Tracking Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtles by Satellite, Key Habitats Identified
Leatherback sea turtles are very unique. They are the largest and most migratory of all sea turtles, and have the largest global distribution of all reptiles. They are also an endangered species. In the past, most studies have been on female leatherback turtles, who generally stay near tropical beaches for nesting, and little was know about the males. So, recently, scientist have started satellite tagging the males to understand more. This has allowed scientist to know more about their habitats, diving activity, and their responses to changes in their environment. This has been helpful to scientists by giving them new knowledge on turtles in coastal habitats that are likely to be in danger of losing land to human activity. These studies have been published, which can help wildlife organizations to protect leatherback turtles.
NOS Themes:
- Science is collaborative
- Role of curiosity
Leatherback sea turtles are beautiful animals that are endangered. I was curious as to what would happen if these sea turtles went extinct, and how would their ecosystem be affected? This species has existed for almost 150 million years, having outlived the dinosaurs and major asteroid impacts. According to Sea Turtle Conservancy, the amount of sea grass beds would decline, since this is a main part of sea turtles diet and the sea grass needs to be cut short constantly to remain healthy. Many fish, shellfish, and crustaceans breed and develop in sea grass beds, so they would be affected, which would then work its way up the food chain all the way to humans. Leatherback sea turtles are crucial to many species, and if they went extinct humans would indirectly be affected. It is for our own good that we protect these turtles.
ReplyDeleteThis topic is very interesting, and I wanted to find out more about this tracking that scientists have been doing. I have found a website called seaturtle.org, and it will show you all the animals that scientists are tracking, not just turtles! When you click on a specific turtle, lots of information will come up. The website will show you the kind of turtle it is, it's current location, a map of where it has been, and even its name! The data scientists have been collecting is so detailed, and they are tracking many sea turtles around the globe. So awesome!!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very intriguing topic. Leatherback turtles have been around for 65 million years- being one of the longest living animals and to see them be on the verge of extinction is extremely sad. There are some projects out there that are helping to conserve leatherbacks and I found information on them on a site called leatherbacks.org. Here you can find a lot of information abou them and learn how people are trying to help them survive. You can also find information about their habitat and much more.
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