Abstract

An unusual discovery was made at time of hatchling emergence from a nest laid on Juno Beach, Florida by a normally pigmented green turtle (Chelonia mydas): 23 albino hatchlings and 75 normally pigmented hatchlings were observed, indicating basic Mendelian recessiveness (e.g., albino hatchlings are assumed to carry both autosomal recessive copies of the allele leading to the phenotypic expression of lack of pigment).¹ The objective of this study was to assess and compare morphometrical measurements, scute anomalies, a suite of hematological and plasma biochemical analytes, and two glucose analysis methodologies (glucometer and dry chemistry analysis) in albino (N=20) versus normally pigmented (N=24) hatchlings from this nest. While there were no differences in morphometrical measurements, scute anomalies, or leukocyte morphology, several differences were observed in blood data: glucose concentration (using both methodologies), packed cell volume, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and immature erythrocytes were significantly higher in albino hatchlings, while sodium, chloride, and lymphocytes were significantly lower. Considerations for these blood data differences in albinos include increased stress from sampling (e.g., timing of procedures or possibly from photosensitivity or reduced visual acuity in albinos)^2,3 and differences in osmoregulation which may reflect physiological differences and/or stress. Furthermore, there was a small positive bias with glucose by glucometer, similar to a report in other sea turtle species and confirming its suitability for use in hatchlings.⁴ These findings provide new insight into the physiology of green turtle albino hatchlings which will be useful for their medical management during rehabilitation.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank staff and volunteers of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

*Presenting author
⁺Student presenter

Literature Cited

1.  Perrault JR, Coppenrath CM. 2019. Albinism in Florida green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings: ratio-based evidence of basic Mendelian recessiveness. Marine Turtle Newsletter 156: 38–40.

2.  Hielscher ES, Summers CG, Holleschau AM. 2009. Photosensitivity in albinism. JAAPOS 13(1):e18.

3.  Kinnear PE, Jay B, Witkop Jr CJ. 1985. Albinism. Surv Ophthalmol 30(2):75–101.

4.  Perrault JR, Bresette MJ, Mott CR, Stacy NI. 2018. Comparison of whole blood and plasma glucose concentrations in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) determined using a glucometer and a dry chemistry analyzer. J Wildl Dis 54: 196–199.