Nest Site Selection of Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtles at the Eastern Coast of Inhaca Island, Mozambique

Loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles exhibit distinct nest site preferences on Inhaca Island, Mozambique. Loggerheads distribute nests more evenly across the eastern coast, with higher concentrations at the northernmost section, while leatherbacks concentrate nesting in central areas. Beach height significantly influences loggerhead nest density (r = 0.309, P < 0.01), whereas fin grain particles (0.125 mm) and organic content are critical for leatherback nest selection (r = 0.399, P < 0.01; r = 0.218, P < 0.05). The study analyzed six nesting seasons using satellite imagery to assess beach features correlated with nest site selection, revealing species-specific environmental preferences that may impact offspring survival and adult fitness.

Vera Cristina de Menezes Julien, Almeida Tomás Guissamulo, Armindo Filipe da Silva, & Adriano Afonso Macia Júnior. (2016). Nest Site Selection of Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtles at the Eastern Coast of Inhaca Island, Mozambique. Journal of Life Sciences, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.17265/1934-7391/2016.05.008