Microbial Isolations from Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Alas Purwo National Park, Indonesia

Abstract

Infectious diseases in reptiles are one of the biggest causes of morbidity and mortality, related to immunosuppressive factors. Disease in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle arise because ineligible ecosystem in the sea, like bacterial infection. In the world, there are seven species of Sea Turtles, such as: Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Dermochelys coriacea, Eretmochelys imbricata, Natator depressus, Lepidochelys olivacea and Lepidochelys kempii. Six species of Sea Turtles are listed as endangered and are included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. The aim of this study was to identify the bacteria that caused the death of Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. Bacteria were isolated from 15 wounds in the Ridley Olive Turtle in captivity and in the water of breeding ponds, collected using three bacterial growth media, Nutrient Agar with 1% NaCl, Mac Conkey Agar and Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salt Agar. Bacteria were isolated by swabs. The results showed that Streptococcus spp., Bacillus subtilis, Aeromonas hydrophila, Citrobacter freundii, Vibrio fluvialis, and V. anguillarum were found in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle wounds. Meanwhile, Streptococcus spp., A. hydrophila, and V. parahaemolyticus were found in the water of breeding ponds. In conclusion, Streptococcus spp., A. hydrophila, C. freundii, V. fluvialis and V. anguillarum suspected as the cause of death the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.