Nest relocation of Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) decrease the rate of non-developed eggs

Patcharaporn Kaewmong,Pathompong Jongjit,Pakkanut Bansiddhi,Araya Boonkasemsanti,Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong,Chutima Wongfu,Veerasak Punyapornwithaya,Wareerat Prasitwiset

doi:10.12982/vis.2022.022

Nest relocation of Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) decrease the rate of non-developed eggs

Patcharaporn Kaewmong, Pathompong Jongjit + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.12982/vis.2022.022

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Abstract

Female leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) often oviposit in locations with high risk of predation, human activity, flooding, or erosion; thus, influencing hatching rates. It has been hypothesized that the relocation of these nests would significantly increase hatching success. In this study, we measured various nest traits to determine whether nest relocation has any influence on hatching success. Ten parameters of relocated nests (n=8) and nonrelocated nests (n=8) were compared. These parameters included incubation period (days), number of hatched eggs, number of survival hatchlings, number of healthy hatchlings, number of hatchlings in critical care unit (CCU) box, number of stillborn hatchlings, number of non-hatched eggs, number of non-developed eggs, number of embryonic dead hatchlings, and number of eggs without yolks. Poisson distribution, a generalized linear model employing the log link function, was used to compare differences in the rate values of the parameters between relocated and nonrelocated groups. It was found that the rate of non-developed eggs in the relocated nests was significantly lower than in the nonrelocated nests (P < 0.001). In conclusion, nest relocation was not detrimental to hatching success and decrease rate of non-developed eggs. Based on these findings, nest relocation may be an effective conservation method for leatherback turtles.

Highlights

Thailand is home to 5 out of the 7 known species of sea turtles around the world, including leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta)
The study was conducted as part of continuing management strategy on nest relocation of Phuket Marine Biological Center, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources situated in Phuket, Thailand
A total of 16 nests of leatherback turtles from 3 known and 1 unknown nesting females were included in this study

Summary

Introduction

Thailand is home to 5 out of the 7 known species of sea turtles around the world, including leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Leatherback sea turtles are the most widely distributed species of sea turtles and are considered one of the largest reptiles (1,000 kg). Their range includes all of the oceans in the world except for the Arctic Ocean (Reina et al, 2002). The seven subpopulations vary widely in population and trends. Their numbers have declined due to threats such as fisheries bycatch, direct utilization of turtles or eggs for human use (i.e., consumption, commercial products), human-induced alteration of coastal environments, marine pollution and debris, and climate change (IUCN, 2019; Wallace et al, 2010, 2011)

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