Hatchling sex ratio, body weight and nest parameters for Chelonia mydas nesting on Sugozu beaches (Turkey)

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between nest parameters, hatchling body mass, and sex ratio of green turtle, Chelonia mydas, embryos and hatchlings at the temperate nesting rookery of Sugozu Beach (Adana Turkey). Mean nest temperature and distance from the sea were correlated, while mean nest temperature and incubation period were inversely related. There was no apparent relationship between incubation period and hatchling mass. Hatch ling and embryo sex ratios, determined by histological examination, showed a 70.5% and 93.5% female bias, respectively. There was no correlation between sex and body weight of hatchlings, but mean hatchling bodyweight of females (16.8 g) was slightly higher than that of males (16.2 g).