Predatory ants invading sea turtle nests on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Ant infestation of sea turtle nesting beaches can impede sea turtle recovery eforts. In this short report, we surveyed ant predation on three nesting beaches on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an important rookery for green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. Thes...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Springer Nature
2023
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/44050/1/FULL%20TEXT.pdf https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/44050/ https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-023-00925-4 |
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| Summary: | Ant infestation of sea turtle nesting beaches can impede sea turtle recovery eforts. In this short report, we surveyed ant predation on three nesting beaches on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an important rookery for green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. These sites sufered from intermittent infestation from underground raiding ant Dorylus laevigatus tunnelling into the nests and feeding on eggs and hatchlings. This study found that the recommended 1-m barrier from dune vegetation is insufcient to prevent ant predation. Furthermore, the nest densities did not correlate signifcantly to ant predation incidence at these nesting beaches. These results suggest that constant nest monitoring of ant predation signs is required, and long-term recording of ant predation should be standardized across sea turtle conservation organizations. Finally, an innovative elevated incubation system was tested at a hatchery heavily infested with ants and limited in relocation space. This method is promising as an alternative incubation system for long-term sea turtle conservation, provided incubation conditions are considered, as it effectively prevents all invertebrate predators, including ants from reaching the nests. |
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