You are here
Physiological Effects of Disorientation in Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) Sea Turtle Hatchlings
- Date Issued:
- 2016
- Summary:
- Following nest emergence, sea turtle hatchling dispersal can be disrupted by artificial light or skyglow from urban areas. Mis- or disorientation increases exposure to predation, thermal stress, and dehydration, could consume valuable energy, and thus influence the likelihood of survival. This study utilized laboratory simulations of extended crawl distances and field observations to investigate the energy cost of disorientation crawling on loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle hatchlings and the impact on the subsequent swim frenzy. Extended crawls increased oxygen consumption, decreased plasma glucose, and reduced green hatchling swim performance following a 200m crawl. Surprisingly, plasma lactate concentrations did not increase with crawl distance, likely due to frequent rest periods that would, however, increase time on the beach and thus exposure to predators. This research may provide managers with physiological data to determine best practices for sea turtle conservation and adds to the biological knowledge of these animals.
Title: | Physiological Effects of Disorientation in Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) Sea Turtle Hatchlings. |
128 views
48 downloads |
---|---|---|
Name(s): |
Pankaew, Karen, author Milton, Sarah L., Thesis advisor Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor Charles E. Schmidt College of Science Department of Biological Sciences |
|
Type of Resource: | text | |
Genre: | Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation | |
Date Created: | 2016 | |
Date Issued: | 2016 | |
Publisher: | Florida Atlantic University | |
Place of Publication: | Boca Raton, Fla. | |
Physical Form: | application/pdf | |
Extent: | 67 p. | |
Language(s): | English | |
Summary: | Following nest emergence, sea turtle hatchling dispersal can be disrupted by artificial light or skyglow from urban areas. Mis- or disorientation increases exposure to predation, thermal stress, and dehydration, could consume valuable energy, and thus influence the likelihood of survival. This study utilized laboratory simulations of extended crawl distances and field observations to investigate the energy cost of disorientation crawling on loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle hatchlings and the impact on the subsequent swim frenzy. Extended crawls increased oxygen consumption, decreased plasma glucose, and reduced green hatchling swim performance following a 200m crawl. Surprisingly, plasma lactate concentrations did not increase with crawl distance, likely due to frequent rest periods that would, however, increase time on the beach and thus exposure to predators. This research may provide managers with physiological data to determine best practices for sea turtle conservation and adds to the biological knowledge of these animals. | |
Identifier: | FA00004619 (IID) | |
Degree granted: | Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. | |
Collection: | FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection | |
Note(s): | Includes bibliography. | |
Subject(s): |
Predation (Biology) Sea turtles--Life cycles. Sea turtles--Nests--Protection. Wildlife conservation. Exterior lighting--Environmental aspects. |
|
Held by: | Florida Atlantic University Libraries | |
Sublocation: | Digital Library | |
Persistent Link to This Record: | http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004619 | |
Use and Reproduction: | Copyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder. | |
Use and Reproduction: | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ | |
Host Institution: | FAU | |
Is Part of Series: | Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections. |