Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Using Track Widths Of Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) Sea Turtles As A Proxy For Predicting Nesting Characteristics, Kelly M. Detmer

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Global populations of sea turtles have suffered major declines over the past century. Thus, it is critical to determine accurate demographic parameters and abundance estimates to fill current data gaps and inform effective conservation and recovery strategies. Population models with greater complexity and predictive capacities are necessary to more accurately assess population trends and responses. This study examines the relationships between track width, female body size (as measured by straight and curved carapace lengths and widths), and nesting variables (chamber depth, clutch size, and hatching success) of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting in southeastern Florida. Track width was significantly …