Inter-annual variability in the home range of breeding turtles: implications for current and future conservation management.

摘要: Abstract We assessed home range size for breeding loggerhead turtles ( Caretta caretta ) near the limit of species at Greek island Zakynthos in Mediterranean. Thirteen adult females and seven males were tracked using GPS units (loggers transmitters) during May June 2006, 2007 2008. Kernel analysis indicated that core sizes (50% estimator; range: 2.9–19.7 km 2 both restricted to a 7.5 km tract coastline. 15% locations fell outside national park protection zones, while within protected area 88% occurred zones minimal protection. Female ranges 64% larger 2008 than 2006 2007, indicating several years monitoring may be required most effective designation marine areas (MPAs). Ten departed on 15 occasions periods 1–15 days travelling distances 10–100 km, although none nested alternative sites. The inter-annual variability likelihood incidence forays appeared correlated with barometric pressure. movement responses loggerheads environmental conditions implicates an ability switch nesting over small scales response climate change. However, such behaviour suggests existing sites inadequate, policy makers being consider broader encompass potential changes habitat needs this species.