A total of 411 records of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are reviewed for the whole of the Mediterranean, of which 57 are new records reported from Italy. Data on anthropogenic factors, spatio-temporal distribution, size and maturity are discussed. Leatherback turtles are most frequently captured incidentally by fishing nets. Specimens seem to concentrated in specific areas rather than being evenly distributed along a linear gradient from the Atlantic. Moreover, they frequent the Mediterranean all the year round without clear seasonal patterns of immigration or emigration. However, seasonal movements may occur between northern and southern coasts. Specimens entering the Mediterranean are likely to be large juveniles and adults of both sexes.
Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in Italy and in the Mediterranean basin
CASALE, PAOLO
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;
2003-01-01
Abstract
A total of 411 records of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are reviewed for the whole of the Mediterranean, of which 57 are new records reported from Italy. Data on anthropogenic factors, spatio-temporal distribution, size and maturity are discussed. Leatherback turtles are most frequently captured incidentally by fishing nets. Specimens seem to concentrated in specific areas rather than being evenly distributed along a linear gradient from the Atlantic. Moreover, they frequent the Mediterranean all the year round without clear seasonal patterns of immigration or emigration. However, seasonal movements may occur between northern and southern coasts. Specimens entering the Mediterranean are likely to be large juveniles and adults of both sexes.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
