Dataset Information

Phylogeny, biogeography and methodology: a meta-analytic perspective on heterogeneity in adult marine turtle survival rates.

ABSTRACT: Comparative syntheses of key demographic parameters are critical not only for identifying data gaps, but also for evaluating sources of heterogeneity among estimates. Because demographic studies frequently exhibit heterogeneity, evaluating sources of heterogeneity among estimates can inform biological patterns and conservation actions more broadly. To better understand adult survival in marine turtles and avoid drawing inaccurate conclusions from current estimates, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to test how heterogeneity among estimates was partitioned among phylogenetic, biogeographic and methodological factors. Fifty-nine studies from five marine turtle species met the minimum selection criteria for inclusion in our meta-analysis. Heterogeneity among survival estimates was first partitioned between differences in ocean basin (Indo-Pacific versus Atlantic), then by differences among family/tribe within the Indo-Pacific (Chelonini versus Carettini and Dermochelidae). However, apparent differences attributed to biogeography (ocean basin effect) and phylogeny (family/tribe effect) were highly correlated with methodological differences in tag type, model type, habitat type and study duration, thereby confounding biological interpretations and complicating efforts to use many current survival estimates in population assessments. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating sources of heterogeneity when interpreting patterns among similar demographic studies and directly inform efforts to identify research priorities for marine turtles globally.

SUBMITTER: Pfaller JB

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5895625 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Phylogeny, biogeography and methodology: a meta-analytic perspective on heterogeneity in adult marine turtle survival rates.

Pfaller Joseph B JB Chaloupka Milani M Bolten Alan B AB Bjorndal Karen A KA

Scientific reports 20180411 1

Comparative syntheses of key demographic parameters are critical not only for identifying data gaps, but also for evaluating sources of heterogeneity among estimates. Because demographic studies frequently exhibit heterogeneity, evaluating sources of heterogeneity among estimates can inform biological patterns and conservation actions more broadly. To better understand adult survival in marine turtles and avoid drawing inaccurate conclusions from current estimates, we conducted a comprehensive m ...[more]

PMID: 29643352

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Project description:Rehabilitation of marine turtles in Queensland has multifaceted objectives. It treats individual animals, serves to educate the public, and contributes to conservation. We examined the outcome from rehabilitation, time in rehabilitation, and subsequent recapture and restranding rates of stranded marine turtles between 1996 and 2013 to determine if the benefits associated with this practice are cost-effective as a conservation tool. Of 13,854 marine turtles reported as stranded during this 18-year period, 5,022 of these turtles were stranded alive with the remainder verified as dead or of unknown condition. A total of 2,970 (59%) of these live strandings were transported to a rehabilitation facility. Overall, 1,173/2,970 (39%) turtles were released over 18 years, 101 of which were recaptured: 77 reported as restrandings (20 dead, 13 alive subsequently died, 11 alive subsequently euthanized, 33 alive) and 24 recaptured during normal marine turtle population monitoring or fishing activities. Of the turtles admitted to rehabilitation exhibiting signs of disease, 88% of them died, either unassisted or by euthanasia and 66% of turtles admitted for unknown causes of stranding died either unassisted or by euthanasia. All turtles recorded as having a buoyancy disorder with no other presenting problem or disorder recorded, were released alive. In Queensland, rehabilitation costs approximately $1,000 per animal per year admitted to a center, $2,583 per animal per year released, and $123,750 per animal per year for marine turtles which are presumably successfully returned to the functional population. This practice may not be economically viable in its present configuration, but may be more cost effective as a mobile response unit. Further there is certainly benefit giving individual turtles a chance at survival and educating the public in the perils facing marine turtles. As well, rehabilitation can provide insight into the diseases and environmental stressors causing stranding, arming researchers with information to mitigate negative impacts.

Dataset Information

Phylogeny, biogeography and methodology: a meta-analytic perspective on heterogeneity in adult marine turtle survival rates.

Publications

Phylogeny, biogeography and methodology: a meta-analytic perspective on heterogeneity in adult marine turtle survival rates.

Similar Datasets

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