeling Island. Therefore, the exploitation of sea turtle in Bali will impact the decline in the genetic diversity of sea turtles population Indonesia and adjacent locations. Monitoring and protection of sea turtle species in Bali have to be a high priority because Bali is known as the hub for sea turtle illegal trade, and the exploitation of sea turtle in Bali will have an impact on the sea turtle population in other locations.

Nesting failure of sea turtles in Ecuador - causes of the loss of sea turtle nests: the role of the tide

The nesting environment is known to significantly affect the breeding success of sea turtles. Sandy beach habitats, where sea turtles nest, are frequently affected by high tides and waves on Ecuadorian beaches during windy events. The objectives of this study were: i) to determine the variables that affect nest site selection by two sea turtle species, Eretmochelys imbricata and Chelonia mydas in Ecuador, ii) to compare features of the nesting places of successful vs. failed clutches and iii) to quantify the changes in the intensity and frequency of the tide and its relation to the loss of eggs for the last 10 years. We monitored 15 hawksbill and 26 green turtle nests for two years on five beaches on the mainland coast of Ecuador. The results show that the presence of a dune scarps negatively affected successful nesting, while the proportion of eggs lost was positively associated with road distance, sea distance and nest depth. In addition, the results showed that the loss of eggs was greater for the green turtle, the presence of dune scarps and tides. Finally, using the data available on hatching success over the last 10 years we found a significant relationship between the intensity of the tides and the loss of eggs during this period. We conclude that nest site selection and hatching success vary with beach microhabitats and therefore local information is needed to protect suitable habitats.

Variation in thermal traits describing sex determination and development in Western Australian sea turtle populations

Abstract Both the development rate and sex of sea turtle embryos depend on incubation temperature, as all species of sea turtle are ectotherms and show temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD). Theory predicts that selection should act on populations to optimize developmental times and primary sex ratios. In this study, we use a consistent methodology to measure development rates and model the reaction norm that defines TSD in three populations of flatback turtles Natator depressus and two populations of green turtles Chelonia mydas that nest in Western Australia. We show that development rates vary between and within species, likely reflecting adaptation to local beach microclimates. Similarly, the parameters that define the TSD reaction norm vary between the two species, and among N. depressus populations, with pivotal temperatures (TPIV) varying by 1.5°C (29.6–31.1°C), and the transitional ranges of temperatures (TRT) varying by 1.4–3.3°C. In contrast, we found a similar TPIV for the two C. mydas populations, but a wider TRT at the northernmost tropical rookery. Our findings support the view that thermal parameters in geographically separated populations of sea turtles are broadly similar, but the variation we describe will be highly relevant for predicting how populations will respond to climate change. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Effects of El Niño Southern Oscillation and local ocean temperature on the reproductive output of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting at Tortuguero, Costa Rica

In species presenting long intervals between reproductive seasons, atmospheric-oceanic phenomena can affect the yearly number of individuals that become reproductively active. Sea turtles take multiyear intervals between reproductive seasons, which are influenced by environmental processes affecting their nutrition. Atmospheric-oceanic phenomena affect the reproductive output of different sea turtle species and populations. The population of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting at Tortuguero-10.4489° N, 83.5069° W-, Costa Rica, is the largest in the Atlantic Basin and one of the most comprehensively studied. Nevertheless, only one study analyzed the effects of sea surface temperature on the reproductive output of Tortuguero green turtles. We analyzed three decades of data that revealed two likely scenarios: (1) more green turtle clutches were laid at Tortuguero after warm sea surface temperature anomalies during boreal winters and (2) fewer green turtle clutches were laid at Tortuguero 2 years after El Nino and more green turtle clutches were laid 2 years after La Nina events. Atmospheric-oceanic phenomena affect green turtle reproductive output likely through disrupting nutritional pathways, which alters the number of female green turtles that become reproductively active each year. Tortuguero green turtles are herbivorous feeding mostly on seagrass meadows off Nicaragua. As primary consumers, green turtles are tightly constrained by environmental conditions, and if the productivity of seagrass meadows decreased due to elevated sea surface temperature in the Caribbean basin or the altered hydric regime following El Nino events, fewer females would be able to accrue energy for reproduction.

Identifying spatial conservation priorities using Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge of iconic marine species and ecosystem threats

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be an effective spatial approach to conservation, especially when they involve genuine consultation that considers the diversity of stakeholders. Participatory mapping and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 stakeholders and 22 managers and scientists to identify ecological priorities and concerns across a large temperate MPA in Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, Australia. There were 19 iconic species of fish, dolphins, whales, and sea turtles that were the focus of ecological priorities and stakeholder interactions with the marine environment. Effectiveness of the current MPA management plan for addressing stakeholder priority and concerns, was assessed using GIS spatial modelling that created fuzzy-set species distribution models (SDMs) based on Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge as well as scientific and citizen-science survey data. These spatial models for the iconic species across the MPA were then overlaid with ecological concerns of the stakeholders to create a spatial understanding of local threats, and priority areas for targeted management. Poor water quality from terrestrial primary sources was the main concern of stakeholders, more so than in-water threats such as poor fishing practices or impacts to iconic species. While local managers and scientists were relatively reluctant to answer interview questions, there was a general misalignment in approaches to iconic species management, especially for mobile and migratory species, and misunderstanding of stakeholder perceptions of threats. Participatory mapping of social-ecological values provides a method for stakeholders and decision-makers to better understand, discuss, and adapt marine spatial management approaches that support a diversity of conservation and management priorities.

Genomic evidence of recent hybridization between sea turtles at Abrolhos Archipelago and its association to low reproductive output

Hybridization between sea turtle species occurs with particularly high frequency at two adjacent nesting areas in northeastern Brazil. To understand the outcomes of hybridization and their consequences for sea turtle conservation, we need to evaluate the extent of hybridization occurrence and possible deleterious effects in the hybrid progeny. Thus, we investigated the hypothesis of the existence of a new hybrid spot offshore of Brazil’s northeastern coast. The Abrolhos Archipelago is surrounded by the largest and richest coral reefs in the South Atlantic and is known to be a nesting site for loggerhead turtles (Carettacaretta). In this study, we performed a multidisciplinary investigation into levels of hybridization in sea turtles and their reproductive output in the Abrolhos beaches. Genetic data from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and six autosomal markers showed that there are first-generation hybrid females nesting in Abrolhos, resulting from crossings between hawksbill males (Eretmochelysimbricata) and loggerhead females, and backcrossed hatchlings from both parental species. The type and extent of hybridization were characterized using genomic data obtained with the 3RAD method, which confirmed backcrossing between F1 hybrids and loggerhead turtles. The reproductive output data of Abrolhos nests suggests a disadvantage of hybrids when compared to loggerheads. For the first time, we have shown the association between hybridization and low reproductive success, which may represent a threat to sea turtle conservation.

New Genetic Insights About Hybridization and Population Structure of Hawksbill and Loggerhead Turtles From Brazil.

An extremely high incidence of hybridization among sea turtles is found along the Brazilian coast. This atypical phenomenon and its impact on sea turtle conservation can be elucidated through research focused on the evolutionary history of sea turtles. We assessed high-quality multilocus haplotypes of 143 samples of the 5 species of sea turtles that occur along the Brazilian coast to investigate the hybridization process and the population structure of hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). The multilocus data were initially used to characterize interspecific hybrids. Introgression (F2 hybrids) was only confirmed in hatchlings of F1 hybrid females (hawksbill × loggerhead), indicating that introgression was either previously overestimated and F2 hybrids may not survive to adulthood, or the first-generation hybrid females nesting in Brazil were born as recent as few decades ago. Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear markers recovered the mtDNA-based Indo-Pacific and Atlantic lineages for hawksbill turtles, demonstrating a deep genetic divergence dating from the early Pliocene. In addition, loggerhead turtles that share a common feeding area and belong to distinct Indo-Pacific and Atlantic mtDNA clades present no clear genetic differentiation at the nuclear level. Finally, our results indicate that hawksbill and loggerhead rookeries along the Brazilian coast are likely connected by male-mediated gene flow.

High mortality rates of Chelonia mydas in a small‐scale bottom gillnet fishery in the south‐west Atlantic Ocean

Abstract In Brazil, five species of sea turtles use the region for feeding and reproduction. For these endangered species, one of the biggest impacts on their populations is incidental catches in fishing gear. In the state of Santa Catarina (SC) ‐ Brazil, fishing is an important economic activity, with distinct and numerous industrial and artisanal fleets. These fleets incidentally capture all five species of sea turtle. In the Canoa beach fishing community in the municipality of Barra Velha (SC), gillnet fishing holds great economic and cultural importance. The four main gillnet fisheries in this community are whitemouth croaker, leatherjacket/mackerel, hake, and grouper/catfish/flounder, the latter of which is carried out on rocky bottoms and is locally called ‘malhão’. In this fishery, fishermen have reported catching sea turtles over the years, especially the green turtle Chelonia mydas. In the present study, 1,998 sets were monitored between September 2010 and April 2011, of which 104 (5.2%) were of gillnets for whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri; 324 (16.2%) were for leatherjackets Oligoplites spp. and mackerel Scomberomorus spp.; 1,261 (63.1%) were for hake Cynoscion spp.; and 309 (15.5%) were for grouper Epinephelus spp., catfish Genidens spp., and flounder Paralichthys spp. Considering all fisheries, the incidental capture of sea turtles occurred in only 3% of the monitored sets. In all, 87 sea turtles were captured, 78 (89.6%) of which were recorded in the ‘malhão’. Of these captures, 68 (87.2%) were C. mydas, eight (10.2%) were loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta and two (2.6%) were ‘hard‐shelled’ turtles. The direct mortality rate observed for C. mydas in the ‘malhão’ was 73.5%, which is the highest rate recorded in similar fisheries of the south‐west Atlantic, thus raising concern for the protection of this species in the Atlantic Ocean.

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Embryo and Hatchling Pathology in Grenada, with Comparison to St. Kitts

Globally, the hatch success of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) is much lower than any other sea turtle species. Causes of embryonic mortality, a contributing factor to the low hatch success of the species, are poorly understood. Muscle necrosis, renal mineralization, and bacterial pneumonia are prevalent among embryos and hatchlings in St. Kitts, where hatch success is much lower (<∼ 20%) than the global average (∼ 50%), yet the significance of these conditions in the wider region is unknown. The objective of this study was to describe the pathology of hatchlings and embryos in Grenada as a comparison population for St. Kitts. In 2017, 20 hatchlings, 6 pipped hatchlings, 35 late stage embryos, and 5 early stage embryos were sampled for comprehensive postmortem examination from 12 leatherback nests on Levera Beach, Grenada and 2 nests on St. Kitts. Pathology affected 71% of nests and 44% of individuals from Grenada and 100% of nests and 56% of individuals from St. Kitts. Lesions observed in both populations included skeletal muscle degeneration and necrosis (19%), bronchopneumonia (8%), and renal tubular degeneration (5%) while chorioallantoitis (17%) and mycotic dermatitis (5%) were only observed in Grenada. Gonads were histologically classified as female in all instances (n = 60), suggestive of high incubation temperatures in nests at both locations. Further study is needed to find interventions that reduce the prevalence of perinatal pathology and to identify the basis for the large proportion of eggs that fail to develop as well as embryos that die without significant pathology.

Computed tomographic analysis of internal structures within the nasal cavities of green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles.

The morphology of the tetrapod nasal cavity has adapted to the environment in terms of olfaction and respiration. Reports indicate that the internal structure of the nasal cavity of green sea turtles is more complex than that of turtles in general, but whether or not it is similar among sea turtle species remains unknown. The present study aimed to define the internal structures of the nasal cavity of green (Chelonian mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles using computed tomography. The nasal cavity of green and loggerhead sea turtles contained anterodorsal, anteroventral, posterodorsal diverticula and a posteroventral excavation in the middle. In contrast, the nasal cavity of leatherback sea turtles had more complicated dorsal region comprising anterodorsal and posterodorsal diverticula, and two excavations between the nostril and anterodorsal diverticulum, but no distinct structures at the ventral region. The airway in the nasal cavity was shorter and thicker in the leatherback, than in the green and loggerhead turtles. These species differences might reflect ecological variety and different evolutionary strategies.

Persistent organic pollutants in Kemp's Ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys kempii in Playa Rancho Nuevo Sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico

Persistent organic pollutants (POP) are toxic substances for wildlife and people. The Kemp's Ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys kempii is an endangered species with limited distribution in the Gulf of Mexico (GM), a marine ecosystem that has been perturbed by a variety of anthropogenic activities. In this work, the concentrations of ten organochlorine pesticides (OP), eight polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and atrazine were determined in the plasma of Kemp's Ridley sea turtles that nest in Playa Rancho Nuevo Sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Seventy-nine blood samples were collected from female turtles during the 2015–2016 nesting season. Samples were extracted with a focalized ultrasonic sound technique and analyzed through Gas Chromatography coupled to a Mass Spectrometer. POP with the highest percentage of detection were atrazine > PCB 52 > PCB 153 > DDE > alpha endosulfan > DDD > alpha HCH > DDT. There is no linear correlation between the detected POP levels in the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle plasma and its curve carapace length (CCL). When comparing 2015 and 2016 POP concentrations, there were statistically significant differences in atrazine (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.069), PCB 52 (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0051) and ∑POP (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0001) and, no statistically significant differences in alpha endosulfan (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0294), DDE (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0315) and PCB 153 (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0036). The reported POP values of this work are one of the few registered for Kemp's Ridley sea turtle in the GM and the first for atrazine levels. These levels were higher than those reported for other sea turtle species from America, Africa, and Europe, which demonstrates a deteriorated health status of the GM marine ecosystem.

Quarter-Century (1993–2018) Nesting Trends in the Peripheral Populations of Three Sea Turtle Species at Ishigakijima Island, Japan

Three sea turtle species (loggerhead [Caretta caretta], green [Chelonia mydas], and hawksbill [Eretmochelys imbricata] turtles) have nesting sites at Ishigakijima Island, which is located in the southwestern part of Japan. This island is known as the geographic southern (low-latitude) limit of north Pacific loggerhead turtles' nesting sites and close to the northern (high-latitude) limit of northwest Pacific green and hawksbill turtles' nesting sites. Our 26-yr nesting survey (1993–2018) revealed that the number of nesting events of loggerhead turtles decreased (with a temporal increment between 2006 and 2008), while the other study reported that the entire Japanese loggerhead nesting population continued to increase substantially from 2006 to, at least, 2012. In contrast, the green turtle population increased gradually, with fluctuations. Hawksbill turtles had several nests annually. The sea surface temperature during the nesting season was significantly related to the annual number of nesting events in loggerhead turtles but not in green and hawksbill turtles. Thus, warming temperature may have caused a reduction in the nesting population of loggerhead turtles at Ishigakijima Island, which is the southern limit of their nesting distribution.

Novel Insights Into Gas Embolism in Sea Turtles: First Description in Three New Species

The recent finding of gas embolism and decompression sickness in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean Sea challenged the conventional understanding of marine vertebrate diving physiology. Additionally, it brought to light a previously unknown source of mortality associated with fisheries bycatch for this vulnerable species. In this paper, we use ultrasonography to describe gas embolism in a leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and an olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) from accidental capture in a gillnet, bottom trawl and pair-bottom trawl respectively. This is the first description of this condition in these three species worldwide. These cases of gas embolism suggest that this may be a threat faced by all sea turtle species globally.

Sosialisasi Konservasi Penyu Laut Berbasis Edukasi di SMPN 1 Desa Keude Panga Kecamatan Panga Kabupaten Aceh Jaya Provinsi Aceh

According to observation and interview that undertaken in Panga District Aceh Jaya Regency that there are 3 species of sea turtle with coastal line is 9.3. km. The third of such sea turtle including Olive ridley sea turtle(Lepidochelys olivacea), hawkbill sea turtle (Eremochelys imbricate), leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The target of community that involved in socialization of sea turtle are student of junior high school. Earlier education to young generation regarding the important of sea turtle conservation educated-based is the effort for keeping sea turtle in natural with undertook the socialization to young generation in order to grow a caring and loving to sea turtle sustainablity. Coastal community still undertook to hunting sea turtle’s eggs for trading in the traditional market dan restaurants. It is caused by lack of understanding and awareness regarding sea turtle that threaten scarce. In this activity, the researcher will undertake persuasive approaach and solutive in changing a mindset of young generation gradually that inhabit in near nesting site. In this activity including suvey activity prior to socialization that near the nesting site, socialization activity in the SMPN 1 Panga that selected as target school in the socialization of Sea Turtle Conservation, conducting the retelling story games, and conducting hatchlings release programme to the sea with community elements.

Diagnosis and Management of Marine Debris Ingestion and Entanglement by Using Advanced Imaging and Endoscopy in Sea Turtles

Marine debris ingestion and entanglement have caused morbidity and mortality in multiple marine species, including all seven species of sea turtles. This case series outlines six cases in which advanced imaging modalities were used to diagnose marine debris–induced foreign body obstructions and to aid in the treatment of wounds caused by marine debris entanglement. Prefemoral ultrasonography was used to correctly diagnose a monofilament fishing line linear foreign body obstruction in a juvenile female Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) and a subadult female loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Administration of iodinated contrast confirmed a complete upper gastrointestinal obstruction in a juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Traditional radiographs were nondiagnostic in all three animals. Barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres were used to identify a partial gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction in a juvenile green sea turtle. Endoscopy was used in multiple cases as both a diagnostic and a therapeutic tool. This case series demonstrates that contrast radiography, ultrasonography, and endoscopy are accurate diagnostic tools for the identification of marine debris–induced foreign body obstructions in sea turtles.

Suhu inkubasi, pasir pantai peneluran dan sukses penetasan telur penyu pada sarang semi alami di Pantai Warebar - Yenbekaki Distrik Waigeo Timur, Kabupaten Raja Ampat

The research took place between May and October 2019, and divided into two stages. The first stage was field research to collect data by identifying turtles, calculating hatching successes, measuring the temperature of the nesting beach and nest temperature of each species of turtle in semi-natural nests at Warebar Beach, Yenbekaki village, East Waigeo Sub District, Raja Ampat. The second stage after the field was conducting an analysis of hatching rate in hatchery, sand temperature and nest temperature for each species of turtle. The species of turtles nesting at Warebar Beach are olive-ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. Based on the measurement results at semi-natural nests, it was obtained that the hatching rate of olive ridley sea turtle was 71.6%±28.3 (X±SD) and hawksbill sea turtle was 59.8%±41.3, the overall mean temperature of nesting beach was 28oC, the mean incubation temperature for both sea turtle species was 31oC.

Species list of the European herpetofauna – 2020 update by the Taxonomic Committee of the Societas Europaea Herpetologica

Abstract The last species list of the European herpetofauna was published by Speybroeck, Beukema and Crochet (2010). In the meantime, ongoing research led to numerous taxonomic changes, including the discovery of new species-level lineages as well as reclassifications at genus level, requiring significant changes to this list. As of 2019, a new Taxonomic Committee was established as an official entity within the European Herpetological Society, Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH). Twelve members from nine European countries reviewed, discussed and voted on recent taxonomic research on a case-by-case basis. Accepted changes led to critical compilation of a new species list, which is hereby presented and discussed. According to our list, 301 species (95 amphibians, 15 chelonians, including six species of sea turtles, and 191 squamates) occur within our expanded geographical definition of Europe. The list includes 14 non-native species (three amphibians, one chelonian, and ten squamates).

Microbial symbiosis and coevolution of an entire clade of ancient vertebrates: the gut microbiota of sea turtles and its relationship to their phylogenetic history

BackgroundThe microbiota plays a critical role in host homeostasis and has been shown to be a major driving force in host evolution. However, our understanding of these important relationships is hampered by a lack of data for many species, and by significant gaps in sampling of the evolutionary tree. In this investigation we improve our understanding of the host-microbiome relationship by obtaining samples from all seven extant species of sea turtle, and correlate microbial compositions with host evolutionary history.ResultsOur analysis shows that the predominate phyla in the microbiota of nesting sea turtles was Proteobacteria. We also demonstrate a strong relationship between the bacterial phyla SR1 and sea turtle phylogeny, and that sea turtle microbiotas have changed very slowly over time in accordance with their similarly slow phenotypic changes.ConclusionsThis is one of the most comprehensive microbiota studies to have been performed in a single clade of animals and further improves our knowledge of how microbial populations have influenced vertebrate evolution.