Activity, Population Size and Structure of Immature Chelonia Mydas and Carretta Carretta in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida
Mendoca MT and Ehrhart LM. 1982. Activity, Population Size and Structure of Immature Chelonia Mydas and Carretta Carretta in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida. Copeia. 1982(1):161-167
Mosquito Lagoon, located on the east-central coast of Florida, was found to be a developmental habitat for two species of sea turtles. Populations of the green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles found in the lagoon were studied from July, 1976 to March, 1979. All green turtles were immature (N = 108; range 30-59.1 kg); 40% of the sampled individuals weighed less than 20 kg. Almost all loggerheads were immature (N = 104; range 12.8-97.7 kg); only 6% of the sampled number were heavier than 80 kg. Both species of turtles were present in the lagoon throughout the year. Chelonia was more susceptible to net capture during the warmer months. Nocturnal activity was not apparent in either species. The role of developmental habitats in the life history of both species is discussed.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Mendoca, Mary; Ehrhart, Llewellyn
- Units
- CANA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, green turtle ( Chelonia mydas), Indian River Estuarine System, loggerhead turtle(Carretta carretta), Mosquito Lagoon