By Fedde Burgers | Chairman of the board of STCC
The Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao started a collaborative project last month with Dr. Manuela Tripepi, Professor of Biology at Jefferson University, Philadelphia, to launch a deeper investigation in the outbreak of Fibropapillomatosis (FP), a disease affecting green sea turtles that is considered a major threat to the species' survival.
Using radio transmitters, this project will collect data on affected sea turtles and compare their habits with healthy ones living in the same areas. Their foraging behaviors and preferred feeding grounds could be factors to the Fibropapillomatosis, disease currently found in on the green sea turtles present around the island. The project will first analyze the area of Caracas Baai, where 75% of the turtles examined showed tumors.
The pathogenesis and epidemiology of FP in marine sea turtles is poorly understood, though the disease is believed to be caused by a combination of factors that activate the Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), which is responsible for the disease. One primary factor is believed to be the environmental pollutants present in the turtles’ habitats and a compromised immune system in the turtles.
Dr. Manuela Tripepi brings her expertise and passion for research that focuses on stress responses. Her research investigates how different organisms respond to various stressors and the impact that these stressors can have on their survival strategies. The team carefully captures, tags, and releases the sea turtles while ensuring the safety and well-being of these magnificent creatures. This endeavor not only advances our knowledge but also lays the foundation for effective conservation strategies.
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