REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

724. Adest, G.A., G. Aguirre L., D.J. Morafka, and J.V. Jarchow. 1989. Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus) conservation: II. Husbandry and reintroduction. Vida Silvestre Neotrop. 2:14-20.

ABSTRACT: In order to construct a recovery program for the rare and endangered bolson tortoise, Gopherus flavomarginatus, we meshed modern clinical veterinary and research techniques for the determination of sex and gravidity with oxytocin-induction of oviposition. The result is a streamlined method for maximizing the success of egg collection, laboratory incubation, captive rearing, and release of hatchling tortoises. We report many of these results for the first time and provide baseline data on dietary nutrients and microbial analysis of feces for comparison with other reptilian species in husbandry. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae growth survival.

LOCATION: 3184 REP

725. Anon. 1986. The Espanola tortoises - a very special case. Not. Galapagos 44:5.

ABSTRACT: Espanola tortoises (Geochelone elephantopus hoodensis) are one of only a few species whose wild population consists exclusively of animals bred in captivity. The entire Espanola tortoise population (N=12) was taken into captivity at the Darwin Station in the Galapagos, successfully bred, and some individuals released. The first release occurred in 1975. Five-year-old juveniles were released on Hood Island, their ancestral island. By 1986, 184 juvenile tortoises had been released. Rearing continues at the Darwin Station. An experiment is being conducted by the Galapagos National Park Service to compare survival of tortoises released at 1 and 4 years of age. Successful release of Espanola tortoises to other islands is currently unlikely due to the presence of introduced predators. Hood Island is free from such predators. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Emydidae 1970's 1980's.

LOCATION: 3037 REP

726. Anon. 1987. Repatriation of captive-bred land iguanas. Not. Galapagos 45:4-5.

ABSTRACT: Feral dogs nearly exterminated land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus) on Cerro Cartago, Isabela Island in the mid-1970's. Surviving iguanas were transferred to the Darwin Station for captive breeding, and the dogs were eradicated. Since then, 245 iguanas have been released on Cerro Cartago. The releases have been successful, and remnants of the original population have been found. Although the dogs are gone, feral cat predation on young iguanas continues. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Iguanidae Galapagos Islands 1980's.

LOCATION: 2766 REP

727. Berry, K.H. 1986. Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) relocation: implications of social behavior and movements. Herpetologica 42:113-125.

ABSTRACT: Existing data on social behavior of the desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii suggest that wild populations have dominance hierarchies, possibly related to defense of such resources as burrows, mates, and nests. Tortoises know locations of burrows, mates, water catchments, and mineral licks within their home ranges (1-268 ha). They may take excursions outside customary activity areas and make long-distance movements of 1.4-7.3 km of 16 days to 5 year duration. Relocated tortoises may settle at release sites, travel in straight lines (Type II navigation), and disperse distances of 6.6 km or more. Thus, areas to be restocked should be at least 14 km in diameter to permit dispersal of relocates. Relocated tortoises may disrupt the social structure of resident populations by displacing residents, or they may be driven away by residents. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae dispersal review.

LOCATION: 2416 REP

728. Bloxam, Q.M.C. 1982. The feasibility of reintroduction of captive-bred Round Island skink Leiolopisma telfairii to Gunners' Quoin. Dodo (J. Jersey Wildl. Preserv. Trust) 19:37-41. ABSTRACT: Gunner's Quoin was surveyed in 1982 to examine the feasibility of the island as a reintroduction site for the Round Island skink. The skink is endemic to Round Island, but because the population there is at carrying capacity, an alternative reintroduction site was sought. The skink was present on Gunner's Quoin at one time but was probably extirpated by the introduction of black rats (Rattus rattus). It was determined that the reintroduction of the skink to Gunner's Quoin is not feasible at this time. Black rats are still abundant, the vegetation is quite different from that on Round Island, and the insect population, on which the skinks feed, is limited. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Scincidae Mauritius.

LOCATION: 2976 REP

729. Bullocke, D.J. 1986. The ecology and conservation of reptiles on Round Island and Gunner's Quoin, Mauritius. Biol. Conserv. 37:135-156.

ABSTRACT: The reptile communities on two islands off the north coast of Mauritius are described. One of these islands, Round Island, is the last refuge for four species: Phelsuma guentheri, Leiolopisma telfairii, Bolyeria multocarinata and Casarea dussumieri, which together with four more species form a relict herpetofauna of great scientific and conservation interest. The reptile fauna of the neighbouring island of Gunner's Quoin has been reduced to four species, probably because of habitat destruction and the effects of ship rats Rattus rattus. Round Island has also suffered habitat destruction through introduced mammals but because of its remoteness, rats are absent. Conservation of the Round Island ecosystem is discussed; removal of the remaining alien herbivores, the rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus and conservation education about Round Island are the main recommendations. (AA) Reprinted with permission of Elsevier Science Publishers, Ltd.

KEY WORDS: Boidae Gekkonidae Scincidae 1970's 1980's review paper status.

LOCATION: 2721 REP

730. Burchfield, P.M. 1986. Gladys Porter Zoo's role in Kemp's ridley sea turtle conservation. Am. Assoc. Zool. Parks Aquariums Annu. Conf. Proc., pp.157-161.

ABSTRACT: Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi) numbers have substantially declined since the 1940's, and there are probably less than 800 nesting females in the wild today. The primary natal beach in Mexico has been protected, and an experimental imprinting project is being conducted. Eggs are taken from ovipositing females, packed in sand from Padre Island, Texas, hatched, and headstarted at Galveston Marine Fisheries Laboratories. At 1 year of age, turtles are released to the wild. Between 1978 and 1985, 347,448 hatchlings were released. It is estimated that 1,738 released hatchlings will survive to adulthood. Kemp's ridley sexual maturity is believed to be 15 or more years, and measurement of project success will take awhile. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae Rancho Nuevo 1970's 1980's.

LOCATION: 2834 REP

731. Burke, R.L. 1989. Florida gopher tortoise relocation: overview and case study. Biol. Conserv. 48:295-309.

ABSTRACT: Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus populations are greatly reduced from former numbers. Relocation is one technique currently being used to protect tortoises on land being developed. Previous relocations have generally been poorly documented and the usefulness of relocation for tortoise conservation is unclear. In this study, 85 tortoises were relocated from a development site to a county park 25 km away where tortoises had been extirpated. Two years after release, 35 tortoises remained in the park, an apparently stable population. The presence of hatchlings demonstrated that successful reproduction was occurring. This study showed that it is possible to relocate and reintroduce gopher tortoises fairly successfully. It does not support the suggestions of previous workers that social structure determinants such as sex and size, gravidity, or on-site penning before release, may influence the success rate. (AA) Reprinted with permission of Elsevier Science Publishers, Ltd.

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae Oklahoma 1980's capture release methodology.

LOCATION: 2728 REP

732. Caillouet, C.W., Jr. 1987. Report on efforts to prevent extinction of Kemp's ridley sea turtle through head starting. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-188, i + 20pp.

ABSTRACT: In January 1977, a cooperative agreement to save the Kemp's ridley sea turtle from extinction was struck between Mexican and United States agencies. An important part of this program is head starting, where Kemp's ridleys are reared in captivity from newly-hatched yearling stages to increase survival during the critical first year of life. The number of hatchlings thus far has totaled 15,260 and represents year classes 1978-1986. Survivors that have been tagged and released into the Gulf of Mexico have totaled 10,792. A total of 492 recoveries of these released turtles were reported as of 1986 from the Gulf of Mexico, the east coast of the United States, and from the European Atlantic coast. The primary objective of head starting will be fulfilled only when surviving adults return to nest where they were imprinted as hatchlings. Although enough time has elapsed for some of the head started turtles to have reached reproductive age, none have yet been observed on the nesting grounds. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae Lepidochelys kempi Texas Mexico 1970's 1980's head starting captive-rearing imprinting.

LOCATION: 266 REP

733. Caillouet, C.W., Jr., C.T. Fontaine, T.D. Williams, S.A. Manzella, D.B. Revera, D.B. Koi, K.L.W. Indelicato, M.G. Tyree, J.K. Leong, M.J. Duronslet, and K.T. Marvin. 1986. The Kemp's ridley sea turtle head start research project: an annual report for fiscal year 1985. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-174 ii + 37 pp., 29 Tables, 1 Figure and 5 Appendices.

ABSTRACT: In an effort to save the Kemp's ridley sea turtle from extinction, head starting efforts have provided 9258 tagged yearling turtles for release into the Gulf of Mexico between 1979 and 1985. The goal of this project is to establish a new nesting colony at the Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi, Texas. During the fiscal year 1985, 1547 hatchlings from the 1984 year-class were transported to the head start facility in Galveston, Texas. An unprecedented, short-term mortality rate of 23% occurred in this group of hatchlings due to undetermined causes. Although antibiotic injections were attempted, the highest survival rates were observed in the control groups, suggesting that antibiotics were either ineffective, mildly toxic, or caused mechanical injury. The 1017 survivors of this year-class were released in May 1985 offshore of Padre and Mustang Islands. A total of 1692 hatchlings of the 1985 year-class were also received in July and August 1985 at the head start facilities. The eggs of this year-class had been incubated at warmer temperatures than previous years in the hopes of increasing the proportion of females. The survivors of this year class will be released in 1986. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae captive propagation 1970's 1980's methodology Lepidochelys kempi

LOCATION: 269 REP

734. Caillouet, C.W., Jr., C.T. Fontaine, T.D. Williams, S.A. Manzella, K.L.W. Indelicato, M.J. Duronslet, D.B. Revera, A.M. Landry, Jr., and P.J. Howes. 1987. The Kemp's ridley sea turtle head start research project: an annual report for fiscal year 1986. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-192, i plus 28 pp., 24 Tables and 1 Appendix.

ABSTRACT: As of 1986, 10,792 head started Kemp's ridley sea turtles, representing year-classes 1978-1985, were tagged and released into the Gulf of Mexico. A total of 492 of these released turtles were recovered as of September 1986. Although most were found in Texas, recoveries were reported as far away as France and Morocco. A total of 1759 imprinted Kemp's ridley hatchlings of the 1986 year-class were being held at the Galveston Labs until their release in 1987. Head starting has also provided tagged Kemp's ridleys for a captive stock, and 111 of these animals ranging in age from two to eight years old were alive as of 1986. In spring 1986, nests were laid by captive Kemp's ridleys at the Cayman Turtle Farm, producing the first successful hatch in captive conditions. Because it is not known what size or age are optimum for the release of head started Kemp's ridleys, some turtles are also being super head started (i.e. kept for > 1 year) before being released. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae Lepidochelys kempi Texas Mexico 1970's 1980's head starting captive-rearing survival transport imprinting.

LOCATION: 264 REP

735. Caillouet, C.W., Jr., C.T. Fontaine, T.D. Williams, S.A. Manzella, A.M. Landry, Jr., K.L. Indelicato, M.J. Duronslet, and D.B. Revera. 1987. Can we save Kemp's ridley sea turtle? Pages 20-43 in K.H. Peterson, ed. Tenth Int. Herpetol. Symp. on Captive Propagation and Husbandry. San Antonio, TX. June 1986.

ABSTRACT: An international head starting effort for Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi) is being conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Mexico's Instituto Nacional de la Pesca. Eggs collected from the cloacas of nesting females at beaches near Rancho Nuevo, Mexico, are hatched at Padre Island National Seashore, Texas, and reared at National Marine Fisheries Laboratories in Galveston, Texas. Over 10,700 Kemp's ridleys representing year-classes 1978-85 have been released into the Gulf of Mexico. Nest and egg protection at Rancho Nuevo beaches and captive propagation attempts are additional conservation measures that have been taken with Kemp's ridley. The head starting project will be considered a success when, and if, adult sea turtles return to beaches to nest. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae 1970's 1980's growth rearing survival.

LOCATION: 3063 REP

736. Caillouet, C.W., Jr., D.B. Koi, C.T. Fontaine, T.D. Williams, W.F. Browning, and R.M. Harris. 1986. Growth and survival of Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempi in captivity. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-186, 34pp., 12 Tables and 7 Figures.

ABSTRACT: Six year-classes (1978-1983) of Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempi, were reared at the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Center, Galveston Laboratory in Galveston, Texas. This paper describes the growth in weight per individual, the increase in biomass, and the survival of aggregates of turtles during their first year of life in captivity. It also lays a statistical foundation for future experiments on factors affecting growth and survival of Kemp's ridley in captivity. The exponential phases of first-year growth in weight per individual (for all year-classes, 1978-1983) and increase in biomass (only for year-classes 1981-1983) of aggregates of turtles were transformed to straight-line relationships represented by the rectilinear regressions of the natural logarithm of weight or biomass on the square root of age or square root of lapsed time (when age was unknown). The slopes of the straight lines, as indices of the rates of increase in weight (growth rate) and biomass, were used to detect differences among year-classes or sub-divisions (e.g., "imprint-groups" and clutches) within year-classes. The most rapid growth was exhibited by the 1980 year-class and the slowest growth by the 1983 year-class. Within the 1981-1983 year-classes, there were significant differences among clutches in growth rate and rate of increase in biomass, but these differences were confounded with other sources of variation. There was greater similarity in growth rates than in rates of biomass increase among year-classes and among clutches within year-classes. There was a curved relationship (concave downward) between the indices of biomass increase and of growth. At lower levels of both indices, the growth rate index exceeded the index of biomass increase. The two indices converged (became more alike) as they increased. Survival and growth rate index increased up to point, then survival declined with further increase in the growth rate index. Such results suggest that carrying capacity of the raceways for turtle biomass is a limiting factor and that compensatory mortality occurs as the size of the turtles increases. A minimum sample size of the 25 turtles per clutch is adequate for detecting differences between means of logarithmically-transformed weights, either for comparisons among different clutches at the same time or for comparisons within the same clutch at different times. Growth in weight with carapace length followed the "cube law." Carapace width and length were linearly related, with the former being only slightly shorter than the latter. Growth in weight of ten turtles from the 1978 year-class, held in captivity for 5 years at Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston after having been reared at the Galveston Laboratory, followed a sigmoid pattern described by a fitted Gompertz growth function. The upper asymptotic weight was 29.2 kg, much smaller than the size (39-49 kg) recorded for nesting adults. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae 1970's 1980's captive-rearing.

LOCATION: 267 REP

737. Choudhury, B.C. 1981. Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) releases in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Hamadryad 6:10-11.

ABSTRACT: In April 1980, 33 mugger crocodiles (11 males, 22 females) hatched in June 1977 were released in Kinnerasani Reservoir within the Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary. Monitoring in August 1980 revealed movement 15 km upstream by some released muggers. Fifty-eight more muggers will be released in winter 1980-1981 in Kinnerasani Reservoir and in Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary. In May 1980, 47 mugger crocodiles were released in the Cauvery River 15 to 20 km upstream of Hoggenakal Falls. It is hoped that the crocodiles will reproduce in this relatively undisturbed area. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: India Crocodylidae 1980's.

LOCATION: 2931 REP

738. Choudhury, B.C., and H.R. Bustard. 1982. Restocking mugger crocodile Crocodylus palustris (Lesson) in Andhra Pradesh: evaluation of a pilot release. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 79:275-289.

ABSTRACT: Four years' monitoring results of a pilot mugger crocodile release carried out at Ethipothalla Falls in Andhra Pradesh indicated excellent survival and growth and very little movement in the wild. The methodology of planning and carrying out a crocodile restocking programme together with the monitoring methods evolved during a four years' observation period are reported. The success of this pilot release programme provided the background for further large-scale releases in the State of Andhra Pradesh. First ever breeding of these released mugger took place in 1981. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Crocodylidae India 1970's 1980's.

LOCATION: 2913 REP

739. Choudhury, B.C., and S. Choudhury. 1986. Lessons from crocodile reintroduction projects in India. Indian For. 112:881-890.

ABSTRACT: The paper outlines the initiation and chronological development of Indian Crocodile Conservation Projects. The progress and achievements made since 1975 in bringing back the Indian crocodilians from virtual extinction and reestablishing them in their natural protected habitats by reintroduction is discussed. While pointing out the existing problem of future reintroductions and the need for more detailed follow up monitoring of reintroduced crocodilians, the authors suggest adoption of similar "reintroduction" strategy as a means of conservation for other endangered herpetofauna of India. (AS) Reprinted with permission from the Indian Forester.

KEY WORDS: Crocodylidae methodology review paper.

LOCATION: 2812 REP

740. Cook, R.P. 1989. And the voice of the grey tree frog was heard again in the land... Park Sci. 9(3):6-7.

ABSTRACT: A pilot herpetofauna transplantation program was begun in 1980 at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge of Gateway National Recreation Area on western Long Island. Transplanted individuals were taken from Long Island populations facing imminent destruction or those capable of sustaining collection. During 1980-1987, the following 13 species in varying life forms were released: spring peeper, grey tree frog, green frog, spotted salamander, redback salamander, Northern brown snake, smooth green snake, Eastern hognose snake, Eastern milk snake, black racer, snapping turtle, Eastern painted turtle, and Eastern box turtle. The spring peeper and the Northern brown snake have become established. Successful establishment of the other species is undetermined at this time. Evidence of breeding has been found for nine of the species; data is presently insufficient to determine breeding in the remaining four species. In 1987, the project was expanded parkwide, and lists of species for potential release within each unit are being compiled. Plans are underway to restore the Fowler's toad and hognose snake to the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Ambystomatidae Chelydridae Colubridae Emydidae Hylidae Plethodontidae Ranidae Hyla crucifer Hyla versicolor Rana clamitans melanota Ambystoma maculatum Plethodon cinereus cinereus Storeria dekayi dekayi Opheodrys vernalis Heterodon platyrhinos Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum Coluber constrictor constrictor Chelydra serpentina Chrysemys picta picta Terrapene carolina carolina 1980's habitat restoration New York New Jersey.

LOCATION: 2989 (1481) REP AMP

741. Cook, R.P., and C.A. Pinnock. 1987. Recreating a herpetofaunal community at Gateway National Recreation Area, New York. Pages 151-154 in Integrating man and nature in the metropolitan environment. Proc. Natl. Symp. on Urban Wildl. 4-7 November 1986, Chevy Chase, MD. Natl. Inst. for Urban Wildl., Columbia, MD.

ABSTRACT: Jamaica Bay experienced a reduction of marshlands and a decline in herpetofaunal diversity due to early agricultural development and later, increasing urbanization. Because this area became a wildlife refuge in 1984, a program of habitat improvements was undertaken to increase habitat diversity, and plans were made to opportunistically transplant native reptiles and amphibians that had been extirpated. Transplants that began in 1980 and are ongoing have released a total of 11 species that were collected at different life stages. Although the numbers of animals of a given species and the number released in a given year varied, monitoring efforts revealed that breeding populations of both the spring peeper and northern brown snake were established within 3-4 years. Successful overwintering was also documented in ten of the released species. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: New York urban environments 1980's Hylidae Colubridae Hyla crucifer Storeria dekayi dekayi

LOCATION: 2589 REP

742. Corke, D. 1987. Reptile conservation on the Maria Islands (St. Lucia, West Indies). Biol. Conserv. 40:263-280.

ABSTRACT: The Maria Islands (combined area < 12 ha) are a nature reserve under the management of the St. Lucia National Trust. The two islands support populations of seven reptile species. Four are exclusive St. Lucian endemics including two (the teiid lizard Cnemidophorus vanzoi and the colubrid snake Liophis ornatus) which survive only on these islands. The tree lizard Anolis luciae occurs with introduced congeners on mainland St. Lucia but is present on the Maria Islands in the absence of introduced potential competitors. The gecko Hemidactylus palaichthus (previously known, within the Lesser Antilles, only from Maria Major) is reported from other islets and St. Lucia mainland. The present status of Maria Island reptiles is reviewed and their conservation management discussed. (AA) Reprinted with permission of Elsevier Science Publishers, Ltd.

KEY WORDS: Colubridae Iguanidae Gekkonidae Teiidae 1980's management plan review paper.

LOCATION: 2726 REP

743. Cox, J. 1989. Survival characteristics of small gopher tortoise populations and their possible influence on relocation efforts. Pages 7-14 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: Stochastic and deterministic demographic models are used to evaluate patterns of persistence of small gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations typically involved in relocation efforts (e.g., > 40 individuals). Populations initially composed of at least 20 individuals appear to have fairly consistent patterns of persistence over time. Mixed populations of adults and sub-adults generally have better chances of persisting than populations composed solely of adults, but such differences are very slight. When levels of fecundity, hatchling survival, and adult and sub-adult survival are increased by 10% increments above base-line levels used in stochastic models, changes in adult and sub-adult survival appear to influence the persistence of populations more so than increases in fecundity and juvenile survival. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

744. de Vos, A. 1984. Crocodile conservation in India. Biol. Conserv. 29:183-189.

ABSTRACT: The accomplishments of the Government of India/UNDP/ FAO Project in the conservation of three species of crocodiles during the period 1975 to 1982 are reviewed. Sixteen crocodile rehabilitation centres and eleven crocodile sanctuaries have been established. A total of 879 gharials, 190 estuarine crocodiles, and 493 mugger have been released. A viable breeding population of gharials now exists in the National Ghambal Sanctuary. A Crocodile Breeding and Management Training Institute was established by the Government of India in 1980 and has trained 48 managers of crocodile stations. Improvements are required in the management of crocodile sanctuaries and the evaluation of crocodile habitat. Releases of crocodiles in the wild require monitoring of survival and movements. There is a need for educating the public about crocodile conservation. (AA) Reprinted with permission of Elsevier Science Publishers, Ltd.

KEY WORDS: Crocodylidae Gavialidae Crocodylus palustris Crocodylus porosus Gavialis gangeticus 1970's 1980's status.

LOCATION: 2910 REP

745. De Vries, T., and J. Black. 1983. Of men, goats and guava - problems caused by introduced species in the Galapagos. Not. Galapagos 38:18-21.

ABSTRACT: A symposium held in Quito, Ecuador in 1982 focused on the problems of introduced organisms in the Galapagos Islands. Along with deciding to eradicate many of the introduced plants and mammals that have had negative effects on the islands, plans were resolved to begin a breeding program with the sole surviving tortoise of the Pinta race and several female tortoises from a nearby island. The continuation of two breeding programs with Hood Island and Duncan Island tortoises were also approved. Because of these programs, 132 and 192 young tortoises had been released on Hood and Duncan Islands, respectively, by 1982. Participants of this symposium agreed that a complete ecological study was needed to assess the environmental conditions on Baltra Island before captive-reared land iguanas could be reintroduced there. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: Emydidae captive propagation effects policy Geochelone elephantopus

LOCATION: 4014 REP

746. Dhungel, S.K. 1987. Reintroduction of gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in Nepal. Tigerpaper 14(4):11-15.

ABSTRACT: The total wild population of gharial crocodiles is estimated at about 225 individuals. They presently occur in Nepal, India, and Pakistan and are believed to be extinct in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Burma. A rehabilitation program was begun in 1977 at the Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal. Eggs collected from wild nests are artificially hatched, and a 86% hatching success has been achieved. More than 250 gharials are in captivity at the breeding station, and over 200 3 to 4-year-olds have been reintroduced into the Kosi, Kali Gandaki, and Narayani Rivers. The mortality rate of reintroduced gharials is about 50%. Gharials released with radio transmitters have moved 10-15 km up and down stream from the release point. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Gavialidae 1980's.

LOCATION: 2921 REP

747. Diemer, J.E. 1989. An overview of gopher tortoise relocation. Pages 1-6 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have provided minimal or conflicting data regarding the fate of relocated gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). Migration away from release sites has been reduced by initial penning or by establishing a group of females prior to introduction of males during the breeding season. Other suggested techniques have included releasing twice as many tortoises as desired and relocating groups of tortoises with a 1: 1 sex ratio. Biological considerations associated with translocating tortoises include mixing of gene pools, disease or parasite transmission, population disruption, dispersal tendency, and homing ability. Selecting a relocation site requires evaluation of habitat security, suitability and carrying capacity. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae methodology.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

748. Diemer, J.E. 1987. Tortoise relocation in Florida: solution or problem?. Desert Tortoise Counc. Proc. Symp. 9:131-135.

ABSTRACT: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is declining throughout its range in the southeastern Coastal Plain from Louisiana to South Carolina due to habitat modification and human predation. This paper discusses five gopher tortoise relocations in Florida and the problems associated with the relocations. The need to find biologically suitable and secure release sites and the need for coordination between biologists and construction personnel are emphasized. Genetic considerations of gopher tortoise relocations are also discussed. Gopher tortoises may have homing ability, but few studies have been conducted to examine this or general relocation success. Relocation saves the tortoise, but it erodes the habitat. The author recommends that natural habitats be retained as buffer zones for developments and gopher tortoise be restocked in areas where they have been reduced or exterminated. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae 1980's.

LOCATION: 2680 REP

749. Fletcher, M.R. 1982. Atlantic Ridley marine turtle reintroduced at Padre Island, USA. Parks 7:19-20.

ABSTRACT: The Atlantic Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempi) was listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1970. Rancho Nuevo in Mexico is only known nesting site for the species. A project was begun in 1977 to establish a breeding population of turtles at their historic nesting site on Padre Island National Seashore in Texas. Eggs gathered in plastic bags from laying females at Rancho Nuevo were packed in Padre Island sand in an attempt to imprint the turtles to Padre Island. The eggs were transported to Padre Island and placed in a hatching facility. Upon hatching, turtles were permitted to crawl over the sand to the water, and then they were caught and taken to the National Marine Fisheries Service in Galveston, Texas. The turtles were released into the wild after one year at the Galveston laboratory. Hatchling mortality is high in other turtle species and is assumed to be the same for Atlantic Ridley's. It is hoped that this one year period will allow the extra growth necessary for increased survival once the turtles are released. Hatching success of the eggs removed from Mexico varied from 83 to 88% during 1978-1981. Approximately 5,000 hatchlings have been released in the Gulf of Mexico from 1978 to 1980. The age of sexual maturity in Atlantic Ridley's is unknown but speculated to be 8-14 years. It will be many years until female Atlantic Ridley turtles can be expected to reproduce, and the success of these releases and imprinting can be measured. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae 1970's 1980's imprinting incubation.

LOCATION: 2942 REP

750. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm. 1989. Guidelines for gopher tortoise relocation. Pages 103-109 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: Based on data and discussion from the Gopher Tortoise Relocation Symposium held in June 1987, guidelines are presented for gopher tortoise relocation in Florida. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae Gopherus polyphemus capture methodology habitat marking measuring release site selection reporting transport.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

751. Fontaine, C.T., and C.W. Caillouet, Jr. 1985. The Kemp's ridley sea turtle head start research project: an annual report for fiscal year 1984. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-152, ii + 13 pp. and 3 Tables.

ABSTRACT: Since 1978, the National Marine Fisheries Service has been participating in a head starting program to save the Kemp's ridley sea turtle from extinction. During the fiscal year 1984, 190 tagged yearlings of the 1983 year-class were released 20 nautical miles off Mustang Island, Texas. Six of these tagged/ released turtles were found stranded on the Mustang Island beaches within two weeks after their release. Four (two alive, two dead) of these stranded animals were covered with petroleum and had ingested tar balls. Also in 1984, 1547 hatchlings of the 1984 year-class were received from the National Park Service. A total of 1179 of these hatchlings survived the transition to their new captive facilities and were being raised for release in 1985. A summary table is given that shows 8241 Kemp's ridley sea turtles representing six year classes (1978-1983) were tagged and released. A total of 378 (4.6%) of these released turtles were recovered, 65 of which were returned to the wild. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae Lepidochelys kempi Texas Mexico 1970's 1980's head starting methodology captive-rearing.

LOCATION: 3060 REP

752. Fontaine, C.T., K.T. Marvin, T.D. Williams, W.J. Browning, R.M. Harris, K.L.W. Indelicato, G.A. Shattuck, and R.A. Sadler. 1985. The husbandry of hatchling to yearling Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempi). NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-158, iii plus 34 pp., 10 Tables, 22 Figures, and 2 Appendices.

ABSTRACT: In an attempt to help prevent extinction of the seriously endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, seven year-classes (1978-1984) of turtles were head started at the National Marine Fisheries Services, Southeast Fisheries Center's Galveston Lab. A total of 9258 survivors of this program have been tagged and released into the Gulf of Mexico as yearlings, but none have returned to nest. This expensive and labor-intensive effort is, therefore, still experimental. This technical memorandum describes the facilities, equipment, methods, and techniques adapted and developed by the Galveston Laboratory to ensure the success of a head starting program for Kemp's ridley sea turtles. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae Texas Mexico 1970's 1980's head starting captive-rearing imprinting methodology.

LOCATION: 3057 REP

753. Fontaine, C.T., T.D. Williams, and D.B. Revera. 1988. Care and maintenance standards for the Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempi) held in captivity. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-202, ii plus 17 pp.

ABSTRACT: Representatives of Mexico's Instituto Nacional de la Pesca, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Park Service, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reached an informal agreement in 1978 to cooperate in a ten year feasibility study of head starting the critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. Head starting is a labor-intensive process wherein eggs are collected from the only known primary nesting beach in Mexico, are incubated and imprinted as hatchlings on Padre Island beach in Texas, and are reared to the age of 9-11 months in Galveston, Texas. These yearlings are then tagged and released into the Gulf of Mexico. This technical memorandum outlines recommendations and procedures for the minimum requirements for humane care and maintenance of endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles in captivity. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae Texas Mexico 1970's 1980's head starting captive-rearing methodology.

LOCATION: 3058 REP

754. Fontaine, C.T., T.D. Williams, S.A. Manzella, and C.W. Caillouet, Jr. 1989. Kemp's ridley sea turtle head start operations of the NMFS SEFC Galveston Laboratory. Pages 96-110 in C.W. Caillouet, Jr., and A.M. Landry, Jr., eds. Proc. of the First Int. Symposium on Kemp's ridley sea turtle biology, conservation, and management. Texas A & M Univ., College Station, Sea Grant College Program, TAMU-SG-89-105.

ABSTRACT: The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Head Start Research Project is part of the U.S.-Mexico Kemp's Ridley Recovery Program, and has as its main objective the establishment of a new nesting colony at the Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi, Texas. As of October 1988, 13,572 tagged Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi) juveniles had been released into the Gulf of Mexico after being reared in captivity at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Fisheries Center (SEFC), Galveston Laboratory in Galveston, Texas. Each year during the nesting season, approximately 2,000 eggs are collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its contractor, Gladys Porter Zoo, from the beach at Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The eggs are placed in Padre Island sand within polystyrene foam boxes for incubation. Once all the eggs have been collected, the boxes are flown to the National Seashore where the eggs are further incubated and hatched, and the hatchlings imprinted on the beach and in the surf at Padre Island, under surveillance by National Park Service personnel. The imprinted hatchlings are transferred to the MNFS SEFC Galveston Laboratory where they are reared in sea water raceways, in isolation from each other in individual containers, for 9 to 11 months. Survivors in good condition are tagged, weighed and measured, and released into the Gulf of Mexico, usually off Padre and Mustang Islands. Feeding, maintenance, and health care of the turtles, the major activities of captive-rearing, are described. Other activities described include: (1) monthly weighings of samples of turtles to obtain average body weight from which feeding ration is determined as a percentage of body weight; (2) tagging by three methods (living tags, internal tags, and flipper tags); (3) removal and preservation of kidneys and gonads (from turtles that die) for sex determination; and (4) final weighing and measuring of each turtle before it is released. Hatchlings weigh around 14 grams when received in July and August. By late May or early June of the following year, the captive turtles have increased in average weight to 0.8 kg, at which size they are released into the Gulf. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae 1970's 1980's status.

LOCATION: 3062 REP

755. Fucigna, T.F., Jr., and D.K. Nickerson, Jr. 1989. Relocations of two groups of gopher tortoises from Palm Beach County to Martin County, Florida. Pages 59-71 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: During January and February 1986, gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) were relocated from two proposed development sites in Palm Beach County to a Boy Scout reservation in southern Martin County. A total of 41 tortoises was relocated, 17 of which were radio-tagged and tracked. In addition, 19 resident tortoises were captured on the relocation site, marked and released, six of which were radio-tagged and tracked for 16 months. Two radio-transmittered tortoises were lost after release. Resident tortoises remained within a 200m radius of the relocation site. The maximum distance a relocated tortoise moved outside the relocation site was 1100m to the south. These results indicate that relocated tortoises remained within, or near, the relocation area, and that any impacts imparted to resident tortoises were not severe enough to drive them from the relocation area. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae 1980's.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

756. Godley, J.S. 1989. Comparison of gopher tortoise populations relocated onto reclaimed phosphate-mined sites in Florida. Pages 43-58 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: Three populations of gopher tortoises (Gardinier, N=144; GTE/Collier, N=130; Prestancia, N=11) were captured at Florida West Coast localities and relocated onto two phosphate-mined sites in Polk County, one reclaimed to pasture (Gardiner) and the other reclaimed to sand pine scrub (IMC Noralyn Mine). Habitat enhancement, initial penning, and starter burrows all failed to improve fidelity at the Gardiner recipient site; only 2.4% of the tortoises remained in the pasture and most moved to adjacent, higher quality habitat. Two years after relocation 28% of the males, 50% of the females and 14% of the juveniles were recaptured within 0.5 km of the release site. Radiotelemetry of 20 adults showed that 1) most initially moved to dense cover but dug burrows within 2 weeks; 2) dispersal was largely random, often into inhospitable habitats; 3) colony formation was rapid, socially facilitated, and improved site fidelity; and 4) males tended to disperse farther than females. Relocation had no detectable effect on growth or egg production of Gardiner tortoises. At the Noralyn Mine reclaimed scrub site, habitat quality was uniformly higher and relative to the relocated Gardiner tortoises 1) dispersal distances were shorter; 2) colony formation was less pronounced; 3) interburrow movements were less frequent; and 4) site fidelity was higher, with over 50% of the tortoises remaining on the. relocation site. A comparison of Gardiner and GTE/Collier tortoises showed that although growth rates and age at maturity (12-15 years) were similar, sexual size dimorphism was less pronounced in the GTE/Collier population, and adults of both sexes from Gardinier were significantly older and much larger. The harvest of mature GTE/Collier tortoises truncated the upper size distribution, reduced sexual size dimorphism and altered the reproductive potential of adults, a pattern apparently typical of many other Florida populations. As Florida's human population expands, so will the pressure and need to relocate and manage tortoises. With control of over 250,000 ha, the Florida phosphate industry has an unique opportunity to conserve tortoises through the restocking and management of the species on reclaimed lands. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae 1980's Gopherus polyphemus.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

757. Grassman, M.A., D.W. Owens, J.P. McVey, and R. Marquez M. 1984. Olfactory-based orientation in artificially imprinted sea turtles. Science 224:83-84.

ABSTRACT: Sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempi) are being artificially imprinted to Padre Island, Texas, in an effort to establish a new nesting population. These turtles spent more time per exposure in solutions made of Padre Island sand and seawater than in control solutions in a multiple-choice test. This is evidence that sea turtles may detect differences in natural water samples and remember olfactory cues to which they were exposed neonatally and that these differences may affect their orientation behavior. This suggests that imprinting could be used as a conservation technique for establishing new breeding populations of endangered sea turtles. (AA) Copyright 1984 by the AAAS.

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae United States Mexico 1970's.

LOCATION: 263 REP

758. Hawkins, R.Z., and R.L. Burke. 1989. Of pens, pullers and pets: problems of tortoise relocation. Page 99 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: Observations of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) behavior in pens and documentation of predation on released tortoises is presented. Tortoises lost or broke foreclaws from digging at poultry mesh pen walls prior to release. Not all tortoises attempted to excavate burrows while in pens. Dogs killed several released tortoises, and dog predation is expected to be a chronic problem in tortoise relocations. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae captivity.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

759. Jackson, D.R. 1989. The fauna of gopher tortoise burrows. Pages 86-98 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: Sixty vertebrate and 302 invertebrate species have been recorded from gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows in Florida. Differences in both invertebrate species and numbers were found between upland and pine flatwood habitats. Fewer commensal invertebrates were found in burrows sampled near extremes of the gopher tortoise range. Many of these fauna species are wingless thereby limiting dispersal, while discontinuous habitat limits overland migration for other species. Successful gopher tortoise relocation may necessitate relocation of burrow-associated fauna also. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae 1980's habitat.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

760. Johnson, B., and F. Paine. 1989. The release of captive bred Puerto Rican crested toads: captive management implications and the cactus connection. Am. Assoc. Zool. Parks Aquariums Reg. Conf. Proc., p.962-967.

ABSTRACT: Although 3000 Puerto Rican crested toadlets have been released in Puerto Rico, recent field work suggests that some changes should be implemented in caring for this species in captivity. Twelve captive-bred, two-year-old toads were released in Guanica Forest and monitored via radiotelemetry. The most successful toads dispersed into solution holes in the eroded limestone of the surrounding hills, where they escaped predation and dessiccation. Although humidity levels in these limestone holes are high enough to provide moisture to the toads, the presence of cacti suggests that drought is also a normal part of this toad species' existence, and, therefore, toadlets should be exposed to drought conditions. Based on field observations of periods of inactivity while these toads are in their underground limestone habitats, the generation time of captive toads should also be increased to six years to minimize any loss of genetic diversity. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: methodology 1980's microhabitat captive conditions Bufonidae Peltophryne lemur

LOCATION: 3209 AMP

761. Klima, E.F., and J.P. McVey. 1982. Headstarting the Kemp's ridley turtle, Lepidochelys kempi. Pages 481-487 in K.A. Bjorndal, ed. Biology and conservation of sea turtles. Proc. World Conf. on Sea Turtle Conserv., Washington, D.C. Nov. 1979. Smithsonian Inst. Press, Washington, D.C.

ABSTRACT: A summary of the international program to restore and preserve the Kemp's ridley turtle is provided. The program can be divided into three main parts: 1) enhancement of nesting success and survival at Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico; 2) establishment of a second breeding population at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas, and 3) an experimental study to evaluate the concept of headstarting. In 1978 the Galveston headstart turtle program obtained a 68 percent survival rate and released approximately 2,000 juvenile turtles. The Kemp's ridley turtle is best reared in individual containers to avoid aggressive behavior. Immediate treatment of damaged or ill turtles with antibiotics provided a 95 percent recovery rate. The turtles were released at three locations in the Gulf of Mexico. All turtles received flipper tags, and selected turtles released at Everglades National Park and Homosassa, Florida were equipped with radio transmitters to allow radio-tracking by plane and boat. The yearling turtles did not remain in the areas where released and exhibited pelagic behavior rather than benthic orientation. One animal recovered at Jekyll Island, Georgia, 8 months after release showed an increase of 2,700-4,000 g in weight and provides evidence that one of the project objectives, to demonstrate survival after release, may have been met. (AA) Reproduced by permission of the Smithsonian Institution Press.

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae.

LOCATION: 3203 REP

762. Layne, J.N. 1989. Comparison of survival rates and movements of relocated and resident gopher tortoises in a south-central Florida population. Pages 73-79 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: Survival and movements of 44 relocated gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and 100 randomly selected residents representing the same size classes as the relocated group were compared on a 430-ha study area located on the Archbold Biological Station, Highlands County, Florida. In both resident and relocated groups, loss of individuals was highest during the first year following release or original capture and more gradual in subsequent years. No relocated individuals were known to be alive after 14 years, but 11% of residents were still present on the study area at 15 years. Sixty-four percent of residents survived 1 month or more, compared with 41% of relocated individuals, with larger individuals having a higher survival rate than smaller tortoises in both groups. Mean survival time based on all individuals was higher in residents (53 months) than in relocated tortoises (22 months). Relocated tortoises tended to move farther from their release sites than did residents from their original capture sites (means=534 and 355m, respectively). The difference was attributable to males, as mean distance moved by relocated females was less than that of resident females. Mean distance between successive captures was 125 m for residents and 238 m for relocated tortoises, with the latter having a significantly higher frequency of longer movements. In both groups, males moved farther than females, with the difference being more pronounced in the relocated individuals. The extent to which lower survival of relocated tortoises was due to mortality or dispersal off the study area is unknown. Although the survival rate and movement patterns of relocated tortoises might have been influenced by residents, no interactions between resident or relocated individuals was observed. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae 1960's 1970's 1980's relocation.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

763. Lohoefener, R. and L. Lohmeier. 1986. Experiments with gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) relocation in southern Mississippi. Herpetol. Rev. 17:37, 39-40.

ABSTRACT: Relocation experiments with gopher tortoises in southern Mississippi were conducted during spring and early summer in 1980, 1981, and 1982. Forty mature or nearly mature tortoises were released under one of four treatments. Of 21 tortoises placed in "started" burrows in pens, 17 relocations were successful, and penning appeared to increase relocation success rate. Only one of 19 relocations under varying unpenned conditions in areas with feral tortoises was successful. Starting of artificial burrows did not appear to increase relocation success rate. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae 1980's.

LOCATION: 2849 REP

764. Manzella, S.A., C.W. Caillouet, Jr., C.T. Fontaine, T.D. Williams, K.L.W. Indelicato, M.J. Duronslet, D.B. Revera, A.M. Landry, Jr., and E.K. Stabenau. 1987. Kemp's ridley head start and sea turtle research at the Galveston Laboratory. Annual Report - fiscal year 1987. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-201, i plus 28pp., 20 Tables and 1 Appendix.

ABSTRACT: The National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Center, Galveston Laboratory has increased its involvement in sea turtle research and conservation over the past years, beyond its work in head starting Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempi). The Kemp's Ridley Head Start Research Project completed its ninth year by rearing, tagging, and releasing 1,630 turtles of the 1986 year-class. The release took place on 21 April 1987, off Padre Island, Texas. This brought the total number to 12,422 head started turtles released into the Gulf of Mexico since the project began in 1978. Survival of the 1986 year-class while in captivity was 98.6%, the highest of any year-class reared to date. In July 1987, 1,281 hatchlings of the 1987 year-class were delivered to the head start facilities by the National Park Service, from the Padre Island National Sea Shore near Corpus Christi, Texas, where they had been incubated, hatched, and "imprinted," following collection of the eggs at the Rancho Nuevo nesting beach. In August 1987, 160 Kemp's ridley hatchlings produced from the captive propagation experiments at Cayman Turtle Farm, (1984) Ltd., Grand Cayman, B.W.I., arrived at the facilities for head starting. The Galveston Laboratory has expanded its sea turtle research to include participation in Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network. Intensified and expanded beach sampling surveys are documenting strandings of sea turtles along the coasts of Texas and southwest Louisiana. Carcasses of stranded sea turtles are being necropsied to determine sex, reproductive development, food habits, and possible cause of death. Debris and entanglement sampling surveys are being conducted in conjunction with STSSN activities. Research on physiology, husbandry, pathology, is being conducted in cooperation with several universities in Texas and Louisiana. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae 1970's 1980's status methodology.

LOCATION: 3055 REP

765. Manzella, S.A., C.W. Caillouet, Jr., and C.T. Fontaine. 1988. Kemp's ridley, Lepidochelys kempi, sea turtle head start tag recoveries: distribution, habitat, and method recovery. Mar. Fish. Rev. 50(3):24-32.

ABSTRACT: The Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempi, head start research project is an international conservation effort to increase the wild population of Kemp's ridleys and to create a second nesting beach on Padre Island, Texas. Turtles are reared in captivity for about 10 months, tagged, and released at various locations in the Gulf of Mexico, but primarily off Padre Island. Tag recoveries are summarized by distribution, method of recovery, habitat, and season. A total of 12,422 turtles from nine year-classes (1978-86) of Kemp's ridleys have been released since the project began in 1978. As of 31 December 1987, 547 (4.4 percent) tag recoveries have been reported. Tag recovery data show turtles were reported from Mexico, all of the Gulf Coast states, and most of the states on the U.S. east coast as far north as New York. A few tag recoveries were reported from France and Morocco. Primary recovery locations are Texas (60.9 percent), Louisiana (14.0 percent), and Florida (10.3 percent), and primary tag recovery methods include strandings (34.3 percent) and shrimp trawls (27.6 percent). Tag recovery habitat data show that occurrence in bay waters or ocean waters is about equal with 45.8 and 31.8 percent, respectively. Kemp's ridleys probably move into bays and shallow coastal areas to feed. Seasonally, 52.5 percent of the tag recoveries occur during April, May, and June. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae 1970's 1980's methodology.

LOCATION: 3061 REP

766. Marquez, M.R., G.R. Bravo, and A.P. Castaneda. 1987. Mexican hawksbill project, 1985-1986 report. Mar. Turtle Newsl. 41:3-5.

ABSTRACT: The nesting beaches of the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles in Mexico are protected by the Instituto Nacional de la Pesca. The number of nests translocated, eggs protected, hatchlings released, and turtles tagged on the nesting beaches in Campeche and Yucatan, 1980-86, are listed. (MCA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae 1980's

LOCATION: 3224 REP

767. McFarland, C.G., and W.G. Reeder. 1975. Breeding, raising and restocking of giant tortoises (Geochelone elaphantopus) in the Galapagos Islands. Pages 13-37 in R.D. Martin, ed. Breeding endangered species in captivity. Academic Press, London.

ABSTRACT: Fifteen races of giant tortoises (Geochelone elephantopus) have been described in the Galapagos Islands; 11 remain today. Tortoise populations are threatened by feral competition and predators. Between early 1966 and August 1972, 302 tortoises were raised at the Charles Darwin Research Station for eventual restocking. In 1970, an initial release of 20 G. e. ephippium individuals on Pinzon was conducted. Nine individuals were held in captivity for comparison. Behavior of released individuals was no different than young wild porteri individuals. Most dispersal was completed 4 days post-release. Growth rates of ephippium in the wild were greater than growth rates of the nine captive individuals. In 1971, 51 additional ephippium tortoises were released on Pinzon. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Emydidae breeding colonies fertility growth hatching incubation mortality.

LOCATION: 2772 REP

768. McVey, J.P., and T. Wibbels. 1984. The growth and movements of captive-reared Kemp's ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys kempi, following their release in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-145, 25pp. plus 3 Figures and 3 Tables.

ABSTRACT: As part of an international conservation program that is attempting to save the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempi, 2026 captive-reared L. kempi were tagged and released in the Gulf of Mexico in 1979. Fifty-four of these turtles have been recaptured. The diversity of means by which the recaptures were made indicated that many of the fishing and shrimping techniques used by man can result in the capture of this sea turtle. The recaptures have provided valuable data on the movements and the growth of young (8 to 28 months old) L. kempi in the wild. Turtles released in Florida Bay were recaptured along the Atlantic coast of the United States, suggesting that the Gulf Stream played a major role in their dispersal. However, turtles released in calmer waters near Homosassa, Florida, moved in a variety of directions, indicating that immature animals weighing 0.5 to 1.0 kg may be capable of making a transition from a planktonic to a nektonic existence in relatively calm waters. Eighteen of the recaptured turtles were weighed and/or measured. These turtles exhibited average weight gains of 5.1 g/day and average carapace length gains of 0.024 cm/ day. The recaptured turtles' growth and movements indicate that captive-reared L. kempi can adapt successfully to life in the wild. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae 1970's release survival.

LOCATION: 265 REP

769. Miller, T.J. 1985. Husbandry and breeding of the Puerto Rican toad (Peltophryne lemur) with comments on its natural history. Zoo Biol. 4:281-286.

ABSTRACT: The methods used in the breeding and rearing of Peltophryne lemur along with comments on reintroduction efforts are described. Breeding was induced by injections of leutinizing releasing hormone, and fertile eggs were produced. Eggs hatched in approximately 24 hours. New hatched tadpoles were small (5.0 mm) and delicate. Metamorphosis occurred in 20-30 days, and newly metamorphosed toads grew evenly and quickly to maturity in about 1 year. Seventy-five 20 mm young were returned to Puerto Rico in May 1983. These toads were released at a pond where adult and young P. lemur were seen. The successful maintenance and breeding of this species indicate it can survive in captivity. Future work on P. lemur should concentrate on its status and survival in the wild. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Bufonidae Puerto Rico 1980's reintroduction.

LOCATION: 2814 AMP

770. Morgan-Davies, A.M. 1980. Translocating crocodiles. Oryx 15:371-373.

ABSTRACT: The state of Borno, in Nigeria, is trying to increase its dwindling crocodile populations. In 1976 the State wildlife authorities confiscated 15 crocodiles that were being illegally kept, and used them to augment a low population in a game reserve. This proved successful, and in 1979 they followed it with another successful translocation, this time of 20 crocodiles born and bred in Kyarimi Park Zoo of which the author was Curator. The latest news is that a third translocation is planned from a record batch of 112 bred in Kyarimi Park Zoo. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Crocodylidae 1970's 1980's.

LOCATION: 2483 REP

771. Petersen, W., R. Newbery, and N. Jacobsen. 1985. Cordylus giganteus is alive and well and living at Rietpoort. Fauna and Flora 42:26-29.

ABSTRACT: Cordylus giganteus, commonly called the sungazer, is endemic to the grasslands of the northeastern Orange Free State, western Natal, and southeastern Transvaal. The species' survival is threatened by habitat destruction and removal of individuals for witchcraft and the pet trade. A pilot relocation program was conducted in 1983. Two lizard colonies were relocated to a farm at Rietpoort and monitored. One colony contained 35 animals; the other contained 12. Burrows were artificially excavated at the release sites, adults were marked with ribbon, and each colony was released. Over 70% of the lizards of both colonies remained at the relocation sites 3 months post-release. Relocation has been successful and appears to be a suitable method of saving the sungazer. The problem, however, is finding suitable relocation sites. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Cordylidae 1980's.

LOCATION: 3033 REP

772. Pritchard, P.C.H. 1982. Recovered sea turtle populations from U.S. recovery team efforts. Pages 503-511 in K.A. Bjorndal, ed. Biology and conservation of sea turtles. Proc. World Conf. on Sea Turtle Conserv., Washington, D.C. Nov. 1979. Smithsonian Inst. Press, Washington, D.C.

ABSTRACT: A few sea turtle populations, once depleted by heavy human exploitation, are known to have recovered to some degree. They include the loggerhead and leatherback populations in Natal, South Africa; the green turtle populations of Europa Island; and possibly the green turtle populations of Florida and Mussau, Papua New Guinea. Nevertheless, a recovery is always highly protracted and requires virtually completed protection in order to take place. Turtle populations that have been subject to massive egg exploitation may continue to decline for a decade or more following complete protection, as adults die of natural causes and are not replaced because of reduced or absent age-classes corresponding to the years of egg exploitation. On the other hand, populations subject to heavy harvesting of female turtles but that were not exposed to intensive egg collection may start to show recovery as soon as the population is protected; but such recovery is still very slow and in the short term may be masked by normal fluctuations in numbers of nesting turtles. A false impression of recovery can be given either by. unknown conditions prompting an abnormal fraction of the nesting population to nest in a given year, or by deteriorating conditions in adjacent nesting areas forcing ever-increasing numbers of turtles to nest on the remaining intact beaches. The functions of the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service-Fish and Wildlife Service Southeastern Region Sea Turtle Recovery Team are described. The team is appointed to write a recovery plan to delineate the tasks necessary for the restoration of all sea turtle populations in the southeastern region to a status that would not require their being listed as endangered or threatened. No recovery team is currently planned for the western region (U.S. Pacific Territories), but data-gathering in that area has been initiated. (AA) Reproduced by permission of the Smithsonian Institution Press.

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae Caretta caretta Chelonia mydas olive ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea Kemp's ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys kempi hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Dermochelyidae Dermochelys coriacea Surinam Mexico Georgia Australia Costa Rica South Carolina French Guiana U.S. Virgin Islands Puerto Rico.

LOCATION: 3202 REP

773. Raw, K., and G. Pilkington. 1988. 18. Bringing back the natterjack toad. R. Soc. Prot. Birds Conserv. Rev. 2:81-84.

ABSTRACT: The British range of the natterjack toad greatly decreased by 1984 due to interior heathland destruction. To contribute to the conservation of this species, a reintroduction effort was planned to establish natterjacks at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' Lodge Reserve. After some habitat modification and the construction of a small pond, spawn from an established natterjack colony was introduced in 1980 and 1981. Males called in the vicinity in 1982, and the first spawn strings appeared in 1983. By 1987, 60 breeding females were estimated to be in the population. Based on known sex ratios in other areas where males heavily outnumber females, the total adult population was estimated at 160-300 individuals. A density of 36-37 breeding adults per hectare was determined, and tadpole survival rate was estimated at 11-22%. (KRR)

KEY WORDS: habitat dispersal reproduction Bufonidae Bufo calamita

LOCATION: 4001 AMP

774. Reynolds, R.P. 1982. Experimental repatriation of captive-reared land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus) at Cartago Bay, Isabela. Not. Galapagos 36:13-14.

ABSTRACT: A captive-rearing program was begun in 1976 at the Darwin Station for the endangered Galapagos land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus). Feral dog predation threatened the continued existence of the species. The original breeding stock consisted of 30 adults from the Cartago Bay area of Isabela and 60 from Santa Cruz. Over 200 iguanas have been hatched since 1978. Following a dog eradication program, 37 juvenile iguanas were released on Cerro Cartago at Cartago Bay in May 1982. Released iguanas have adapted well, and additional releases are planned for 1983. If feral dog eradication is successful on Santa Cruz, iguanas will be released there in 1983. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Iguanidae Galapagos Islands 1980's.

LOCATION: 2890 REP

775. Samour, H.J., D.M.J. Spratt, M.G. Hart, B. Savage, and C.M. Hawkey. 1987. A survey of the Aldabra giant tortoise population introduced on Curieuse Island, Seychelles. Biol. Conserv. 41: 147-158.

ABSTRACT: The Zoological Society of London carried out a field study in the Republic of the Seychelles to obtain biomedical data from the Aldabra giant tortoise population on Curieuse Island and assess the progress of the colony within the context of the Curieuse experiment. The biomedical data will be published in full detail elsewhere, but brief details of the sampling methods are included as an integral part of the handling procedure to which the tortoises were subjected. From evidence gathered in the field it appears that the tortoises have adapted well to the environment, are causing little damage and represent a major tourist attraction. The impact of the tourist industry on the Curieuse experiment was assessed and found to be a source of concern in relation to the successful management of the island. A total of 144 post hatchlings, 1 juvenile and 17 hatchlings were found, distributed in 6 out of 9 designated areas on Curieuse. These represent less than 50% of the total of tortoises re-introduced as part of the Curieuse experiment. There is strong evidence of poaching and theft, probably by local inhabitants. (AA) Reprinted with permission of Elsevier Science Publishers, Ltd.

KEY WORDS: Emydidae 1980's survey Geochelone elephantopus.

LOCATION: 2722 REP

776. Savidge, J.A. 1987. Extinction of an island forest avifauna by an introduced snake. Ecology 68:660-668.

ABSTRACT: The island of Guam has experienced a precipitous decline of its native forest birds, and several lines of evidence implicate the introduced brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) as the cause of the range reductions and extinctions. The range expansion of B. irregularis correlated well with the range contraction of the forest avifauna. Exceptionally high predation by snakes on bird-baited funnel traps occurred in areas where bird populations had declined. Little or no snake predation occurred in areas with stable bird populations. Several factors have contributed to Boiga's success in decimating the avifauna on Guam. Although most common in forests, B. irregularis has occupied a variety of habitats on Guam, and few effective barriers to its dispersal exist. Prey refuges are present only in urban areas, on concrete or metal structures, and in the savanna. Boiga's nocturnal and arboreal habits and an apparent keen ability to locate prey, make roosting and nesting birds, eggs, and nestlings vulnerable. Besides birds, B. irregularis feeds on small mammals and lizards. By including the abundant small reptiles as a major component in its diet, Boiga has maintained high densities in forest and second-growth habitats while exterminating its more vulnerable prey. This is the first time a snake has been implicated as an agent of extinction. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Colubridae historical account pesticides.

LOCATION: 3127 REP

777. Smith, H.M. and A.J. Kohler. 1977. A survey of herpetological introductions in the United States and Canada. Trans. Kans. Acad. Sci. 80(1-2):1-24.

ABSTRACT: A search of the literature reveals that 75 exotic species have been imported into the United States (including Hawaii) in sufficient abundance and in territories of sufficient potential hospitability to enable them to survive. Excluded are the myriad "waif" releases of single specimens or of more than one in clearly inhospitable habitats. Thirty-two endemic species are known to have been introduced into areas where they do not now normally occur. Monitored introduction of exotic species that are regarded unlikely to displace native species should be encouraged. Introduction of endemics into areas where they do not now occur should not be permitted; introductions of specimens from one part of a species' range into another are especially objectionable. Augmentation by man of biotic diversity achieved by resource-partitioning among exotic and native species is a desirable calculated product insofar as it can be achieved, since it utilizes niche potentials to a degree not otherwise approachable. Specific regulations are suggested. The introduced species of amphibians and reptiles are listed and categorized, and references are given to the literature on each. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Review paper.

LOCATION: 2604 AMP

778. Speake, D., D. McGlincy, and C. Smith. 1987. Captive breeding and experimental reintroduction of the Eastern indigo snake. Proc. Southeast. Nongame Endangered Wildl. Symp. 3:84-90. ABSTRACT: Eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon corals couperi) have been captive-bred at Auburn University since 1977. Various techniques have been tested for care and maintenance of the breeding colony and production of hatchlings for experimental release. A total of 538 indigo snakes, produced predominantly by the breeding colony, has been released on protected areas to evaluate restocking as a practical method of restoring populations. Some populations have been successfully established, but results are inconclusive on other release sites at this time. Suggestions are made regarding captive propagation techniques and habitats needed for restoration and recovery of the species. (AA) KEY WORDS: Colubridae 1970's captive rearing methodology.

LOCATION: 3114 REP

779. Spellerberg, I.F., and S.M. House. 1982. Relocation of the lizard Lacerta agilis: an exercise in conservation. Br. J. Herpetol. 6(7):245-248.

ABSTRACT: During August 1976, 30 sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) were removed from a heathland National Nature Reserve. A few days before this most of the Reserve had been destroyed by a fire and about 800 lizards were killed. A specially designed vivarium was later constructed on an unburnt part of the Reserve and lizards were released in the vivarium during 1978. The objective was to return the lizards to the Reserve, using a controlled method, and assist the natural recolonization process. Three years later (in 1981) the vivarium had a small breeding population of sand lizards. (AS)

KEY WORDS: Lacertidae 1970's 1980's methodology.

LOCATION: 3044 REP

780. Stout, I.J., D.R. Richardson, and R.E. Roberts. 1989. Response of resident and relocated gopher tortoises to a prescribed burn in a sand pine scrub community. Pages 84-85 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: The feasibility of prescribed burning of small sand pine scrub communities in Palm Beach County, Florida, as a means of retaining relocated gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) was investigated. Nine gopher tortoises were translocated to a 4 ha burned dense xeric community. One year post-burn, two of the nine had settled on the burn site; the remaining seven had moved to adjacent mature scrub. Burning of small sand pine recipient sites for gopher tortoises does not appear to retain relocated gopher tortoises. Local populations, however, responded by immigrating and settling on the site 2 months post-burn. (LCA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae 1980's habitat.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

781. Stout, I.J., T.J. Doonan, R.E. Roberts, and D.R. Richardson. 1989. Comparisons of results of three gopher tortoise relocations in central and southwest Florida. Pages 15-42 in J.E. Diemer, D.R. Jackson, J.L. Landers, J.N. Layne, and D.A. Wood, eds. Gopher tortoise relocation symposium proceedings. Fla. Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm., Nongame Wildl. Program Tech. Rep. 5.

ABSTRACT: Three groups of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) were relocated from donor sites in Seminole and Palm Beach Counties to recipient sites in Orange and Palm Beach Counties. In one Seminole County to Orange County relocation, 25 tortoises - 13 residents and 12 that were relocated - were radio tracked at the recipient site for 15 months. Resident tortoises exhibited site fidelity, whereas only 58% of the relocated individuals remained near the release locations after one year. Release enclosures may be useful to employ in relocation efforts; however, tortoises did not remain in existing or hand-started burrows once enclosures were removed. The other two relocations were confined to Palm Beach County. In one, tortoises were relocated to a prescribe burned sand pine scrub preserve within the Boca Commerce Center. Fifty-five percent of the radio-tagged tortoises remained on site after 10 months. The other was done at Quantum Park where a fenced 16 ha preserve was established. Early indications suggest this relocation was successful. All radio-tagged tortoises were present after 6 months of study. Co-occupancy of burrows was fairly common and may be the result of the fence or unique to this relocated population. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Testudinidae 1980's.

LOCATION: 2621 REP

782. Wyneken, J., T.J. Burke, M. Salmon, and D.K. Pedersen. 1988. Egg failure in natural and relocated sea turtle nests. J. Herpetol. 22:88-96.

ABSTRACT: Eggs of the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, often fail to hatch. Infertility and embryonic mortality were investigated as sources of egg failure, showing that standard methods of estimating infertility of eggs produce overestimates. High species diversity of bacteria within eggs or the occurrence of the same bacteria in both females and their eggs was correlated with lower hatching success. Comparisons of hatching success were made among natural nests and two commonly used methods of egg relocation. Eggs relocated to polystyrene incubators had higher hatching success than did eggs reburied in other beach sites. Eggs in undisturbed natural nests had lower hatching success than relocated eggs. Thus, egg relocation is an effective conservation method, provided sites are chosen carefully. (AA)

KEY WORDS: Cheloniidae 1980's Georgia reproduction.

LOCATION: 2847 REP