Journal article
The effect of egg location on developmental success of leatherback turtles
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS SEFSC, (567), pp.147-147
01 Jan 2008
Abstract
Leatherback hatching success worldwide is low (650%) compared to that of other sea turtle species. The cause for this high embryonic mortality is not due to infertility, but the effects of characteristics of the nest environment on embryonic development is unknown. Quantification of physical and biological parameters that influence embryonic development is important in order to understand the developmental environment of leatherback nests. We measured CO sub(2), O sub(2), humidity and temperature using real time sampling equipment in different regions of the nest chamber throughout incubation. We also recorded the three-dimensional position of each egg within a clutch and related the above parameters to regional differences in hatching success. Our results describe the effect of physical conditions of the nest environment on the development of leatherback embryos and also identify regional differences in hatching success. These findings will provide insight on the leatherback nest environment and inform management of beach hatcheries as effective conservation tools.
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Details
- Title
- The effect of egg location on developmental success of leatherback turtles
- Creators
- C RalphR ReinaB WallaceP SotherlandJ SpotilaF Paladino
- Contributors
- Alec H Hutchinson (Editor)Brian J Hutchinson (Editor)Roderic B Mast (Editor)
- Publication Details
- NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS SEFSC, (567), pp.147-147
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- [Retired Faculty]
- Identifiers
- 991021013072504721