Studies on the Leatherback Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea (L.), in Trinidad, West Indies
1970; Elsevier BV; Volume: 2; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0006-3207(70)90111-4
ISSN1873-2917
Autores Tópico(s)Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses
ResumoA previously undocumented Leatherback Turtle population is described for the island of Trinidad, from a study made between 1965 and 1969. Nesting occurs on the north and east coasts, especially at Paria and Matura Bays, from March to August, reaching a peak in April on May. The relationship between the breeding season and the local increase in jellyfishes is discussed. The dimensions, colour patterns, and nesting behaviour, of adult female Leatherbacks, are described and compared with those of Leatherback populations elsewhere. Mean carapace length is given as 158 cm. The majority of the turtles left the sea to nest between 2100 hours and midnight; many were injured through contact with sharks or driftwood, and the commensal barnacle Platylepas was common on their carapaces. The nesting population in Matura Bay is estimated at 100 per year, 30 per cent of which are killed annually—mainly by local villagers. In addition, considerable natural loss of eggs occurs through beach erosion and nesting below high-tide mark. The need for a conservation programme is discussed. Brief descriptions of some hatchings are given, together with a note on other sea turtles in Trinidad.
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