Papers by Hector Barrios-Garrido
Ocean & Coastal Management, Apr 1, 2019
Revista científica, Dec 22, 2021
Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is affecting multiple marine turtle (MT) species worldwide. In Venezuela... more Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is affecting multiple marine turtle (MT) species worldwide. In Venezuela, the understanding about this neoplastic condition is still in early stage. Hence, this paper aims to assess the occurrence and frequency of FP in green turtles (GT) in the Gulf of Venezuela (GV). Herein, it was compiled and analyzed the reports in the database of the NGO 'Grupo de Trabajo en Tortugas Marinas del Golfo de Venezuela', which includes all records of stranded MT in the GV from 2000 to 2011. Between 2000 and 2006, in the GV only 2 cases of FP in MT had been reported (1.71 % of total records). Subsequently, between 2008 and 2011, encounters of FP were more frequent; resulting in a total of 7 immature GT (2.93 % of the records) documented showing large masses or skin tumors in various parts of the body. The most affected area of the MT's body was neck and venous sinus (37.50 %), followed by the anterior flippers (18.75 %), plastron (18.75 %), posterior region (cloaca 18.75 %) and lastly, the eyes (6.25 %). All individuals presented two or more body areas with FP. Although a correlation between the presence of FP and environmental factors observed in the study area was not assessed, the turtles evaluated came from coastal waters with high levels of eutrophication, habitat degradation, and pollution. It is necessary to monitor the occurrence of this disease and the environmental factors that may negatively affect the survival of MT populations in the GV.
Boletín del Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, 2009
(Cetacea: Delphinidae). La osamenta constó de un cráneo, una mandíbula completa y 30 vértebras. L... more (Cetacea: Delphinidae). La osamenta constó de un cráneo, una mandíbula completa y 30 vértebras. La identificación se realizó comparando las medidas craneométricas y el número de alvéolos mandibulares y maxilares. El espécimen representa el tercer registro de P. electra en las costas venezolanas. Han sido señalados un total de 15 especies de cetáceos
Chelonian Conservation and Biology, Dec 18, 2018
Abstract. Marine turtles are considered by people of several cultures to be a gift from God. This... more Abstract. Marine turtles are considered by people of several cultures to be a gift from God. This belief often leads to the use of these reptiles in the traditional and belief systems among aboriginal peoples. Certainly this is the case among Wayuú people, who are an indigenous group settled between Venezuela and Colombia, in the Guajira Peninsula. To assess the value of marine turtles to Wayuú ancestral people, especially as a medicinal resource, we carried out a comprehensive open-ended question-based survey of traditional healers and caretakers (locally known as Piaches and Oütsüs) from 4 Wayuú communities in the Venezuelan portion of the Guajira Peninsula. We documented customary practices where marine turtles' body parts are used as a key element of the remedies. Eleven marine turtle body parts were identified by respondents as remedies used by Wayuú people, with 7 different ways to administer them (drink, worn, powder, among others). Four of the 5 species of marine turtles present in Venezuelan waters were identified as being used in the traditional pharmacopoeia of Wayuú people; their traditional names are included on this article. Some considerations about the Wayuú's cosmovision, customs, traditions, and belief systems are included here. Our results are important in the context of likely future evaluation of the current Venezuelan legal framework to consider inclusion of traditional use of marine turtles in Venezuela.
Caldasia, Jul 1, 2019
Coccidian parasites affect several reptilian species worldwide and they are responsible of the de... more Coccidian parasites affect several reptilian species worldwide and they are responsible of the demise of hundreds of specimens either in the wilderness or in captivity among several localities throughout the world. Between 2011 and 2013, four out of 108 individuals (3.70 %), were rescued by the Grupo de Trabajo en Tortugas Marinas del Golfo de Venezuela (GTTM-GV) through its protocol 'Red de Aviso Oportuno' (RAO), shown symptoms and signs of a possible disease morphologically resembling to Caryospora sp. in intestines and other tissues. Physical, coprological and hematological examinations were carried out to juvenile specimens of Green Turtles captured by artisanal fishing gear. We found abundant oocysts with morphologies compatible with Caryospora cheloniae in three individuals (K002, K003, and SB001). One of the sampled individuals exhibited leukocytes containing structures similar to sporozoites of Caryospora sp., indicating a systemic coccidiosis. Two of the evaluated turtles (K003, SB001) were asymptomatic, and the other two (K001, K002) were clinically ill with neurological signs, such as involuntary movements of the head and flippers, muscle spasms, circular swimming movements and depression. Two of the turtles studied died, in both were found several parasitic stages of a coccidial structure in their intestines, and severe necrotic enteritis. This is the first report of coccidial disease in marine turtles in Venezuela and the southern Caribbean.
Journal of Environmental Management, May 1, 2020
Human societies are closely linked to their ecological environments. Natural ecosystems and wildl... more Human societies are closely linked to their ecological environments. Natural ecosystems and wildlife populations are often in better condition in countries with healthy, educated and economically prosperous populations compared to countries with lower health and literacy conditions, and depressed economies. In the latter countries, these socioeconomic factors can compromise government's capacity to manage their natural resources. Thus, the conservation capacity of a government is likely to play key role in the protection of threatened species, such as marine turtles. This paper aims: (1) to evaluate the conservation capacity and enforcement within the 58 Regional Management Units (RMUs) of the seven species of marine turtles throughout the world, and (2) to develop a proxy that predicts the conservation status of RMUs. We developed a Conservation and Enforcement Capacity index (CECi) by integrating the following indices: (a) the economic level and, (b) the Human Development Index (HDI) of each country, plus (c) the risks and threats in the RMUs. We used the conservation status of 15 RMUs recently assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature-IUCN to predict the conservation status of the 43 RMUs without updated IUCN categorisation. CECi values ranged from 0 to 1, where lower values represent a better capacity for implementation of conservation initiatives. We found that using our multi-index model, we predicted the status of 33 of 58 RMUs, 57% of which may be of threatened conservation status due to their high CECi values. This study highlighted how socioeconomic aspects may impact conservation of endangered species.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Mar 15, 2019
An International Refereed Scientific Journal of the Facultad Experimental de Ciencias at the Univ... more An International Refereed Scientific Journal of the Facultad Experimental de Ciencias at the Universidad del Zulia Esta publicación científica en formato digital es continuidad de la revista impresa Depósito Legal: pp 199302ZU47
Journal of Environmental Management, Dec 1, 2022
Regional Studies in Marine Science, Nov 1, 2019
Small cetaceans, such as the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), do not migrate long distances t... more Small cetaceans, such as the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), do not migrate long distances to forage but use rather small areas subject to food source variations. Information on their distribution, behaviour, habitat use, and estimated population density play an important role in the identification of critical areas and regulating human activities within. Here we examine the seasonal variations, group size, and distribution of Guiana dolphin in the southern Gulf of Venezuela, to identify their critical habitats and thus aid mitigation planning. We used boatbased surveys with a follow-group protocol where observers monitor groups of animals for 30 min, from a distance of 20 to 30 m, gathering the following data: date, time observed, GPS position, estimated number of individuals, presence of calves, behavioural observations (when possible); and environmental parameters (sea-surface temperature, water transparency, salinity, sea state [Beaufort], and cloud cover). We found that Guiana dolphins did not use the studied area (6.33 Km 2) homogeneously but rather aggregated in north of Zapara Island's retaining wall. The highest density of dolphins was between 301 and 573 individuals within 4.22 Km 2 approximately off north of Zapara Island, and the lowest (1-150 individuals) at the entrance of the main navigation channel. The group size was considerably larger in the wet season (mean ± SD = 6.4 ± 1.9 individuals, range = 1 to 80) than the dry season (2.2 ± 2.7 individuals, range = 1 to 27). The number of sightings differed among seasons (dry/wet), there were more sightings in the wet season (1.3414 ± 0.4389 groups, range = 1 to 5) than dry season (1.1233 ± 0.7418 groups, range = 1 to 5). Our data suggest this population might be highly adapted to local conditions and prey movements, and use the areas intensely year around, particularly during the wet season.
I grow up with turtles, I would like my kids and my great grand kids to be able to enjoy the thin... more I grow up with turtles, I would like my kids and my great grand kids to be able to enjoy the things that I enjoined as I did. If that it is a legacy that I contributed to, I can enjoy that" Dr. Col Limpus "I almost died when I was 7 years old, and the turtles saved me. My mother always said that I survived thanks to the turtle's elements that we use as medicines"
Island studies journal, May 1, 2020
Sea turtles are deeply rooted in Pacific cultures. Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile) has a complex ... more Sea turtles are deeply rooted in Pacific cultures. Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile) has a complex societal and ecological history and marine resources have always been exploited; nevertheless, little is known about relationships between these resources and Rapanui islanders. This study aims to explore the historical and contemporary role of sea turtles on Rapa Nui, contrasting it with information from other Pacific region societies. We triangulated information through a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and participant observations. Our results show a strong cultural connection between Rapa Nui and other Pacific islands, with turtles represented in their art, culture, mythology, symbolism, popular traditions, and ritual and spiritual life. Use of these animals on Rapa Nui has varied historically, and nowadays turtle consumption is widely rejected among Rapanui community members. Currently, sea turtles have a crucial role in tourism, constituting an opportunity for local development, further knowledge, and conservation of natural heritage.
Marine Biodiversity Records, May 23, 2017
Background: Marine turtles play an important role in the culture and economy of numerous coastal ... more Background: Marine turtles play an important role in the culture and economy of numerous coastal communities around the world. However, the legal framework that regulates the consumptive use of these reptiles varies among countries.For example, the consumption of these reptiles has been regarded as common in several rural areas of Venezuela, especially in the eastern coast of the Guajira Peninsula. Methods: To assess the scale and cultural component of this use, we interviewed 35 residents from the southwestern coast of the Gulf of Venezuela (Venezuelan part of the Guajira Peninsula), using a combination of in-depth and semistructured interviews. We carried out a field and detailed market-based observations on the Guajira Peninsula to detect the sale and use of marine turtle products. We focused on three main categories of use; the type of product, routes of trade, and the price of products. Results: All of the marine turtle species reported from the Gulf of Venezuela were used, and the prices of products varied among their type, species of origin, and the distance from the capture area to a marketplace. We obtained evidence connecting Wayuú Indigenous people's traditions and beliefs with marine turtle use, and also they are used as traditional products such as medicine, and as an economic resource to sustain their communities. Conclusion: It is probable that trade of marine turtle products is placing pressure on populations in the Gulf of Venezuela. We recommend the implementation of an inter-institutional conservation-portfolio be developed for the Peninsula to evaluate actions related to this concern.
Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) strandings in the Gulf of Venezuela (GV) were evaluated... more Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) strandings in the Gulf of Venezuela (GV) were evaluated to estimate: (1) the area of most frequent strandings; (2) the period of greatest strandings; and (3) the number of strandings that exhibit evidence of human interaction. We gathered data from three sources: (1) scientific patrols; (2) Opportune Information Network (in Spanish Red de Aviso Oportuno-RAO); and (3) contact with local non-governmental organization. At each stranding site, we collected information about the location, date, specimen condition, and, when possible, the midline curved carapace length (CCL) and curved carapace width (CCW). We categorized the cause of strandings as either interaction with human activities or an unknown cause. We recorded 57 Leatherback Turtle strandings along the GV coast during 2001-2007. The mean CCL was 126.2 cm ± 16.5 (range 86-168 cm, n = 47) and the mean CCW was 99.1cm ± 12.6 (range 83-109 cm, n = 47). Strandings were mainly distributed along the North and South coast (49% and 46%, respectively), and were mostly concentrated between February and March (51%). Over half (55%) of the strandings showed signs of interaction with human activities. Establishing a relationship between fisheries and strandings in the GV remains difficult. Although the stranding number reported is low when compared to other localities, our results represent a minimum estimate of mortality. A management plan is crucial for mitigating possible impacts of artisanal fisheries in the region.
Ocean & Coastal Management, Feb 1, 2021
The melon-headed whale Peponocephala electra (Gray 1846) is a species of Odontocetes known as “Bl... more The melon-headed whale Peponocephala electra (Gray 1846) is a species of Odontocetes known as “Blackfish” with pelagic habits and a tropical and subtropical distribution. The presence of this species in Venezuela was first reported from a possible sighting near the country’s central coast. Six new reports based on living and dead stranded animals have been recorded throughout the venezuelan coast. Detailed comparisons were made between specimens of other species of whales (eg Feresa attenuata and Pseudorca crassidens) with P. electra registered specimens for a correct identification. These strandings of Peponocephala electra represent the first reports for venezuelan coast, also, increasing the number of reports of melon-headed whales in the Southern Caribbean.
45 % (n=9); seguido por el estado de Sucre, con el 35 % (n=7); el estado de Vargas, el 10 % (n=2)... more 45 % (n=9); seguido por el estado de Sucre, con el 35 % (n=7); el estado de Vargas, el 10 % (n=2) y un sólo reporte (5 %) en el estado de Falcón, Territorio Insular Miranda, Venezuela. En poco más de la mitad de los casos (n=11), diez de C. mydas y el único reporte de E. imbricata, los animales se hallaron vivos y fueron brought to you by CORE View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk
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Papers by Hector Barrios-Garrido