Yik-Hei Sung

Conservation Status of Freshwater Turtles in Hainan Island, China: Interviews and Field Surveys at Yinggeling Nature Reserve

Abstract Overexploitation has led to the drastic decline of most Asian freshwater turtle populations. We examined the distribution and current status of freshwater turtles using interviews and field surveys in Yinggeling Nature Reserve, Hainan Island. We captured 18 individuals of 4 species in over 8000 trap days. Based on our findings, interviews, and previous studies, illegal turtle harvesting is probably the major cause of population declines; we identified 2 key conservation areas within the reserve for regular patrols to reduce illegal activities.

Growth Rate and an Evaluation of Age Estimation for the Endangered Big-Headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) in China

Abstract Understanding growth patterns is critical for determining age and size at sexual maturity and longevity in species that are severely threatened by over-collection and habitat loss, particularly in poorly understood species in tropical East Asia. Using data collected during a 9-year mark–recapture study, we fit the von Bertalanffy and logistic growth models to examine growth patterns of the endangered Big-headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum). Growth rate of P. megacephalum was best described by the von Bertalanffy model. Mean age at maturation for female and male P. megacephalum was 8 and 13 years. At maturity for female and male P. megacephalum, mean carapace length was 100 mm and 130 mm, respectively. We determined that counting growth rings on the carapace and plastron was not a reliable method for estimating ages. The long time to maturation in P. megacephalum may be costly in harvested populations, with individuals potentially being removed from populations prior to first reproduction. The growth patterns we have documented, and associated information on body size and age at sexual maturity, yield metrics that may be used to assess the effects of harvesting in populations and may contribute to conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Diet of the endangered big-headed turtle Platysternon megacephalum

Populations of the big-headed turtle Platysternon megacephalum are declining at unprecedented rates across most of its distribution in Southeast Asia owing to unsustainable harvest for pet, food, and Chinese medicine markets. Research on Asian freshwater turtles becomes more challenging as populations decline and basic ecological information is needed to inform conservation efforts. We examined fecal samples collected from P. megacephalum in five streams in Hong Kong to quantify the diet, and we compared the germination success of ingested and uningested seeds. Fruits, primarily of Machilus spp., were most frequently consumed, followed by insects, plant matter, crabs and mollusks. The niche breadth of adults was wider than that of juveniles. Diet composition differed between sites, which may be attributable to the history of illegal trapping at some sites, which reduced the proportion of larger and older individuals. Digestion of Machilus spp. fruits by P. megacephalum enhanced germination success of seeds by about 30%. However, most digested seeds are likely defecated in water in this highly aquatic species, which limits the potential benefit to dispersal. The results of our study can be used by conservation-related captive breeding programs to ensure a more optimal diet is provided to captive P. megacephalum.

A New Host Record for Tritetrabdella taiwana (Hirudinida: Arhynchobdellida: Haemadipsidae) from the Asian Painted Frog Kaloula pulchra (Anura: Microhylidae) in Hong Kong, China, with a Taxonomic Note on T. taiwana

ABSTRACT: Two individuals of Tritetrabdella taiwana that attached to a microhylid Asian painted frog, Kaloula pulchra, were collected in Hong Kong, China. This finding represents a new microhylid host record for T. taiwana. Additionally, molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on COI sequence data. The present phylogenies indicated that further taxonomic studies are needed to clarify the taxonomic status of the species of Tritetrabdella.

A new species of Amolops (Anura: Ranidae) from southwestern Guangdong, China

A new species, Amolops yunkaiensis sp. nov. is described based on a series of specimens from Ehuangzhang Nature Reserve and Yunkaishan Nature Reserve, southwestern Guangdong Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from all known congeners by molecular divergence in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA, 12S rRNA and CO1 genes, and a combination of the following characters: relatively small body size, SVL 31.8-34.1 mm in adult males, 35.2-39.0 mm in adult females; numerous raised large warts on dorsum and flanks; dorsal body olive-brown or light brown with dark brown blotches; absence of vomerine teeth; absence of tarsal glands; presence of a pair of subgular vocal sacs, nuptial spines on the first finger, and sparse translucent tubercles on the lower jaw, forechest, posterior belly and ventral thigh in male. Hence, the genus Amolops contains 52 species, 29 of which occur in China.

A new species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hong Kong

A new species of gekkonid, Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis sp. nov., is described based on a series of specimens collected from Hong Kong SAR, China. The new species can be distinguished from other known congeners by molecular divergence in the mitochondrial ND2 gene and morphological characters including 5-6 chin scales; a manual lamellar formula of 3-3(4)-4-4; a pedal lamellar formula of 3(4)-4(5)-4(5)-4; 24-25 continuous femoral and precloacal pores; 12-15 dorsal scales and 9-10 ventral scales contained in diameter of eye. At present, the genus Hemiphyllodactylus comprises 22 described species.

Shells in Trouble—Turtle Ecology, Conservation, and the Asian Turtle Crisis

Turtles are more than just animals with shells. They have important jobs in nature, eating and being eaten by other living things. Tropical Asia is a biodiversity hotspot for turtles—more than one quarter of all turtle species on Earth are found here. Some sad news is that turtles are going extinct because of humans hunting the turtles and destroying their habitats. This situation has been named the Asian Turtle Crisis. Many professionals are working hard to conserve turtles, but most importantly you can help also. In this article, we give you some background on the ecology and conservation of turtles, and we hope to inspire you to help with turtle conservation.

A new species of Amolops (Anura: Ranidae) from southern China

A new species, Amolops albispinus sp. nov. is described based on a series of specimens collected from Mt. Wutong, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from other known congeners by molecular divergence in the mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA gene and morphological characters including presence of white conical spines on the lips, loreal and temporal regions, excluding the tympanum; small body, SVL 36.7-42.4 mm in adult males and 43.1-51.9 mm in adult females; very rough dorsal skin of body with numerous raised large warts; olive-brown dorsum with dark brown blotches; strongly developed vomerine teeth; absence of vocal sacs; absence of tarsal glands; absence of dorsolateral folds; presence of circummarginals groove on the disk of first finger; and absence of outer metatarsal tubercles. At present, the genus Amolops contains 51 species, of which 23 occur in China.