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Feeding behavior of loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles:a study to better understand longline bycatch

Two species of sea turtle, loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and leatherbacks (Dermochelys
coriacea) are caught frequently as bycatch in longline fisheries. These fisheries use
hooks baited with fish or squid. Yet, leatherbacks feed on gelatinous prey while
loggerheads are carnivores. I investigated the responses of these two species to bait
odors in controlled laboratory experiments to better understand their feeding behavior
and why they interact with longlines. Both species initiated feeding behavior in the
presence of squid bait odors and just C. caretta showed feeding behavior with sardine
odors; neither responded to mackerel odors. The turtles are hooked differently on
longlines. Loggerheads are usually hooked in the mouth while leatherbacks are usually
hooked in the shoulder or flippers. Comparisons of prey attack behavior and accuracy in
apprehending a stimulus in the presence of waterborne food odors identified speciesspecific differences that may predispose the turtles to particular kinds of hooking. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:fau.edu/oai:fau.digital.flvc.org:fau_13404
ContributorsWarraich, Natasha (author), Wyneken, Jeanette (Thesis advisor), Florida Atlantic University (Degree grantor), Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
PublisherFlorida Atlantic University
Source SetsFlorida Atlantic University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation, Text
Format62 p., application/pdf
RightsCopyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder., http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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