Research and Conservation Priorities for Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles of Colombia

摘要

The objective of our study was to review and quantify the level of knowledge of the biology of tortoise and freshwater turtle species of Colombia based on studies conducted in the country. We used the resulting rankings in knowledge, in combination with IUCN threat category, presence in protected areas, and endemism, to propose conservation priorities. This process also allowed us to evaluate which aspects of turtle biology have been least studied. Four species obtained total values of zero or one over the 21 knowledge criteria employed, so they were ranked as the highest priority for research based on the lack of knowledge of their biology: Black-lined Toad-headed Turtle (Mesoclemmys raniceps), Amazon Toad-headed Turtle (Mesoclemmys heliostemma), Gibba Toad-headed Turtle (Mesoclemmys gibba), and Dunn’s Mud Turtle (Kinosternon dunni). Moreover, species in the family Chelidae in general were found to have limited levels of knowledge, which makes this group a priority for investigation. Evaluation of the distinct criteria used in the knowledge assessment revealed that the best-known criteria were geographic distribution (modeled), presence or absence in protected areas, and clutch size. The most poorly known biological characteristics, which constitute research priorities, are the frequency of nesting, longevity and generation time, and population parameters. According to the criteria used, the priority species for conservation were the Magdalena River Turtle (Podocnemis lewyana), Dahl’s Toad-headed Turtle (Mesoclemmys dahli), K. dunni, and Maracaibo Wood Turtle (Rhinoclemmys diademata), three of which are endemic or semiendemic (R. diademata only occurs in Colombia and Venezuela), followed by two species of Mesoclemmys.