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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.06.26.174219

Insights into the successful breeding of Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from a long-term captive breeding program

Maggeni, R.·Feeney, W.
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Abstract

Sea turtle populations are declining and evidence-based methods for supporting their populations are required. Captive breeding and release programs can be effective, offering the opportunity to supplement nature populations; however, sea turtles require specific conditions to successfully breed. Here, we present insights gained from a 16 year Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) captive breeding program that was conducted at the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, Eilat, Israel, between 1982-1997. As the first program of its kind for the Hawksbill sea turtle, insights were gained largely through trial-and-error and word of mouth advice. The key insight gained during this program was the critical importance of pre-breeding separation of the sexes; turtles did not breed prior to pre-breeding separation being implemented, but it became predictably regular once it was. Over the course of the program, 161 two-three years old hatchlings were introduced to the Red Sea, which was enabled largely as a result of pre-breeding separation being implemented.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.View Full Text

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Maggeni, R., Feeney, W.. 2020-06-29. Insights into the successful breeding of Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from a long-term captive breeding program. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.26.174219

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