Abundance, distribution, and habitat of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) off California, 1990-2003

摘要: Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are regularly seen off the U.S. West Coast, where they forage on jellyfish (Scyphomedusae) during summer and fall. Aerial line-transect surveys were conducted in neritic waters (<92 m depth) central northern California 1990−2003, providing first foraging population estimates for Pacific leatherback turtles. Males females of about 1.1 to 2.1 length observed. Estimated abundance was linked Northern Oscillation Index ranged from 12 (coefficient variation [CV] =0.75) 1995 379 (CV= 0.23) 1990, averaging 178 0.15). Greatest densities found California, oceanographic retention areas or upwelling shadows created favorable habitat turtle prey. Results independent telemetry studies have Coast one two largest remaining breeding populations, at Jamursba Medi, Indonesia. Nearshore thus represent an important region critically endangered turtle.