Loggerhead marine turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting at smaller sizes than expected in the Gulf of Mexico: Implications for turtle behavior, population dynamics, and conservation

Conservation Science and Practice
By: , and 

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Abstract

Estimates of parameters that affect population dynamics, including the size at which individuals reproduce, are crucial for efforts aimed at understanding how imperiled species may recover from the numerous threats they face. In this study, we observed loggerhead marine turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting at three sites in the Gulf of Mexico at sizes assumed nonreproductive in this region (≤87 cm curved carapace length-notch [CCL-n]). These smaller individuals ranged from 74.0 to 86.9 cm CCL-n, and the proportion of smaller nesting loggerheads was 0.13 across three study sites: Gulf Shores, AL; Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida (FL); and Everglades National Park (ENP), FL. The greatest proportion of smaller nesters was observed at ENP at 0.24. Tracking data indicated that the smaller nesters migrated shorter distances and swam in shallower waters compared to the larger nesting loggerheads (>87 cm CCL-n) in our dataset. These results provide valuable information on two of the smallest subpopulations of NW Atlantic loggerheads and understudied ENP turtles. Our results have potential applications in the classification and interpretation of stranding limits and bycatch estimates, population modeling (e.g., stage durations and fecundity), and understanding threats and subpopulation recovery efforts for multiple subpopulations of this imperiled species.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Loggerhead marine turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting at smaller sizes than expected in the Gulf of Mexico: Implications for turtle behavior, population dynamics, and conservation
Series title Conservation Science and Practice
DOI 10.1111/csp2.581
Volume 4
Issue 1
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher Society for Conservation Biology
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description e581, 14 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Alabama, Florida
City Gulf Shores
Other Geospatial Dry Tortugas National Park, Gulf of Mexico, Everglades National Park
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