Effects of Handling on Hatchability of Eggs of the Leatherback Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea (L.)

Abstract

The infertility rate among clutches of leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) eggs incubated in the hatchery at Rantau A bang, Malaysia is estimated at 22%. Variance in hatchability among fertile clutches ranges from 35.7- 96. 7% (x = 78%) for eggs handled with maximum care. For such eggs hatchability did not show a correlation with the time between oviposition and reburial. Leatherback eggs can tolerate rough handling only up to 5 hours after oviposition. Beyond this threshold, careful handling to prevent rolling, bumping, rotation and disorientation of the vertical axis will enhance hatch rates.