NESTING OF THE GREEN TURTLE, Chelonia mydas (CHELONIIDAE) IN CHAPARRALES BEACH, CAZONES, VERACRUZ

Abstract

The nesting presence of Chelonia mydas was identified on Chaparrales beach, Veracruz. For this study, sites where spawning took place were located and monitored in situ, temperature, humidity, and depth of the nests were recorded, as well as the size of the eggs, hatching time, number of young at hatching and their weight. Chelonia mydas was recorded as seeking vegetated nesting sites; presented an average laying of 103 eggs and an average number of 91.5 hatchlings per nest. In addition, hatchling weight was correlated with nest temperature. The results indicate that the population of Chelonia mydas from Chaparrales beach is in acceptable conditions to nest in this beach. It is important to avoid altering the conditions of the habitat so that it continues to be a suitable site for nesting.