Open AccessFinding of a two-headed green turtle embryo during nest monitoring in Baa Atoll, Maldives
Author(s) -
Stephanie Köhnk,
Rosie Brown,
Amelia Liddell
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
onderstepoort journal of veterinary research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.563
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 2219-0635
pISSN - 0030-2465
DOI - 10.4102/ojvr.v88i1.1940
Subject(s) - nest (protein structural motif) , atoll , hatchling , turtle (robot) , fishery , hatching , predation , sea turtle , geography , ecology , biology , reef , biochemistry
Green sea turtles are one of the two species of marine turtles known to nest in the Maldives. The prevalent time of nesting seems to be inconsistent throughout the island nation. In this study, sea turtle nesting activity was monitored on the island of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in Baa Atoll over a period of 12 months. A total of 13 nests were confirmed with a median hatching success rate of 89.58% as ascertained by nest excavation. In one of the nests, a severely deformed hatchling with polycephaly, an opening in the neck area and a lordotic spine was found, and we investigated in detail with radiographic images and a necropsy. Our findings support the importance of consistent nesting activity and nest monitoring efforts in the country as a basis for conservation efforts.