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Thermal tolerances and the timing of sea turtle hatchling emergence
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Thermal tolerances and the timing of sea turtle hatchling emergence

Dana L Drake and James R Spotila
Journal of thermal biology, v 27(1), pp 71-81
2002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-4565(01)00017-1
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Chelonia Critical thermal maxima Dermochelys Emergence Hatchlings Lepidochelys Sand temperature Sea turtle Temperature threshold
1. Threshold sand temperatures appear to be the cue for the timing of sea turtle hatchling emergence from the sand. 2. We recorded sand temperatures at depths of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 cm below the surface over Lepidochelys olivacea ( n=20), Chelonia mydas agassizi ( n=1), and Dermochelys coriacea ( n=20) nests and at reference locations up to two hours prior to hatchling emergence from the sand. Rates of temperature change were 0–2°C/h; frequency of negative thermotaxic occurrence was low above nests, but high at reference locations, and hatchlings emerged when sand temperatures were below 36°C ( D. coriacea) and 34°C ( L. olivacea). 3. Critical thermal maxima (CTM) was 41.3°C for L. olivacea, 41.3°C for C. m. agassizi, and 40.2°C for D. coriacea hatchlings. They exhibited uncoordinated movements at 35.7°C, 33.4°C, and 33.6°C, respectively. 4. Hatchling body temperatures prior to emergence were above the uncoordinated movement temperatures exhibited in the CTM experiments. 5. L. olivacea and D. coriacea hatchlings should not emerge when sand temperatures are above 37.5°C and 36°C, respectively.

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57 citations in Web of Science
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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#13 Climate Action
#15 Life on Land

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Web of Science research areas
Biology
Zoology
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