Carry-over effects and foraging ground dynamics of a major loggerhead breeding aggregation

摘要: Migratory animals spend different periods of their lives in widely separated and ecologically locations; experiences from one activity/period/site (e.g., foraging) can dramatically affect success during another breeding). Carry-over effects reflect the influence foraging quality on reproductive behaviors migratory species, such as nesting loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which vary greatly body size parameters. We investigated carry-over 330 loggerheads at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (Melbourne Beach, Florida), largest aggregations Western Hemisphere, using telemetry, stable isotope analysis assigned locations used non-breeding period with discriminant function determined relative contributions to regions 2007 2012. Foraging significantly influenced female fecundity. Loggerheads southeast beach vicinity Bahamas Florida Keys laid larger clutches had a shorter breeding frequency. On average, 47 % (±3 SE) females foraged year-round this area, while 33 (±4 resided Southwest continental shelf south Tampa Bay 18 (±2 undertook seasonal migrations north Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Relative areas did not change over 6-year period. The northern area consistently contributed fewest despite being most productive oceanographic region suggesting trade-off between productivity distance beach. reaffirm that isotopic approach be interpret trends abundance beaches demographic parameters affecting those trends. Understanding geospatial linkages importance is critical fostering appropriate management conservation strategies for species.