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Coastal Habitat Degradation and Green Sea Turtle Diets in Southeastern Brazil.
(Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2011-06) SANTOS, R. G; MARTINS, A. S; FARIAS, J. N; HORTA, P. A; PINHEIRO, H. T; TOREZANI, E; BAPTISTOTTE, C; SEMINOFF, J. A; BALAZS, G. H; WORK, T. M
To show the influence of coastal habitat degradation on the availability of food for green turtles (Chelonia mydas), we assessed the dietary preferences and macroalgae community at a feeding area in a highly urbanized region. The area showed low species richness and was classified as degraded. We examined stomach contents of 15 dead stranded turtles (CCL = 44.0 cm (SD 6.7 cm)). The diet was composed primarily of green algae Ulva spp. (83.6%). In contrast, the macroalgae community was dominated by the green alga Caulerpa mexicana. We found a selection for red algae, seagrass and Ulva spp., and avoidance for C. mexicana and brown alga Dictyopteris delicatula. The low diversity of available food items, possibly a result of environmental degradation, likely contributed to the low dietary diversity. The nutritional implications of this restricted diet are unclear.