Inter-nesting area use, migratory routes, and foraging grounds for hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Western Caribbean.

ABSTRACT: The hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, has been at risk of extinction for more than 40 years and remains critically endangered. While nesting beach protection is important for hatchling production, identifying inter-nesting, migratory, and foraging habitats is crucial for mitigating threats to population recovery. We report the use of satellite telemetry to monitor movements of 15 hawksbill turtles in the Western Caribbean. Transmitters were deployed on nesting turtles in Honduras (2012 n =  2; 2017 n =  3), Costa Rica (2000 n =  2; 2014 n =  1; 2015 n =  1; 2018 n =  4; 2021 n =  1), and Panama (2017 n =  1). Hawksbill inter-nesting habitats ranged from 4-2,643 km2 (core 50% utilization distribution) for the 15-70 tracking days. Large inter-nesting area use may be a result of habit

SUBMITTER: Dunbar SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11902275 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature