If you want more specifics from the article, you can find it on Sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101029104610.htm
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Atlantic Sea Turtle
A team of scientists have discovered a fungal infection within the Atlantic Sea Turtle population. This factor may have contributed greatly to the decline of the Atlantic Sea Turtle in the past 30 years. Everyone believed it was solely due to human impact, however they're seeing it's more in depth. Fusarium solani is a fungus that infects the soil and can cause serious plant disease. When the eggs are developing under the warm humid sand, the disease thrives in these conditions. Scientists knew this disease infected other species but never related it to the shells of the turtles. The research conducted shows the true significance and reality of the failing population of Atlantic Sea Turtles. I think researchers should develop an antidote of sorts and apply it to nesting sites that people find so maybe the population will have a better fighting chance.
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This is a very interesting article. I did not realize that there was something else out there threatening our sea turtles. Now their species has one more threat, making them even more endangered. I do agree with trying to find an anti-fungal treatment, or anti-biotic to assist the young turtles in their fight against this fungus. Does this fungus just effect the Atlantic Sea Turtle, or does it threaten other sea turtle species?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I would like to know if the fungus just effect these sea turtles? Once the sea turtles have the fungus is it always with them? Can these funguses be life threating? I agree that scientist need to step up and create this anti-fungi before these sea turtles become truely extinct.
ReplyDeleteThis article provides shocking news to health of sea turtles by stating a fungus may be causing the decline in turtle populations. As the article states, human activity had once been primarily blamed for the decline. However, people still need to do their part and assist the turtles to safety by doing things such as turning off lights at night if they live near the coast.
ReplyDeleteAnother question to add to Ryan's and Shane's would be the effect of the fungus on other animals besides sea turtles. While sea turtles such as the loggerhead are endangered, are there any other species that could become endangered or possibly extinct as a result of this fungus?
It effects all kinds of species of turtle but primarily the Atlantic Sea turtle eggs because of where they lay their eggs. If the turtle were to get the fungi after its egg stage then it's not as potent to kill.
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