Breeding biology of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas (Reptilia: Cheloniidae), on Wan-An Island, PengHu archipelago. II. Nest site selection

Abstract

Nest site selection of the green turtles on Wan-An Island in the summer of 1996 was determined. Turtles (Chelonia mydas) laid on average one clutch for every three emergences. Even though the total track length was 115 m on average, individual lengths varied considerably depending on the nesting beach where the turtles emerged. Limited accessibility, i.e. adequate distance from the nearest village and a well-protected environment, make beaches A and D suitable nesting beaches for green turtles on Wan-An Island. Both total track and nesting track apexes were found clustered in the interface zone, and turtles preferred to reach the vegetation zone once they emerged from the sea. It is suggested that the turtles on Wan-An Island exhibit nest site selection behavior. Based on these results and the high nest site fidelity to their first nesting beach, conservation recommendations are proposed to the county and central governments for the preservation of nesting beaches in their natural state, by prohibiting illegal sand mining and properly controlling turtle watch groups on Wan-An Island.