Seaward movement of greem turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings and their predation in Ma' Daerah Kerteh, Terengganu

Abstract

Hatchling orientation in seaward movement and predation during seafinding and their beach orientation were investigated in Ma' Daerah, Kerteh, Terengganu in the month of August and October 2003. Four stations were chosen, two in sandy shore and two in rocky shore with all stations differentiated by their distance to the artificial light source. Hatch.lings were released at 2000 hours, 2200 hours, 2400 hours, 0200 hours, and 0400 hours. They were tracked using two methods, i.e.; boat tracking to the sea and application of triangulation method from the beach. Hatchlings were attached to a light- bearing float by a one meter nylon fishing string to monitor their movements. 60 hatch.lings were used in determining their seaward movement. All hatch.lings were able to orientate to the sea.