Mixed Stock Analysis of Juvenile Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys Imbricata) at Brewers Bay and Hawksbill Cove, St. Thomas, USVI

Mixed Stock Analysis of Juvenile Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys Imbricata) at Brewers Bay and Hawksbill Cove, St. Thomas, USVI
Author: Jessica N. Levenson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 43
Release: 2020
Genre: Hawksbill turtle
ISBN:

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Marine turtles’ complex life histories present substantial challenges in identifying population boundaries and relationships due to their highly migratory behaviors, philopatry, and wide dispersal throughout large areas of tropical and subtropical latitudes. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) research has identified rookery-specific haplotypes that represent isolated populations with potentially limited gene flow, which results in nesting populations having a unique genetic signature. Juvenile populations at dispersed foraging grounds are composed of a diverse genetic mixture from multiple nesting locations. Analysis of the genetic composition of turtles from foraging locations could inform general life history patterns like the variations in habitat use, migration, and dispersal and suggest the natal origin of specific populations. Brewers Bay and Hawksbill Cove (BBHC), in St Thomas US Virgin Islands has been the site of in water research on the movement and behavior of hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). However, no studies have focused on how they connect with nesting populations in the Caribbean. Therefore, we collected tissue samples from 59 juvenile hawksbill turtles that were hand-captured to genetically characterize the structure of this foraging ground using mitochondrial DNA. All turtles captured were within the juvenile size class and ranged from 19.5 cm to 65.0 cm curved carapace length. Recapture rates confirm residency within BBHC with 32 individuals being recaptured at least once between 2014 and 2019. Ten haplotypes were found; EiA01 appeared 24 times, EiA11 appeared 14 times, EiA09 appeared 6 times, EiA83 appeared 4 times, EiA02, EiA24, EiA41, and EiA43 each appeared 2 times, and EiA12 and EiA23 each appeared 1 time. These haplotypes were compared against previously characterized rookeries throughout the Caribbean to determine the most likely origins for the St. Thomas population. An analysis of the ten haplotypes using the program BAYES suggested that the biggest contributing source to this juvenile population was the leeward side of Barbados, with lesser but notable contributions from nesting populations from windward side of Barbados, Nicaragua, Guadeloupe, and Sandy Point, St. Croix. The results presented from this study are an important contribution to the baseline data of foraging ground connections to natal beaches, which is essential for designing management plans for population recovery.

The Biology of Sea Turtles, Volume III

The Biology of Sea Turtles, Volume III
Author: Jeanette Wyneken
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 467
Release: 2013-03-25
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1439873089

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Since the first volume of The Biology of Sea Turtles was published in 1997, the field has grown and matured in ways few of the authors would have predicted-particularly in the areas of physiology, behavior, genetics, and health. Volume III presents timely coverage of emerging areas as well as the integration of approaches and information that did n

Sea Turtle Research and Conservation

Sea Turtle Research and Conservation
Author: Brad Nahill
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 246
Release: 2020-11-27
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0128210303

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Sea Turtles: Field Research and Conservation is a comprehensive reference of experiences with sea turtle species from global experts. This book looks at the human side of protecting and studying these unique animals around the world, as well as the challenges involved, such as cultural differences and conducting research in remote locations. Led by a renowned expert in sea turtle conservation, this book addresses the largest issue facing sea turtle species currently; nearly all species of sea turtles are endangered due to poaching, fishing snares, climate change, and more. Chapters in this book range from the use of cutting-edge technology to learn more about this elusive reptile, to working with communities with long histories of sea turtle trade and consumption. It provides readers with firsthand accounts of sea turtle conservation efforts from conservationists based around the world and offers important suggestions and solutions for ensuring the future of these sea turtle species. Sea Turtles: Field Research and Conservation is the ideal resource for field biologist and marine conservationists, specifically those working in marine herpetology and with sea turtle species. Policymakers concerned with marine conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development, will also find this a useful reference for efforts and directions to enact change and save sea turtles from extinction. Offers examples of groundbreaking technology to conduct noninvasive sea turtle research Written by global experts working in the field to study and protect sea turtle species Includes human-to-human case studies and advice for collaborating with cultures and communities to save these endangered animals