[Coral-List] Turtle imprinting.

[John Ware]

Dear List:

Not really a coral reef topic, but related:

Over the past few years we have seen several resorts in tropical areas 
that stand guard over sea-turtle egge clutches.  Then, when hatching 
occurs, the young turtles are put in pens and raised until they are ~6 m 
to 1 y old and then released.

I know that female turtles return to their natal place to lay their 
eggs.  The question is: When do they imprint on that natal place?  If 
the imprinting must occur soon after hatching, then the well meaning 
people at the resorts are actually doing a disservice.

Anybody with real knowledge out there that can comment on the practice?

John

-- 
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    *                      John R. Ware, PhD                    *
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