Sarmiento-Devia, Ricardo A.
Harrod, Chris
Pacheco, Aldo S.
2020-04-27T20:08:32Z
2020-04-27T20:08:32Z
2015
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279178067_Ecology_and_Conservation_of_Sea_Turtles_in_Chile
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12010/9009
Chilean marine habitats have supported sea turtle species since prehistorical times.
Although information exists regarding their contemporary distribution and ecological role in the
region, it is diffuse. This study aims to bring such data together and provide an up-to-date review of
the ecology and conservation status of sea turtles in Chile. Detailed available data largely reflect
interactions between Dermochelys coriacea and Caretta caretta with oceanic fisheries. Newspaper and
local studies have reported the regular presence of Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea in
certain locations in northern Chile during the past decade. The latter species were particularly
abundant in the area around a thermal discharge from a water-cooled power plant (Mejillones Bay,
236S) in the Antofagasta Region, and accounts included several reports of negative interactions
between these species and sea lions (Otaria flavescens). Sea turtles found in Chilean waters are
probably juveniles or subadults. No estimates have been made regarding the potential of the Chilean
waters as feeding grounds or the relative importance of putative food items for sea turtles. Sea turtles
are clearly present in Chilean waters, but we know little about factors that drive variation in their
abundance. As such, there is a need for further exploration of the ecology of sea turtles in this region.
13 páginas
image/jepg
Reptilia
Testudines
Cheloniidae
Dermochelys coriacea
Chelonia mydas
Caretta caretta
Lepidochelys olivacea
Humboldt current large marine ecosystem
Southeast Pacific Ocean
Ecology and conservation of sea turtles in Chile
Tortugas -- Investigaciones
Animales marinos -- Investigaciones