The effect of incubation temperature on hatchling quality in the olive ridley turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea, from Alas Purwo National Park, East Java, Indonesia: implications for hatchery management

Abstract

Nest protection through egg relocation from natural nests into protected hatcheries is a common practice used at rookeries around the world to increase hatchling recruitment into sea turtle populations. However, rarely have the impacts of this practice on hatchling recruitment and quality been assessed. This study investigated the influences of the thermal nest environment of olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea on emergence success and quality of hatchlings of hatchery nests in Alas Purwo National Park, East Java, Indonesia (2009 and 2010 nesting seasons). Nest temperatures above 34 °C for at least 3 consecutive days during incubation in the hatchery resulted in decreases in emergence success and locomotor performance of hatchlings. The use of the hatchery is recommended due to extremely high predation rate of nests left on the beach; however, altering hatchery management practice by spacing nests one meter apart and providing shade should improve hatchery outcomes now and into the future.