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Published on: November 6, 2016
Green Turtle Chelonia mydas Spatial Use Within the Gorgona National Natural Park, Colombian Pacific: Implications for
Diego F Amorocho1, Andrew S Maurer2,3, Juan S Ayala1
1Centro de Investigación Para el Manejo Ambiental y el Desarrollo (CIMAD) Cali Colombia.
Abstract:
Animal movement patterns over time and space underlie the design of effective protected areas (PAs). Gorgona National Natural Park (GNNP) is a PA in the Colombian Pacific for which evaluation of protections afforded to local conservation-dependent species is needed. We address this need herein by assessing green turtle (Chelonia mydas) movement and residency patterns at GNNP. Satellite telemetry for 10 juvenile turtles tracked during 2009-2012 provided evidence that nine individuals exhibited residency behavior. Kernel utilization distributions suggested that the resident population's core 50% area of activity was fully contained within GNNP, while the 90% activity space was 89% contained. One turtle left the study area, migrating south. We offer these findings at a pivotal time, when plans for constructing a military complex within GNNP are underway. Our study highlights that GNNP protects critical habitats for imperiled species and underscores the need for thoughtful consideration of future developments near sensitive PAs.
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