Coastal habitat degradation and green sea turtle diets in Southeastern Brazil
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Abstract
To show the influence of coastal habitat degradation on the availability of food for green turtles (Chelonia mydas), we assessed the dietary preferences and macroalgae community at a feeding area in a highly urbanized region. The area showed low species richness and was classified as degraded. We examined stomach contents of 15 dead stranded turtles (CCL = 44.0 cm (SD 6.7 cm)). The diet was composed primarily of green algae Ulva spp. (83.6%). In contrast, the macroalgae community was dominated by the green alga Caulerpa mexicana. We found a selection for red algae, seagrass and Ulva spp., and avoidance for C. mexicana and brown alga Dictyopteris delicatula. The low diversity of available food items, possibly a result of environmental degradation, likely contributed to the low dietary diversity. The nutritional implications of this restricted diet are unclear.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Coastal habitat degradation and green sea turtle diets in Southeastern Brazil |
| Series title | Marine Pollution Bulletin |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.03.004 |
| Volume | 62 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Publisher location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Contributing office(s) | National Wildlife Health Center |
| Description | 6 p. |
| First page | 1297 |
| Last page | 1302 |
| Country | Brazil |
| City | Vitoria |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |