Movements and Feeding Ecology of Immature Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in a Florida Lagoon
Mendoca MT. 1983. Movements and Feeding Ecology of Immature Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in a Florida Lagoon. Copeia. 1983(4):1013-1023
The seasonal and diel movements of 14 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida were monitored using sonic telemetry. The feeding ecology of this population was also studied using dissection and stomach flushing techniques. Immature green turtles made random , long-distance movements and occupied deeper water apparently not feeding when water temperature ranged from 11-18 C. A home range was adopted at temperatures above 25 C. Home range was significantly correlated with body weight with seagrass forming up to 88% of the turtles' diet throughout the year.Maps of turtle movements and home range are included.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Mendoca, Mary
- Units
- CANA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, green turtle ( Chelonia mydas), Maps, Mosquito Lagoon