Head injuries in Loggerheads (Caretta caretta): new threat in the Gulf of Taranto?

Erika Ottone, A. Pisto, G. Cirelli, F. Catucci, V. Aquaro, A. Colucci, N. Tragni, S. Ciccarelli, Rosalia Maglietta, Carmelo Fanizza, Roberto Carlucci

Abstract

Among the anthropogenic threats to Caretta caretta, fishing is one of the most impactful. Boating and fishing can cause traumatic injuries to sea turtles, moreover some fishermen can deliberately injure turtles which are supposed to reduce the catch and damage gear. The present study synthesizes the skull injuries treatments provided to loggerhead turtles rescued from 2013 to 2019 in the Gulf of Taranto in the Northern Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea). The type and localization of injury were analyzed in order to evaluated clinical signs, recovery times and healing rates. The timeliness of hospitalization after catch the application of correct wound treatment and good management practices in the early stages of care have been crucial to increase the chances of clinical recovery and ensure subsequent release to the sea.

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IMEKO-TC19-MetroSea-2020-28.pdf

DOI

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IMEKO TC

TC19 - Environmental Measurements

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