First record of Kathlania leptura (Rudolphi, 1819) and Tonaudia tonaudia (Lane, 1914) (Nematoda) in a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) from the Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye

Authors : Gökhan Eren, Mahmut Yilmaz, Mario Santoro

Pages : 148-152

Doi:10.33188/vetheder.1583571

View : 59 | Download : 43

Publication Date : 2025-06-15

Article Type : Other Papers

Abstract :The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Türkiye are home to the most important feeding, breeding and nesting areas in the Mediterranean for the migratory loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). These sea turtles, which are carnivorous and have a complex life cycle, attract attention with their population density in the Mediterranean and are being investigated parasitologically. The material of this case report submitted consists of nematode specimens obtained from the gastrointestinal tract of a stranded adult female loggerhead sea turtle during necropsy. Two species of kathlanid nematodes (Kathlania leptura and Tonaudia tonaudia) are reported from the small intestine of a loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta, found stranded on Demre Beach (Antalya), Türkiye, in August 2024. Both species represent new locality records for Türkiye and in general for the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, necropsy revealed that the potential cause of death was malnutrition due to two fish hooks penetrating the esophagus and intestinal plication caused by fishing line traction. In conclusion, this study is the first detailed parasitological report on sea turtles in Türkiye and will set an example for future research.
Keywords : Helminths, Kathlaniidae, Parasites

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