Predicting the impacts of climate change on a globally distributed species: the case of the loggerhead turtle.
Marine turtles utilise terrestrial and marine habitats and several aspects of their life history are tied to environmental features that are altering due to rapid climate change. We overview the likely impacts of climate change on the biology of these species, which are likely centred upon the thermal ecology of this taxonomic group. Then, focusing in detail on three decades of research on the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta L.), we describe how much progress has been made to date and how future experimental and ecological focus should be directed. Key questions include: what are the current hatchling sex ratios from which to measure future climate-induced changes? What are wild adult sex ratios and how many males are necessary to maintain a fertile and productive population? How will climate change affect turtles in terms of their distribution?
Witt
M J
MJ
University of Exeter, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, Tremough Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK.
Hawkes
L A
LA
Godfrey
M H
MH
Godley
B J
BJ
Broderick
A C
AC
D025041:Animal Migration; D000818:Animals; D057231:Climate Change; D017753:Ecosystem; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008386:Marine Biology; D009425:Nesting Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D012623:Seawater; D012744:Sex Ratio; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D013696:Temperature; D014426:Turtles / Q000502:physiology