Body Temperature of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta Caretta and the Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys Coriacea During Nesting

Abstract

Body temperatures of loggerhead and leatherback turtles recorded during nesting excursions were found to be greater than sea temperatures. Leatherback turtles exhibited greater temperature differentials (5,3 - 6,25°C) than loggerhead turtles (1,9 - 3,22°C).

The possibility that leatherback turtles may have a preferred temperature range (30 - 32°C) as is the case in terrestrial chelonians is discussed. Recordings of exhaled air temperatures suggest that leather-back turtles may employ a countercurrent heat exchange system in the nares in order to conserve body heat.