Nesting ecology of East Pacific green turtles at Playa Cabuyal, Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica

摘要: East Pacific green turtles (Chelonia mydas), often referred to as black turtles, are smaller and exhibit a lower reproductive output than other populations of in the Atlantic, Indian Western Oceans. Knowledge nesting ecology is limited general descriptions. We conducted an exhaustive analysis at Playa Cabuyal, North Costa Rica. Compared with exhibited clutch sizes (mean ± SD: 76.9 ± 18.2 eggs per clutch), but number clutches (estimated frequency (ECF): 4.3 ± 2.3 clutches) fell within upper limit reported for turtles. Clutch size seasonal (409 ± 135 female), not ECF, increased female size. The observed internesting period (OIP) between consecutive oviposition events 15.4 ± 2.9 days) season progressed was approximately 2 days longer mean OIP species. Most were laid vegetated part beach (zone 3, 75%) this zone, tended be located underneath trees (79%). Hatching success significantly higher (0.89 ± 0.17) that exposed areas zone 3 (0.75 ± 0.33). Mean duration process (3:14 h) on average 45 min previously Frequency false crawls high (49% activities), low (54% attempts). Poaching eggs, tourism predation by dogs important threats population. Conservation actions being successfully implemented local level due presence patrollers, official protection needed preservation population into future.