Date of Last Revision
2023-05-03 05:17:11
Major
Natural Sciences - Divisional
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2018
Abstract
Listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the Olive Ridley sea turtle contributes to the stability of an ecosystem by transferring nutrients and energy to both the terrestrial and oceanic environment [1]. Costa Rica holds some of the most prominent nesting beaches for Olive Ridley sea turtles in the World. Collection and relocation of surveyed nests to monitored hatcheries increases the success rate significantly [2]. Realistically, nest and hatchling protection against land-based threats such as poaching, predation and beach erosion is a practical and accessible conservation measure. Facilitated by access to the sea turtle hatchery at the Playa Junquillal field station, Verdiazul, Costa Rica, the purpose of this study was to analyze and compare development and hatching success to incubation time and clutch size for collected and relocated turtle nests. Though brief in duration the study marks an important contribution to conservation efforts for the endangered turtle species and preservation of the positive impacts they have on the oceanic and terrestrial environments.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Brian Bagatto
First Reader
Dr. Quin Liu
Second Reader
Dr. Leah Shriver
Recommended Citation
O'Brien, Natalie, "A Correlation Study of the Nest Incubation Period and Hatchling Development and Success Rate for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidocheyls olivacea) Turtle Conservation: Playa Junquillal, Costa Rica" (2018). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 762.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/762