An update female sizes and body condition of nesting olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in La Escobilla Sanctuary, Mexico

Abstract

Body condition (BC) can affect the reproductive output and hatchling survival of nesting olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). However, little is known about the BC of nesting females during the arrival event at nesting sites. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the BC of females nesting in La Escobilla Beach Sanctuary (La Escobilla) during the 2021 nesting season. Nesting females were measured and weighed. The mean size for nesting L. olivacea was 60.41 ± 2.98 cm for straight carapace length, 52.69 ± 2.57 cm for straight carapace width, and 34.35 ± 3.94 kg for weight (n = 483). The mean (± standard deviation, SD) Fultons/Bjorndal BC index estimated for nesting females was 1.54 ± 0.15, while the mean (± SD) of body mass index was 2.18 ± 0.23. Based on these indexes, 28 individuals were classified as in bad condition, 315 in good condition, and 19 in excellent condition. This first estimation of the olive ridley turtle body condition in a nesting colony showed that BC is a good body condition for most nesting females in La Escobilla. This study is a valuable baseline for nesting L.olivacea's health condition.