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Factors affecting nesting beach selection by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta): a multiple regression approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2001

Akira Kikukawa ,
Naoki Kamezaki  and
Hidetoshi Ota
Akira Kikukawa
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan
Naoki Kamezaki
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8314, Japan
Hidetoshi Ota
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan
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Abstract

Based on data obtained from 3 years' fieldwork in Okinawajima and adjacent islands of the central Ryukyus, Japan, various physical and human-related beach characters were assessed for their relative influence on beach selection by nesting sea turtles using multiple regression analysis. Of the 23 characters considered, sand softness (measured by a specially designed tool) (positive), distance from the nearest human settlement (positive), presence of lagoon (positive), beach length (negative), and beach height (positive) were selected as influential variables in descending order. Explanations were attempted for such results in the light of correlates of these beach characters with natural and artificial factors that are believed to impact the nesting success of female sea turtles.

Keywords

sea turtlesCaretta carettanesting beach selectionmultiple regression analysisOkinawa Islands
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Zoology , Volume 249 , Issue 4 , December 1999 , pp. 447 - 454
Copyright
© 1999 The Zoological Society of London

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