Insights into habitat utilisation of the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus, 1766), using acoustic telemetry

Kylie L Scales; J A Lewis; J P Lewis; D Castellanos; B J Godley; R T Graham

doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2011.07.008

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Insights into habitat utilisation of the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus, 1766), using acoustic telemetry

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Insights into habitat utilisation of the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus, 1766), using acoustic telemetry

Kylie L Scales, J A Lewis, J P Lewis, D Castellanos, B J Godley and R T Graham

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Vol.407(1), pp.122-129

2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2011.07.008

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Abstract

acoustic telemetry

Belize

eretmochelys imbricata

habitat use

Hawksbill turtle

home range

Patterns of distribution, key biometric parameters and home range extent were determined for hawksbill turtles at Lighthouse Reef Atoll (LRA), Belize over two field seasons (16days, 2009; 30days, 2010). Relative abundance was determined using 49 sightings transects (â‰ˆ1km) distributed across the atoll and of all turtles encountered (n=68), 91% were immature (CCLmin≤65cm). Habitat type was significantly correlated with abundance, with more turtles encountered on the coral reef than in the lagoon (GzLMM, Î§2 2=6.85, p<0.05; CPUE reef=1.41turtlesh-1, CPUE lagoon=0.62turtlesh-1). Hawksbills were also significantly more abundant within protected areas (GzLMM, Î§2 1=8.69, p<0.05; CPUE Blue Hole Natural Monument (BHNM)=2.96turtlesperson-1h-1; CPUE Half Moon Caye Natural Monument (HMCNM)=2.34turtlesh-1; outside boundaries=0.88 turtlesh-1). Of 26 captures, 19 focal individuals were equipped with ultrasonic transmitters for active acoustic telemetry, and tracked for 6-25days (n=10, 2009; n=9, 2010). Spatial habitat utilisation was found to be highly variable, with large areas of overlap between distinct home ranges. Home range averaged 31.2ha±32.6 (range 5.1-111.3ha) for the juveniles that were successfully tracked (n=15), with maximum displacement in the order of 1.8km±1.0 (range 0.5-4.0km) and net displacement at 1.2km±0.9. This offshore atoll constitutes an important developmental habitat for the regional population and although our tracking durations were limited, home range of juvenile hawksbills at this site is significantly more expansive than that documented elsewhere. © 2011.

Details

Title: Insights into habitat utilisation of the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus, 1766), using acoustic telemetry
Authors: Kylie L Scales (Author) - University of Exeter, United Kingdom
J A Lewis (Author) - University of Exeter, United Kingdom
J P Lewis (Author) - University of Exeter, United Kingdom
D Castellanos (Author)
B J Godley (Author) - University of Exeter, United Kingdom
R T Graham (Author) - Wildlife Conservation Society, Belize
Publication details: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Vol.407(1), pp.122-129
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2011
DOI: 10.1016/j.jembe.2011.07.008
ISSN: 0022-0981
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451258902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Ecology; Marine & Freshwater Biology

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