Guidelines for caring for injured turtles

Transcription

1 Guidelines for caring for injured turtles Background The NT is home to six of the world s seven different marine turtles, five of which are listed internationally as endangered. Along with the sea turtles, the NT has three groups of turtles. These are the long-necks, short-necks and the Pig-nosed turtle. The pig-nosed turtle is listed as near threatened in the NT. Rescue and release of animals in the NT Ideally, a rescued animal should be returned to the wild within 24 hours. After even a few weeks it is likely that a rescued animal will have adapted to human contact and so may no longer be capable of surviving in the wild if released. The release of long-term captive animals is rarely justified on conservation or animal welfare grounds. There is little conservation value in releasing a common animal back to the wild, particularly if it is behaviourally, physically or otherwise impaired. The rehabilitation and release of a rescued animal must be carefully planned and take into account environmental factors as well as the suitability of the animal for release. The survival of the animal is dependent on physical health, behaviour and the ability to adapt to the wild. An animal unlikely to survive is not to be released. When receiving an animal, a carer must assess whether or not it is likely to be suitable for release. This then allows for an appropriate form of treatment and care. Refer to the accompanying documents: Procedures for Wildlife carers, and Criteria for determining when to rehabilitate, release or euthanize injured and orphaned wildlife. In addition, refer to the Wildlife First Aid flowchart at the end of this document. Permits

2 All native wildlife is protected in the Northern Territory (Section 43, Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act). To legally care for any wildlife in the Northern Territory, you are required to hold a Permit to Keep Protected Wildlife (Carer). This permit does not allow the holder to keep native animals on a permanent basis. A permit to release wildlife is required prior to the release of a turtle that has been rehabilitated. Other legislation All animals in the Northern Territory must be cared for in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act. Requirements Turtles have very specific requirements so it is important that a carer is knowledgeable and experienced in this area or are under the supervision of an experienced carer. Carers must have the following if they wish to care for injured turtles that have been found in the wild: Experience in handling turtles; Quarantine areas away from other animals; Knowledge of turtles and their habitat so as to release in correct environments; Many animals are affected by stress in captivity, which may lead to increased risk of disease or to poor health. It is important that carers are able to accommodate the needs of the animal to prevent serious declines in health. First aid Refer to flowchart, Wildlife First Aid. Check the shell for damage or infection. If the shell is soft it can indicate a lack of calcium (this condition is generally rare in wild animals but more common in captives). If you have no facilities when the turtle first arrives, it can be put in the bath or a large plastic tub with just enough unchlorinated water to cover it. Put a rock or large stone in the bath or container for it to get out of the water if it wants. Put a towel under the rock so it doesn t scratch the surface of the bath or container, alternatively use a log instead as they are less abrasive on the shell. Make sure they can get out of the water if they want by providing a rock or something they can climb on to. This is not necessary for sea turtles

3 Keep the (unchlorinated) water clean at all times. A calcium block should be supplied, (this is not necessary for animals that are being kept captive for a very short time, such as a few days). Housing Turtles obtained from different sites should be kept isolated from each other and from other captive species. Turtle enclosures should: be suitable to the size of the animal; be escape-proof and secure; have smooth sides; contain solid non-transparent sides; be kept away from noise and pollutants; contain cage furniture which is non-abrasive and can be easily disinfected; be maintained at an ambient temperature between C; contain adequate volumes of fresh water. Follow experienced carer and veterinary advice on water provision and depth, as this will vary depending on injury and illness; provide the animal with access to both water and dampness (depending on injury); provide the animal with access to land or terrestrial substrate. Follow experienced carer and veterinary advice on cage substrate and furniture, as this will vary depending on injury / illness and species (arboreal or terrestrial). Non-intensive care enclosures can be kept either inside or outdoors, however animals requiring intensive care should be kept in indoor enclosures. Cattle troughs and above ground pools make ideal turtle holding enclosures. It is important that the ph of the water is maintained at 7, which is neutral. If it deviates from this, the turtle is at risk of fungal diseases or other health risks. Feeding In the wild, turtles feed on aquatic animals such as crustaceans, tadpoles, snails, worms, small fish and insects. In captivity, their diet should mostly consist of natural foods, including small fish, yabbies, prawns, earthworms, tadpoles, water snails and large insects. They may also be fed chopped mice, mealworms, and brine shrimp. The diet may also be supplemented with Wombaroo Reptile Supplement; however this should not form the most significant component of the diet

4 Juveniles should be fed once per day, but adults should only be fed once per week. Food should always be chopped into bite size pieces and uneaten food removed from the aquarium soon after feeding. If the turtle is a troublesome feeder, it is suitable to have fish or other live feed swimming around so the turtles can feed themselves. Be aware though that some turtles, such as longnecks, are greedy and will eat everything in sight. Note that if the water is too cold, the turtle will be unlikely to feed. Feed the turtle the amount of food comparable to the size of its head. Feed larger amounts during their more active period, eg. summer and less during colder months due to their metabolism slowing down. Watch your turtle and if it appears to be losing weight increase food volume, if putting on too much weight decrease food. Water Water used for turtle housing should be unchlorinated and from a clean source. The water in the enclosure should be cleaned and replaced regularly. It is important that the ph of the water is maintained at 7, which is neutral. ph imbalance can cause fungal diseases or other health risks. Handling Handling of animals should be kept to a minimum to avoid stress and imprinting behaviours which may cause rehabilitation and release to be less successful. Freshwater turtles can be picked up by the shell but hold their back end away as they can secrete foul smelling musk which may adhere to your hands. Marine turtles may need several people to lift and are also likely to bite so avoid the head area. Ideally turtles should be placed on rubber to prevent damage to the shell. Be careful not to drop turtles which may lead to their shell cracking which is very painful for the animal as it is living tissue. Also try and avoid the claws to prevent painful scratches Transportation Most small and medium sized turtles can be transported in a damp calico bag (with seams turned to the outside). This is best if it is kept damp at all times (but be careful of making the animal cold whilst in airconditioning). They can also be transported in cardboard boxes or similar for short periods. Keep the turtle moist and cool at all times. Health and disease Due to the possibilities of disease and health conditions presenting with similar symptoms and signs, veterinary consultation and senior carer advice should always be sought

5 Turtles are susceptible to shell rot, which is a bacterial disease that forms large ulcers under the shell. This can eventually lead to death so it is important that treatment occurs as soon as possible. Turtles may suffer from nutritional osteodystrophy if not provided with sufficient UV or provided a diet that is calcium deficient or phosphorus rich. This leads to porous and deformed shells. Turtles are also susceptible to shell damage. Turtles with damaged shells should not be placed in water and shells should not be fixed with silicone or epoxy. These animals should be taken to a veterinarian as often antibiotics are required. Many marine turtles that are injured have swallowed plastic bags or fishing line and hooks or have cuts due to fishing line and entanglement in nets. These animals should be taken immediately to a veterinarian or marine park. For more information, please contact: Wildlife Operations Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory PO Box 496, PALMERSTON NT 0831 Tel References Walraven, E Care of Australian Wildlife. New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney, 140 pp. Weigl, J Care of Australian Reptiles in Captivity. Reptile Keepers Association, New South Wales, 144 pp. White, S Caring for Australian Wildlife: A practical guide to the captive management of Australian native animals. Australian Geographic Pty Ltd. NSW, Australia, 152 pp. Fauna of South Australia website. South Australian Government website

6 Wildlife First Aid Gather information Collect and evaluate information and observations that were observed at site of collection or given by the person delivering the animal. Initial examination (make this as quick as possible to reduce stress and shock) Stress with injury or illness Stress Only No obvious injuries or illness Euthanasia It is found to be suffering excessive stress, irreparable trauma or disease. (See criteria for determining when to rehabilitate, release or euthanize injured & orphaned wildlife). Provide emergency treatment Stop blood flow Provide warmth Rehydrate Stabilise injury Provide nutrition First aid procedures Place in a suitable and secure holding box or cage Move into a dark quiet location away from children, noise, pollutants and domestic animals First aid procedures Place in a suitable and secure holding box or cage Move into a dark quiet location away from children, noise, pollutants and domestic animals Seek experienced carers advice and direction Reassess animal s condition regularly Seek veterinary advice as soon as possible Rehabilitation Assess animal s condition Release Euthanasia It is found to be suffering excessive stress, irreparable trauma or disease. (See criteria for determining when to rehabilitate, release or euthanize injured & orphaned wildlife)