Flexible inter-nesting behaviour of generalist olive ridley turtles in Australia
Date
2008
Authors
Hamel, M.
McMahon, C.
Bradshaw, C.
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Journal article
Citation
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2008; 359(1):47-54
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M.A. Hamel, C.R. McMahon and C.J.A. Bradshaw
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Abstract
While olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) occur throughout tropical oceans their physiological ecology has been poorly documented. In May 2005, satellite-relayed data loggers (SRDLs) were attached during oviposition to four adult female olive ridley turtles on the Wessell Islands, northern Australia. Subsequent nesting haul-outs were determined for two of these turtles using a combination of movement and diving data. Internesting intervals were relatively long (27 and 18 days, respectively) for hard-shelled turtles given the warm (27-28 °C) water temperatures, possibly due to a low metabolic rate for this species. Turtles travelled considerable distances during the internesting interval (200 and 125 km respectively), possibly associated with a search for food or alternative nesting sites. Changes in dive behaviour suggest that olive ridleys prepare for oviposition by searching for an appropriate beach over several days. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.