Effects of nest relocation on nest temperature and embryonic development of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

Published source details Tuttle J. & Rostal D. (2010) Effects of nest relocation on nest temperature and embryonic development of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 9, 1-7.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Relocate nests/eggs to a nearby natural setting (not including hatcheries): Sea turtles Action Link

Relocate nests/eggs to a nearby natural setting (not including hatcheries): Sea turtles

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2005–2006 on a beach in Georgia, USA (Tuttle & Rostal 2010) found that relocating loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta nests to areas above the high-tide resulted in higher hatching success compared to nests laid above and below the high-tide that were left in place. Hatching success was higher for relocated nests (81%) than natural nests overall (above and below high tide line; 61%) but was statistically similar to natural nests laid above the high tide (72%). Overall, hatching success was higher above the high tide (79%) than below (54%). There was no significant difference between relocated and natural nests for incubation duration (relocated: 55 days; natural: 54 days) or hatchling size (relocated: 45 mm; natural: 45 mm). In May–August 2005–2006, turtle nests were randomly selected to be relocated (34 nests) or left in place (35 nests). Relocated nests were reburied above the high tide line in nests dug to match the dimensions of the original. All nests were covered with a metal screen to prevent predation. Following hatchling emergence, hatching success was determined and 20 hatchlings were selected for measuring.

(Summarised by: William Morgan)