Jurassic European Sea Turtles Suffered From Changing Sea Levels
Remains of the supposed oldest sea turtle species was found in the Baetic Cordillera in Jaén 6 years ago. It is still not clear what group the primitive species Hispaniachelys prebetica, considered the oldest southern Europe species, belongs to. A researcher in the evolutionary biology group of the UNED, Adan Pérez-Garcia, studied and analyzed the fossil’s morphology so as to provide new information. He found out that Hispaniachelys prebetica is not a valid species but is rather identified as a member of a turtle group exclusive to the European Jurassic called Plesiochelyidae. Species from this group were very environment-dependent, thus changes in the sea levels which occurred at the end of the Jurassic period around 145 million years ago resulted in their extinction.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Volunteers helps turtles crossing the roads since nesting season has started.
In Orlando, Carissa Kent monitors gopher tortoise populations on-site by rescuing and relocating them. You can attend this event to learn about her work.
A special turtle IV system is proven to be very effective to allow more animals to be returned healthy to the wild in a sea turtle rescue center.
Topsail Turtle Project has started : From May 1 and to August, Turtle Project volunteers work under the guidance of area coordinators to look for nesting turtles.
Crime and Punishment
A restaurant in Suva, Fiji was reported for selling endangered turtle meat against the law.
Miscellaneous
Mr. T, a Sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) has escaped from his enclosure in Clearwater, Florida.
Did You Know…
Species from the Pelomedusidae family do not shed their shell scutes like most species, but shed large pieces of skin like snakes instead.
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Photo from Iván Gromicho
