A visiting scientist is to deliver a talk this month on a complex and mysterious disease that targets juvenile sea turtles.

Costanza Manes, a wildlife, ecology and conservation graduate student at the University of Florida, will speak about fibropapillomatosis at a lecture in the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo classrooms on August 20.

As part of the Bermuda Zoological Society lecture series, Dr Manes will present research carried out in Florida in collaboration with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to unravel the complex dynamics behind the disease.

The illness is characterised by tumours that can appear on the skin, eyes, mouth and internal organs of the turtles. It is most prevalent in green sea turtles.

Dr Manes will talk about virological findings, demonstrating how anthropogenic disturbance to marine habitats can have significant effects on the health of green turtles and their ecosystems.

The BZS said the lecture presented an excellent opportunity for residents to have a better understanding of conservation, disease ecology and environmental change through the lens of one of the ocean’s most iconic species.

The lecture is free but a $10 donation will be gratefully received, the BZS said.

Donations may be made the night of the lecture, or online on the BZS website.