Journal
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY
Volume 78, Issue 2, Pages 285-297Publisher
UNIV CHICAGO PRESS
DOI: 10.1086/427048
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Mathematical models and recordings of cloacal temperature suggest that leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) maintain core body temperature higher than ambient water temperature (T-W) while freely swimming at sea. We investigated the thermoregulatory capabilities of free-ranging leatherbacks and, specifically, the effect that changes in diving patterns and ambient temperatures have on leatherback body temperatures (T-B). Data loggers were used to record subcarapace and gastrointestinal tract temperatures (T-SC and T-GT, respectively), T-W, swim speed, dive depth, and dive times of female leatherback turtles during internesting intervals off the coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Mean T-SC (28.7 degrees-29.0 degrees C) was significantly higher than mean T-W (25.0 degrees-27.5 degrees C). There was a significant positive relationship between T-SC and T-W and a significant negative correlation between T-SC and dive depth and T-GT and dive depth. Rapid fluctuations in T-GT occurred during the first several days of the internesting interval, which suggests that turtles were ingesting prey or water during this time. Turtles spent 79%-91% of the time at sea swimming at speeds greater than 0.2 m s(-1), and the average swim speed was 0.7 +/- 0.2 m s(-1). Results from this study show that alterations in diving behavior and T-W affect T-B of leatherback turtles in the tropics. Body temperatures of free-ranging leatherback turtles correspond well with values for T-B predicted by mathematical models for tropical conditions.
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