Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) Hatchlings Success: The Effects Of Artificial Lights And Other Human Impacts, Hui-Yu Tracy Liang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sea turtles appeared more than 200 million years ago in the late Triassic period. They grow very slowly, taking an average of 25 years to reach sexual maturity, with a life span averaging 40-50 years. From May to October green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) emerge during the night and follow light cues toward the sea. Recently, beachfront development has increased hatchling mortality rate. When hatchlings emerge from nest, high densities of artificial lights lead them toward the land where they either desiccate and die, or are preyed upon. Short-wavelength high intensity light and the distance of artificial light are the …