Tag Archives: Turtles

A Genomic-Based Workflow for eDNA Assay Development for a Critically Endangered Turtle, Myuchelys georgesi

Posted on by

Type: Journal article

Reference: Nelson, H.V., Georges, A., Farquharson, K.A., McLennan, E.A., DeGabriel, J.L., Belov, K. and Hogg, C.J. (2025), A Genomic-Based Workflow for eDNA Assay Development for a Critically Endangered Turtle, Myuchelys georgesi. Ecol Evol, 15: e70798. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70798

Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has become a popular conservation tool for detecting rare and elusive species. eDNA assays typically target mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) due to its high copy number per cell and its ability to persist in the environment longer than nuclear DNA. Consequently, the development of eDNA assays has relied on mitochondrial reference sequences available in online databases, or in cases where such data are unavailable, de novo DNA extraction and sequencing of mtDNA. In this study, we designed eDNA primers for the critically endangered Bellinger River turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) using a bioinformatically assembled mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) derived from a reference genome. We confirmed the accuracy of this assembled mitogenome by comparing it to a Sanger-sequenced mitogenome of the same species, and no base pair mismatches were detected. Using the bioinformatically extracted mitogenome, we designed two 20 bp primers that target a 152-base-pair-long fragment of the cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene and a 186-base-pair-long fragment of the cytochrome B (CytB) gene. Both primers were successfully validated in silico, in vitro, and in situ.

A genomic framework to assist conservation breeding and translocation success: A case study of a critically endangered turtle

Posted on by

Type: Journal article

Reference: Nelson, H. V., Farquharson, K. A., Georges, A., McLennan, E. A., DeGabriel, J. L., Giese, M., Ormond, C., McFadden, M., Skidmore, A., Prangell, J., Belov, K., & Hogg, C. J. (2024). A genomic framework to assist conservation breeding and translocation success: A case study of a critically endangered turtle. Conservation Science and Practice, 6(10), e13204. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.13204

Abstract

Conservation breeding programs are an effective approach to addressing biodiversity loss. Captive populations are managed to maintain genetic diversity, yet there remains an “implementation gap” in effectively translating molecular genetic data into management. Technological advancements are facilitating rapid generation of genetic data, increasing accessibility for breeding programs. In 2010, Frankham and colleagues proposed a six-stage process for establishing successful conservation breeding and release programs. Here, we describe the conservation breeding program for the critically endangered Bellinger River turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) and characterize the value of genetic sampling for informing management actions. By generating a chromosome-level genome and population genetic data, we investigated past and present diversity and assessed relatedness among captive founders. We present a framework modeled on Frankham and colleagues six stages to assist managers in implementing genetic data into actionable conservation strategies. This framework, and worked case study, for managers aims to better guide implementation of genetic approaches into conservation breeding programs.

post

What my PhD has taught me: Turtles are awesome

Posted on by

by Holly Nelson (PhD Student)

So, you probably think Tasmanian Devils are adorable and Koalas are super cute. Well, let me tell you about turtles and four quick reasons why they’re awesome.

1. Free rent: Imagine having a portable, self-contained home acquired at birth, the Sydney housing market would be the least of your worries. Unlike hermit crabs, the shells of these little keratin caravans are an extension of their spine and are the equivalent of a ribcage.

2. Solar panel: A turtle’s shell is more than its home. Not only is it a protective barrier against predators, turtles also use it to synthesise vitamin D from UV light which is needed for bone and shell growth. Not only this, turtles have nerve receptors in their shells, making them suckers for butt scratches.

3. Mixed signals: If you’ve ever seen a turtle slapping another turtle, one word, foreplay. Yes, turtles slap each other’s faces to convey affection and to attract a mate. A male turtle will slap a females face multiple times to make it clear he digs her. No mixed signals in the turtle world.

4. Realer than Jurassic World: Who needs CGI when you have real life dinosaurs still roaming the earth? These little guys date back over 220 million years to the time of the dinosaurs – woah! So don’t waste your time watching the new Jurassic world movie (wasn’t that good anyway), enjoy some turtle videos instead.

Although there’s a never-ending list of intriguing facts about turtles, hopefully one of these points has made you appreciate these underrated little critters a bit more.

Author

Holly Nelson (PhD Student) is working on how we can use genomics to revolutionise threatened species management. From genome assembly to downstream analyses using whole-genome data, Holly is using her work to answer genetic questions on the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, Koala, and other threatened species. Her work, in partnership with the NSW Governments Saving Our Species program, aims to create more robust conservation strategies that can be developed and applied together with wildlife managers.

@hollyvnelson