Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting at Milman Island, Queensland, Australia /
Biology of hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) nesting on Milman Island, Australia was monitored from 1991-1995. Nightly beach patrols (n=335) encountered 1183 E imbricate whose average curved carapace length (CCL), width and weight were 81.6 cm, 70.7 cm, and 50.5 kg, respectively. Significant...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1996.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=743266801&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Biology of hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) nesting on Milman Island, Australia was monitored from 1991-1995. Nightly beach patrols (n=335) encountered 1183 E imbricate whose average curved carapace length (CCL), width and weight were 81.6 cm, 70.7 cm, and 50.5 kg, respectively. Significant linear regression equations were developed for numerous measurements among nesters, their eggs and hatchlings. No significant differences in CCL or weight were found among withinseason remigrants, interseason remigrants and new recruits. Morphological measurements of E imbricate from Milman Island were within the middle range of those previously summarized for the species (Witzell 1983). E imbricate encountered during a second nesting season (7%) exhibited an average remigration interval of 3.4 yr and grew 0.21 cm/yr; however, this differed with remigration interval. Mean clutch size was 122 eggs, whose average diameter and weight were 3.51 cm and 26.3 g, respectively. Hatchlings averaged 3.98 cm straight carapace length and 13.8 g. E imbricate exhibited a 14.5-day renesting interval and laid 2.8 clutches per season. Most turtles attempted to nest during pre-midnight, night-time high tides with a 76% nesting success. Nests were between 19 and 91 cm deep (average=39.5 cm). Incubation environment was characterized by sand grain-size usually <0.85 mm in diameter, pH between 8.29 and 9.86, soluble salt content from 17.2-28.3%, and moisture content from 0.21-7.60%. Fine grain-sized sand (99% <0.85 mm) had higher water potential (-269.93 J/kg) than did coarser samples (52% <0.85 mm, -64.36 J/kg). Nest sites were usually located under trees (71%). Clutches incubated an average of 58.5days, had a mean emergence success of 79% and were influenced by sand grainsize and soluble salt content. Milman Island is one of the few beaches in Australia with relatively high-density E imbricate nesting. Such sites within the northern Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait region are of international significance for conservation of the species. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences". |
| Physical Description: | xiv, 141 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |