Current transport of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the ocean
Luschi, P.; Sale, A.; Mencacci, R.; Hughes, G.R.; Lutjeharms, J.R.E.; Papi, F. (2003). Current transport of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the ocean. Proc. - Royal Soc., Biol. Sci. 270(Suppl 2): 129-132. https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2003.0036
In: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B. The Royal Society: London. ISSN 0962-8452; e-ISSN 1471-2954, more
While the long-distance movements of pelagic vertebrates are becoming known thanks to satellite telemetry, the factors determining their courses have hardly been investigated. We have analysed the effects of oceanographic factors on the post-nesting movements of three satellite-tracked leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) moving in the southwest Indian Ocean. By superimposing the turtle tracks on contemporaneous images of sea-surface temperatures and sea height anomalies, we show that current related features dominate the shape of the reconstructed routes. After an initial offshore movement, turtles moved along straight routes when in the core of the current, or executed loops within eddies. Large parts of the routes were strikingly similar to those of surface drifters tracked in the same region. These findings document that long-lasting oceanic movements of marine turtles may be shaped by oceanic currents.
Dataset
Luschi, P., A. Sale, R. Mencacci, G.R. Hughes, J.R.E. Lutjeharms, and F. Papi. 2003. Current transport of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the ocean. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 270 suppl. 2: 129-132, more
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