This kind of Tortue marinades, Lepidochelys , includes/understands two Espèce S:
- Lepidochelys kempii (Garman, 1880) - Tortoise of Kemp
- Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz, 1829) - Tortoise olivâtre
These two species are called “ bastard tortoise ”. Them this name was given because it was believed a long time that these tortoises was Hybride S of Caouanne and of green Tortue. The Cheloniidae seem to be able to rather easily generate hybrids able to reproduce.
Description
The Tortoise olivâtre and the Tortue of Kemp are the smallest species of marine tortoises and measure between 58 and 70 cm. The Lepidochelys weigh from 36 to 45 kg. They resemble each other as well physically as in their behavior. However one can differentiate them by the color and the form from their carapace in form from heart. The carapace of the higher tortoise olivâtre on the front one, gives him a characteristic uneven aspect.Their backing is made up of five pairs of side plates. Their white-yellowish drill plate has four pairs of plates inframarginales which form the bridge, each one bored of a pore close to its posterior edge. The top of its head and its fins is gray. However they are born black the end from their member being clearer. They have a robust nozzle. Their fins have only one claw. One distinguishes two pairs from plates préfrontales.
The two species nourish fish, Céphalopode S, Coquillage, Crustacé S. One thinks that it can nourish Méduse S. No observation of food of plants could not be made. On the other hand it is known that they plunge to more than 150 meters. These tortoises are the only marine tortoises to prefer to lay the day.
Distribution
The Tortue olivâtre meets in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and in the Atlantic Ocean while the Tortue of Kemp meets in the Atlantic and lays exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico.
Systematic
The relative evolutionary independent groups are described below by philogénie according to Hirayama, 1997,1998, Lapparent de Broin, 2000, and Parham, 2005:--O Chelonioidea Bauer, 1893 |--O | |--O † Toxochelyidae | `--O | |--O Carettini | | `-- Caretta L., 1758 | |--O… Natator Garman, 1880 | `--O Chelonini | |--O Eretmochelys (L., 1758) | `--O | |--O Lepidochelys Girard, 1858 | `--O | `--O Chelonia L., 1758 `--O Dermochelyoidea
According to certain studies based on the genetics, the Lepidochelys would have been differentiated during the closing of the Isthme of Panamá .
Protection
Whereas the tortoise of Kemp is announced by UICN as in critical danger of extinction, the tortoise olivâtre is announced “only” as in danger.
See too
External references
Sources
| Random links: | August 2nd | Ursula Andress | Maxime Leroux | Baïgura mount | Richard Glücks |