Sea turtle exploitation from Tamil Nadu, Southeast coast of India

Abstract

The Present observation was carried out on sea turtles along the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu during June 2012 to May 2013. Curved Carapace Length (CCL) and Curved Carapace Width (CCW) were measured when the carapaces of dead turtles were found intact. Data on exploitation of turtles were collected by regular observations of turtle carapaces found near ditches, unused buildings and inside thickets that bordered the coastline. The average size of encountered green turtles was 92.4 cm CCL (SD±14.6) and 88.3 cm CCW (SD±15.4). The mean size of olive ridley carapaces was 80.2 cm CCL (SD±10.0) and 77.13 cm CCW (SD±11.16). For hawksbills, CCL was 68 cm (SD±10.4) and CCW was 60.33 cm (SD±13.8). Green, olive ridley and hawksbill turtles show an exploitation ratio of 61.9%, 34.2% and 3.9% respectively during the June 2012 to May 2013.