Preliminary Study of Temporal Variability of Temperature and Light Availability in Ma’ Daerah, Kerteh Turtle Nesting Beach

Fatin Fadhlina, Binti Mohd Nor Sham (2017) Preliminary Study of Temporal Variability of Temperature and Light Availability in Ma’ Daerah, Kerteh Turtle Nesting Beach. [Final Year Project Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Ma’ Daerah Turtle Sanctuary is a model of turtle conservation center in Malaysia. However, variability of temperature and light availability in Ma’ Daerah turtle nesting beach has never been documented. Therefore, this study has been done to determine the variability of temperature and light availability in Ma’ Daerah Turtle Sanctuary by using four HOBOware Pro Onset data loggers. Data were collected for the whole incubation period (56 days). Only small range (0 – 17.9 lux) of light recorded at night (artificial light). Average of mean temperature collected was compared to the pivotal temperature recorded from previous studies in other beaches. The trend of light resulted is corresponding to the trend of temperature within the site. The range of temperature in the nest is small until third trimester (day 30) when metabolic heat increases the temperature in the nest. Overall assessment of the current incubation process in Ma’ Daerah Turtle Sanctuary is satisfying. The average of mean temperature in the nest laid between the pivotal temperatures recorded at other beaches, there is no artificial light recorded at night and the nest depth is suitable as the light does not influence the temperature in the nest. There are a few recommendations to improve the management in the hatchery if the temperature is continuously increased. Hatchery should be cold down by using sprinkler or by watering the hatchery during noon; or/and replace the zinc with other cooler material such as concrete block, and the management must make sure the depth of the nest is precisely 60cm.

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