Sex ratio estimations of Chelonia mydas hatchlings at Samandag Beach, Turkey
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Tarih
2016
Dergi Başlığı
Dergi ISSN
Cilt Başlığı
Yayıncı
Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey
Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Özet
Samandag Beach, an important nesting location for endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas), is located at the most eastern part of the Mediterranean in Turkey. Hatchling sex ratio can be one of the key factors for green turtle protection, which is under the threat of global climate change. In this study, sex ratios of hatchlings were estimated by histological examination of dead hatchlings (n = 190) and by nest temperatures (n = 14) at Samandag Beach between the 2003 and 2007 nesting seasons. The histological examination of dead C. mydas hatchlings and temperature-recorded nests indicated a female-biased sex ratio on Samandag Beach. By histological examination, top and bottom levels of nests were recorded as 94% and 64% of females. Sex ratios during the middle third of the incubation period ranged from 39% to 97% for females with a mean of 74%. Distance from the sea was correlated with the middle third of incubation temperature (r = -0.604, P = 0.022) and female ratio (r = -0.573, P = 0.032). While nest temperatures and nest parameters such as hatching success, clutch size, nest distance from the sea and from vegetation, nest depth, and the day of emergence were not found significantly different among years (P > 0.05), incubation duration was found significantly different among years (P < 0.05). The results showed a female-dominated sex ratio by both histology and nest temperature. The knowledge of hatchling sex ratios provides information on demographic parameters, and coupled with appropriate conservation measures this can make important contributions to studies of climate change effects on green sea turtle populations.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
Sex ratio, sand temperature, Chelonia mydas, green turtle, Samandag
Kaynak
Turkish Journal of Zoology
WoS Q Değeri
Q3
Scopus Q Değeri
Q2
Cilt
40
Sayı
4
