Testing models of female reproductive migratory behaviour and population structure in the Caribbean hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, with mtDNA sequences
Bass AL, Good DA, Bjorndal KA, Richardson JI, Hillis Z, Horrocks JA, Bowen BW. 1996. Testing models of female reproductive migratory behaviour and population structure in the Caribbean hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, with mtDNA sequences. Molecular Ecology. 5:321-328
Looked at mitochondrial DNA from hawksbill sea turtles nesting at seven sites in the Caribbean (including Buck Island). Results provide evidence for the theory that nesting females return to the beach where they hatched. Authors abstract: Information on the reproductive behaviour and population structure of female hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata, is necessary to define conservation priorities for this highly endangered species. Two hypotheses to explain female nest site choice, natal homing and social facilitation, were tested by analysing mtDNA control region sequences of 103 individuals from seven nesting colonies in the Caribbean and western Atlantic. Under the social facilitation model, newly mature females follow older females to a nesting location, and subsequently use this site for future nesting. This model generates an expectation that female lineages will be homogenized among regional nesting colonies. Contrary to expectations of the social facilitation model, mtDNA lineages were highly structured among western Atlantic nesting colonies. These analyses identified at least 6 breeding stocks in the Caribbean and western Atlantic and support a natal homing model for recruitment of breeding females. Reproductive populations are effectively isolated over ecological time scales, and recovery plans for this species should include protection at the level of individual nesting colonies.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Bass, A; Good, D; Bjorndal, Karen; Richardson, James; Hillis, Zandy-Marie; Horrocks, J; Bowen, Brian
- Units
- BUIS
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Atlantic hawksbill, conservation genetics, Eretomochelys imbricata, Genetics, Homing, marine turtles, Migratory behaviour, Mitochondrial DNA, Nesting beaches, Population Structure