Body Temperature of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle <i>Caretta Caretta</i> and the Leatherback Sea Turtle <i>Dermochelys Coriacea</i> 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.