Influences of artificial lighting on the seaward orientation of hatchling loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta

doi:10.1016/0006-3207(91)90053-C

Biological Conservation

Volume 55, Issue 2, 1991, Pages 139-149

https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-3207(91)90053-C Get rights and content

Abstract

The seaward orientation behavior of hatchling loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta when exposed to five different artificial light sources (high-pressure) and low-pressure sodium vapor, and yellow, red, and white incandescent lamps) was examined. Each light source affected hatchling sea-finding performance either in direction of orientation or width of dispersion. Hatchlings were attracted to light sources emitting short-wavelength visible light and long-wavelength sources that excluded intermediate wavelengths. A negative response was observed toward sources emitting predominately yellow light. For this reason, low-pressure sodium vapor (LPS) luminaires, which emit only yellow light, are expected to affect loggerhead hatchling sea-finding minimally, if positioned behind the primary dune. LPS luminaires positioned between emerging hatchlings and the ocean, however, will disrupt hatchling orientation.

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Biological Conservation

Abstract

References (20)

The photic orientation of sea turtles during water finding behaviour

Neth. J. Sea Res.

Circular Statistics in Biology

Use of long wavelength lights to prevent disorientation of hatchling sea turtles

NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-214

Vision in turtles

Spectral sensitivity of the green turtle Chelonia mydas mydas determined by electrical responses to heterochromatic light

Brain Behav. Evol.

Certain reactions to color in the young loggerhead turtle

Publs Carnegie Inst. Wash.

Lights and hatchling turtles: an education program

Mar. Turtle Newslett.

Impact of developed coastline on nesting and hatchling sea turtles in southeastern Florida

Fla Mar. Res. Publ.

Disorientation of loggerhead hatchlings by artificial road lighting

Copeia

Ascension Island: British jeopardize 45 years of conservation

Mar. Turtle Newslett.

Cited by (93)

Behavioral responses of cave-roosting bats to artificial light of different spectra and intensities: Implications for lighting management strategy

Understanding the coastal erosion vulnerability influence over sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting in NE of Brazil

Environmental factors predicting the orientation of sea turtle hatchlings on a naturally lighted beach: A baseline for light-management goals

Very important dark sky areas in Europe and the Caucasus region

An illuminating idea to reduce bycatch in the Peruvian small-scale gillnet fishery

A review on the environmental impacts of shipping on aquatic and nearshore ecosystems