Inferring foraging areas of nesting loggerhead turtles using satellite telemetry and stable isotopes.

ABSTRACT: In recent years, the use of intrinsic markers such as stable isotopes to link breeding and foraging grounds of migratory species has increased. Nevertheless, several assumptions still must be tested to interpret isotopic patterns found in the marine realm. We used a combination of satellite telemetry and stable isotope analysis to (i) identify key foraging grounds used by female loggerheads nesting in Florida and (ii) examine the relationship between stable isotope ratios and post-nesting migration destinations. We collected tissue samples for stable isotope analysis from 14 females equipped with satellite tags and an additional 57 untracked nesting females. Telemetry identified three post-nesting migratory pathways and associated non-breeding foraging grounds: (1) a seasonal continental s

SUBMITTER: Ceriani SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3447946 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature