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Reproductive output and ultrasonography of an endangered population of East Pacific green turtles
Author(s) -
Blanco Gabriela S.,
Morreale Stephen J.,
Vélez Elizabeth,
Piedra Rotney,
Montes Wilder M.,
Paladino Frank V.,
Spotila James R.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the journal of wildlife management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1937-2817
pISSN - 0022-541X
DOI - 10.1002/jwmg.304
Subject(s) - endangered species , turtle (robot) , avian clutch size , clutch , population , biology , wildlife , fishery , reproduction , zoology , geography , ecology , demography , habitat , sociology , physics , thermodynamics
Reproductive output is one of the most relevant aspects of life history. We analyzed the reproductive output of the endangered East Pacific green turtle ( Chelonia mydas ) nesting in Nombre de Jesús, Costa Rica. We supplemented beach patrols with ultrasonography to estimate clutch frequency. With ultrasound scans, we classified the stage of turtle ovaries as: early stage (2 or more clutches), late stage (1 clutch), and depleted ovaries (no clutches). We calculated mean (±SD) estimated clutch frequency (ECF) to be 3.7 ± 1.8 ( n = 24) and an adjusted frequency considering individual stage (ECF U ; ECF + number of clutches remaining as observed in the last ultrasound) as 5.1 ± 1.3. This is greater than previously described for East Pacific green turtles. Greater individual output could be representative of a healthier population; but could also indicate a decrease in the estimate population numbers previously reported. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.