E-Thesis 27 views 9 downloads
Controlled trials of artificial irrigation methods to combat high sea turtle nest temperatures / FREDERICK BAGGS
Swansea University Author: FREDERICK BAGGS
Abstract
Climate change-induced rises in incubation temperatures pose a threat to sea turtle reproductive success, resulting in increased embryonic mortality, skewed sex ratios, and modified hatchling phenotypes. This study evaluated the effects of three irrigation regimes (single large event, intermittent,...
| Published: |
Swansea University, Wales, UK
2024
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MRes |
| Supervisor: | Esteban, N., & Stokes, K. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66891 |
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| Abstract: |
Climate change-induced rises in incubation temperatures pose a threat to sea turtle reproductive success, resulting in increased embryonic mortality, skewed sex ratios, and modified hatchling phenotypes. This study evaluated the effects of three irrigation regimes (single large event, intermittent, daily) on sand temperatures at nest depths under controlled conditions and at a rookery in Southern Turkey. In controlled settings, daily irrigation decreased mean nest temperatures by up to 1.21°C compared to controls but increased diel variation by 0.84 ± 0.05 °C SE. Single applications elevated temperatures by up to 0.75°C. In the field trial, seawater irrigation led to elevated salinityat nest depth, potentially reaching lethal thresholds (16.28 ppt at 35 cm depth). Field trials conducted in extreme heat conditions (max 52.95°C) validated the effectiveness of daily irrigation, resulting in mean temperature reductions of up to 0.8°C. In extreme heat environments, sufficiently reducing temperatures to influence sex ratios is unlikely to be achievable – instead, the aim should focus on providing enough cooling to mitigate embryonic mortality. |
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| Item Description: |
A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information. |
| Keywords: |
Artificial irrigation, embryonic development, Temperature-dependent sex determination, climate change, sea turtle conservation. |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |