Age-specific growth and maturity estimates for the flatback sea turtle (Natator depressus) by skeletochronology.

ABSTRACT: To address a major knowledge gap for flatback sea turtles (Natator depressus), a species endemic to Australia and considered 'Data Deficient' for IUCN Red List assessment, we present the first-ever skeletochronology-derived age and growth rate estimates for this species. Using a rare collection of bone samples gathered from across northern Australia, we applied skeletochronology and characterized the length-at-age relationship, established baseline growth rates from the hatchling to adult life stages, and produced empirical estimates of age-at- and size-at-sexual-maturation (ASM, SSM). We analyzed humeri from 74 flatback sea turtles ranging in body size from 6.0-96.0 cm curved carapace length (CCL), and recovered from Western Australia (n = 48), Eastern Australia (n = 13), central Australi

SUBMITTER: Turner Tomaszewicz CN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9299290 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature