Mesh grids protect loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta nests from red fox Vulpes vulpes predation
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Published source details
Yerli S., Canbolat A.F., Brown L.J. & Macdonald D.W. (1997) Mesh grids protect loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta nests from red fox Vulpes vulpes predation. Biological Conservation, 82, 109-111.
Published source details Yerli S., Canbolat A.F., Brown L.J. & Macdonald D.W. (1997) Mesh grids protect loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta nests from red fox Vulpes vulpes predation. Biological Conservation, 82, 109-111.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Protect nests and nesting sites from predation using artificial nest covers: Sea turtles Action Link |
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Protect nests and nesting sites from predation using artificial nest covers: Sea turtles
A randomized, controlled study in 1992 on a sandy beach in Turkey (Yerli et al. 1997) found that protecting loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta nests with wire mesh grids reduced fox Vulpes vulpes predation and increased hatching success compared to unprotected nests. No protected nests were predated (0 of 25 nests) whereas 63% of unprotected nests experienced at least one predation event (55 of 88 nests). Protected nests had increased hatching success compared to unprotected nests (data reported as statistical model outputs). Hatching success at nine nests that were predated before protection was greater than at nests without any protection (data reported as statistical model outputs). There was evidence of fox activity (such as digging) at eight protected nests, but the predation attempts were unsuccessful. A sandy beach (4.7 km long) was patrolled in June-August 1992 for signs of turtle nesting and fox activity. In total 25 nests were selected randomly and covered with 1m2 mesh grids positioned 5 cm under the sand, directly above the eggs as soon as possible after laying. Nine of the 25 nests had already been predated once before the cover was put in place. Covered nests and 88 nests without covers were monitored daily for signs of further predation (also digging and defecation) and hatching success (the number of emerging hatchlings) for 30 consecutive nights.
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
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