Health components of Burmese star (Geochelone platynota) translocation projects in Myanmar

Burmese star tortoises (Geochelone platynota), were considered functionally extinct in the wild (CITES I) and have been the focus of conservation efforts by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Turtle Survival Alliance... [ view full abstract ]

Burmese star tortoises (Geochelone platynota), were considered functionally extinct in the wild (CITES I) and have been the focus of conservation efforts by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) for more than a decade. There are approximately 3,500 captive bred and 200 wild hatched (founders) star tortoises in 3 major propagation facilities in Myanmar. WCS and TSA have conducted in-country training programs and assisted in development, facilitation and implementation of management plans to ensure long-term survival of star tortoises. Since 2013, 450 individual tortoises, age 4-5 years, have been moved into soft release pens after undergoing extensive health assessments. Testing included: physical exams, molecular diagnostics (ranavirus, intranuclear coccidia, herpesvirus, Mycoplasma sp.), complete blood counts (WBC, differential, PCV, TS) and fecal parasitology, using portable clinical and molecular laboratories. All tortoises had individual numbers and Burmese symbols representing Nat Spirit admonitions tattooed on their carapaces, and microchips implanted intramuscularly. The first 150 animals had transmitters and temperature recorders affixed to their shells. They were released to the wild after 6 months in the release pens, in 2014. The remaining animals were released at 12 and 18 months after placement in the pens. An additional 300 tortoises were moved into release pens at a different site, in 2015, after similar work-ups. To date, there has been excellent site fidelity of released animals; there have been 2 confirmed deaths; and of 3 wild nests that have been found there is evidence of successful hatching in one. To date, no known pathogens have been found in any of the tortoises.