Researchers at Florida State University have found that Earth’s warming temperatures may help boost populations of Florida’s most common sea turtle, the loggerhead. But these benefits may be short-lived.
Why it matters.
Scientists know that climate change poses an immediate threat to thousands of species across the globe. But, it’s more complicated than that, especially when it comes to sea turtles.
That’s because sea turtle eggs are heavily influenced by their environments. Warmer temperatures can help increase the rate of successful sea turtle hatchlings in the short term. But, once these temperatures heat up too much, they can have a negative impact on loggerhead survival. For example, excessive solar radiation exposure can negatively impact turtles’ morphology and survival rate.
Sea turtles have been around forever. Can’t they adapt?
“Sea turtles have been around for a long time and have survived many changes to the global climate,” former Florida State master’s student Natalie Montero, who led the study told FSU News.
“However, climate changes of the past took a long time, allowing sea turtles to adapt to the changing conditions. Today’s climate change is happening very quickly, and therefore sea turtles must adapt quickly or perish.”
What’s next?
It’s uncertain. The hatchling rate of loggerheads is expected to increase by the year 2100, but scientists aren’t sure what will happen once the temperatures rise above a certain threshold. Additionally, beach erosion, unchecked coastal development and environmental degradation each pose threats to turtle populations, regardless of rising temperatures.
The takeaway message
Loggerhead sea turtles stand to benefit from rising temperatures in the short term, but Earth’s warming trends show that the benefit will be short-lived.
Where can I learn more?
Read the full FSU press release.
Learn more about loggerhead sea turtles.
Kudos to:
Study authors:
This research was funded by the Florida State University Graduate School and the Winchester Fund at Florida State University. The work was a collaboration between Florida State, Projeto Tamar, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and The Leatherback Trust.