The Herpetological Journal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33256/36.4.261266

pp. 261-266

Authors: Tamires de A.P. de Oliveira, Ana Laura P. Santos, Jéssica M. San-Martin, Daniely Félix-Silva, Josie Figueiredo & Juarez C.B. Pezzuti

Abstract: Knowledge of habitat use by immature stages of marine megafauna remains limited, particularly in regions with scarce records. Along the Amazon coast, the occurrence of immature Chelonia mydas has been documented only through isolated records, leaving unclear whether the species uses this region sporadically or as a regular habitat. This study aimed to investigate incidental captures of green turtles through five-year collaborative research with artisanal fishers in two Environmental Protection Areas in northern Brazil. Between 2017 and 2021, 153 individuals were recorded, the majority being juveniles and subadults. Captures occurred in both estuarine and marine habitats, with no significant differences in body size among years or between environments. Most captures were concentrated between March and July. Recapture data (n = 13) indicated short to moderate intervals between captures (median = 13 days; IQR: 10–150), suggesting repeated use of the area by some individuals. The consistent occurrence of immature turtles across multiple years and seasons indicates that the Amazon coast is not used only sporadically. Instead, the recurrent records indicate continuous use of the area and suggest that it may serve as a developmental or foraging habitat for C. mydas. These results provide novel baseline information for a poorly studied region and highlight the importance of Amazonian coastal ecosystems for the conservation of green turtles in the South Atlantic.

Keywords: Chelonia mydas, Amazon estuary, mangroves, foraging ground