An internationally collaborative study delves into how fluctuating rainfall impacts the development of sea turtle hatchlings, revealing that it has a more profound effect than changes in air temperature. Regional weather influences incubation and hatchling development and the impact of rainfall varies between species.
For loggerhead turtles, heavier rainfall results in hatchlings with smaller carapaces but greater weight, while green turtle hatchlings grow smaller carapaces without a change in body mass. Hatchling size matters. Larger hatchlings, which move faster, are more likely to survive because they spend less time on risky beach sands.
Research shows that both air and sand temperatures crucially impact sea turtle hatchlings. Cooler temperatures produce larger, heavier hatchlings with more males, while warmer temperatures accelerate hatching and offer predator protection. For endangered loggerhead sea turtles, cooler and moister conditions result in stronger hatchlings. However, rising temperatures might shorten incubation periods, and erratic rainfall can disrupt growth, potentially affecting survival.
The research, which spans data from 37 beaches worldwide -- a longitudinal study in Florida, and experimental studies on the Cape Verde Islands -- shows that precipitation plays a crucial role in determining hatchling body size. Rainfall cools the beach surface and enhances the moisture needed for egg development, making it a better predictor of body size than temperature., reveal that the impact of rainfall varies between species.
In the Mediterranean, particularly on the beaches of Cyprus and Turkey, the dry season brings very little rain from the North Atlantic. For green turtles in these drier areas, the effects of precipitation become noticeable only after the dry season ends. In Florida, however, precipitation levels stay fairly consistent throughout the nesting season due to local weather patterns, though droughts and heatwaves typically occur in July and October.
"Effective management units for conservation should focus on regularly updating and including important nesting sites, highlighting the importance of local conservation efforts," said Wyneken."Analyzing local data from various nesting sites is crucial for understanding sea turtle nesting patterns. These local databases should be made more accessible and widely shared to improve our knowledge and support local conservation efforts.
Frogs And Reptiles Endangered Animals Nature Global Warming Weather Climate Environmental Issues
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NASCAR Cup race at Michigan suspended until Monday after rain, rain wouldn't go awayNASCAR suspended the FireKeepers 400 until Monday, running out of time Sunday to run a race that was delayed and interrupted by rain.
Read more »
Rain, rain, but not all day: Central Pa.’s morning showers expected to clearThe National Weather Service says central Pa. will be under a heat advisory for the first two days of August, when it'll feel like 100 or more.
Read more »
Record rain and low-lying flooding, as widespread rain continues for SouthcentralAnchorage’s 1.33″ of rain Wednesday smashed a four-decade-old rainfall record.
Read more »
Rain, rain, go away: How severe storms can impact your concert funThe storms even affected country music lovers at the Zach Bryan show in South Philadelphia, undoubtedly causing temporary disappointment among the fans.
Read more »
Columbus Weather: Temperatures on the rise TuesdayWarming up for the next few days with a slight chance for rain, but more rain likely by week’s end.TUESDAY: Partly cloudy, few stray rain showers, high 85.TONIG
Read more »
Diamond Sports, Comcast reach a deal to return Bally regional sports to cable customersThe owner behind the Bally Sports regional networks reached a deal to see its channels return to Comcast cable TV customers.
Read more »