Biology of the Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, on an Arabian Feeding Ground

A population of Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Masirah Channel in the northern Indian Ocean is described. Aerial surveys and a mark and recapture program establish that between 1000 and 3000 turtles are present throughout the year. An analysis of stomach contents shows that these turtles fe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of herpetology 1985-01, Vol.19 (4), p.459-468
Main Author: Ross, James Perran
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aggregation
Algae
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Autoecology
Beaches
Biological and medical sciences
Biomass
Chelonia mydas
Diet
Environmental conservation
Fishers
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Marine
Stomach
Sustainable agriculture
Turtles
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Summary:A population of Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Masirah Channel in the northern Indian Ocean is described. Aerial surveys and a mark and recapture program establish that between 1000 and 3000 turtles are present throughout the year. An analysis of stomach contents shows that these turtles feed on both seagrasses (Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis) and algae (Sargassum illicifolium and Chaetomorpha aerea). Standing crops of suitable turtle food are low and the mixed diet of this population is considered to be a response to low food availability. Captures of turtles by local fishermen are analyzed. The relationship of turtles on this feeding ground to nesting areas in the northern Indian Ocean are discussed and the effects of the observed dietary preferences on the productivity of the population are considered in relation to management needs.
ISSN:0022-1511
1937-2418
DOI:10.2307/1564198