Diet composition of Caretta caretta (Testudines: Cheloniidae) in the Gulf of Gabès, southern Tunisia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v24i1p3-23Keywords:
Digestive tracts, Feeding habits, Loggerhead turtles, Mediterranean SeaAbstract
Investigating fundamental biological aspects, such as the feeding habits of long-distance migratory marine animals like sea turtles, presents significant challenges. These studies are crucial for identifying the feeding grounds and preferred prey of these turtles, thus providing valuable insights to inform habitat protection and management decisions. We analyzed the digestive tract contents of 132 Caretta caretta stranded and/or accidentally captured along the coast of the Gulf of Gabès from 2004 to 2010. Food items were analysed using the Relative Importance Index (IRI), the Food Index of Geistdoerfer (Q), and the Main Food Index (MFI) of Zander. We also categorized the litter and calculated its frequency of occurrence. The loggerhead diet consisted of 46 species from various zoological groups, reflecting their flexible distribution across both pelagic and benthic neritic zones. We noted a common feeding pattern for the species, with bottom-dwelling prey common in shallow environments. Molluscs, arthropods, and poriferans constituted the main prey, while tunicates and fishes were frequent secondary prey. Echinoderms and algae are accessory secondary prey and second-order additional prey, respectively. Molluscs and arthropods were ingested mainly during spring and summer, while tunicates and poriferans were ingested during autumn and winter months. Turtle size had no effect on dietary diversity or biomass percentage. This study emphasizes the value of dietary analysis in uncovering the feeding ecology and habitat use of loggerhead turtles in the Gulf of Gabès. Protecting and managing this region, and ensuring the presence of trophic resources, could be crucial for maintaining loggerhead turtle populations and enhancing their survival in Tunisian waters.Downloads
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