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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 47-54 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology |
Volume | 359 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 28 Apr 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Activity
- Dive profile
- Diving
- Marine turtle
- Metabolic rate
- Movement
- Temperature