Abstract

RESENDIZ, Eduardo; RAMOS-DIAZ, Amelly Hyldaí  and  FERNANDEZ-SANZ, Helena. Temporal distribution and habitat use of black turtles (Chelonia mydas) in a feeding area of the Ojo de Liebre lagunal complex, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2022, vol.93, e934007.  Epub Dec 05, 2022. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2022.93.4007.

The distribution and activity patterns of sea turtles in feeding areas are fundamental for their conservation and management, since they can reveal important facts about sea turtle’s life stories and explain its frequency of presentation at these sites, identifying key habitats. In this study, the temporal distribution patterns of 2 juvenile black turtles were identified to define its habitat use and movement patterns in a feeding area within the Ojo de Liebre lagoonal complex, Mexico, one of the main feeding and development sites of black turtles on the Pacific coast. For this, 2 very high frequency radio transmitters were installed in 2 juvenile black turtles which were continuously monitored at weekly intervals from August 2018 to December 2019. The obtained information allowed identifying the areas of greatest concentration and the monthly surface occupied by turtle and season. The presence and temporal distribution of both turtles indicated that the area provides adequate conditions for the turtles to use the area as a feeding, development and /or resting site for prolonged periods of time, confirming that the turtles show high fidelity to the foraging areas of the Baja California Peninsula.

Keywords : Ecology; Movements; Very high frequency telemetry; Sea turtle conservation.

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