Quantifying injury rates on nesting leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, St. Croix

Abstract

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (SPNWR) in St. Croix is one of three critical US nesting locations for leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). Many female leatherbacks nesting at SPNWR have been observed with injuries, but these injuries have not yet been incorporated in the long term research study at this site. My research focused on collecting photographs of the injuries on nesting females during the 2016 nesting season, March through June. These photographs were used to identify trends in the timing of injuries, the rate of healing, possible cause of injuries, and the common injury locations on leatherbacks. Results show that female leatherbacks are sustaining injuries all throughout the nesting season and that these are likely due to interactions with sharks. This research will help identify threats to this population and guide future research.