First record of epithelial lesions suggestive of fibropapillomatosis in nesting olive ridley turtles ( Lepidochelys olivacea ) in Baja California Sur, Mexico

In this study, epithelial proliferative lesions were macroscopically identified and characterized in olive ridley turtles ( Lepidochelys olivacea ) nesting at El Suspiro beach, Baja California Sur, Mexico, during the 2022 nesting season. From June to December, 123 day and night surveys were carried out. During this period, 419 nesting female olive ridleys were observed, of which 8 presented epithelial proliferative lesions suggestive of fibropapillomatosis. These 8 organisms measured an average of 66.43 +/- 3.13 cm in curved carapace length and presented a total of 51 lesions suggestive of fibropapillomatosis, with score 1, 2 and 3. The prevalence of turtles with these lesions was 0.019 %, the lesion incidence rate was 0.069, and the acumulative incidence was 0.019. The presence of fibropapillomatosis-like lesions in nesting olive ridley turtles in the region, represents an additional risk factor that may contribute to the populations decline of this species. The information generated supports the importance of including health assessments in sea turtle monitoring in Mexico, helps to strengthen management plans and develop new conservation strategies for these organisms and their habitats.