The dark side of light. Light pollution kills leatherback turtle hatchlings

Marina Zheleva

doi:10.7750/biodiscovery.2012.3.4

Abstract

The leatherback turtle is the largest and most migratory of all sea turtles and deepest diving air-breathing animal. It has unique physiology which allows it to adapt to various habitats ranging from sub-polar to equatorial during its migrations. The leatherback turtle is also the only sea turtle where no cases of tumours have been diagnosed. These unique features add to the arguments for preservation of this endangered species. Here we discuss the effect of light pollution on leatherback turtle hatchlings in Tobago and the measures for their protection.

Highlights

The leatherback turtle is the largest and most migratory of all sea turtles and deepest diving air-breathing animal
The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), is the largest of all living turtles and can reach more than 3 meters from head to tail and weighs more than 900 kg. They are unique amongst reptiles for their ability to maintain high body temperatures using metabolically generated heat
Leatherback turtles differ from other sea turtles in their susceptibility to diseases

Summary

Introduction

The leatherback turtle is the largest and most migratory of all sea turtles and deepest diving air-breathing animal. They are unique amongst reptiles for their ability to maintain high body temperatures using metabolically generated heat. It has been measured experimentally that leatherback turtles can maintain deep body temperature of 18 degrees C above water temperature [1]. The leatherback turtle is an air-breathing diving animal capable of maintaining activity during prolonged dives fuelled by its oxygen stores.

Results

Conclusion