Life is a struggle for survival from the moment a sea turtle hatches. In fact, only one sea turtle out of every 1,000 typically reaches adulthood as a result of natural predators and other challenges. Those fortunate enough to make it to adulthood face serious threats from humans. For example, sea turtles are hunted for their meat, eggs, and shells in some regions. Their beach habitats get developed. Harmful marine debris and oil spills pollute their waters and beaches.
Now, climate change is exposing sea turtles to even greater threats. Rising sea levels and stronger storms threaten to erode and destroy their nesting beaches. Warming oceans disrupt currents, potentially exposing sea turtles to new predators, and damaging the coral reefs that some depend on to survive.
As these environmental challenges intensify, sea turtles are beginning to adapt in surprising ways. According to a new study by researchers from the University of Exeter in England and the Society for the Protection of Turtles in Cyprus, sea turtles are responding to climate change by nesting earlier. Researchers monitoring nesting green and loggerhead turtles in Cyprus have discovered they are returning to their regular nesting spots earlier each year to compensate for rising temperatures.
Temperature plays a crucial role in determining the biological sex of sea turtles. Warmer nest temperatures produce more female hatchlings than males.
But at least for now, sea turtles seem to be doing enough to ensure their eggs continue to hatch by nesting earlier in more ideal temperatures. While this is good news, there’s no guarantee that it will continue.
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Turtles change nesting patterns in response to climate change
Photo, posted December 20, 2021, courtesy of Cape Hatteras National Seashore via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio
