Mayotte

Réunion Island

Migration routes and orientation behaviour is best studied through fitting animals with either metal (Monel or Titanium) fin tags or satellite transponders the signals of which are read via the Argos system centred in France. Staff from Kelonia and Ifremer have joined with other European teams to further develop these satellite programmes which started in 1997.

Ifremer
CNRS Montpellier



ACCIDENTAL CAPTURES

Loggerhead turtle equipped with
a satellite tracking device. The device
has a pressure sensor. © Kélonia/E. Richard

Kélonia and IFREMER associated with fishermen study the oceanic migration of certain turtle species accidentally captured (see Care Centre section) to better understand and reduce the interaction between these species and fisheries. In this programme, these turtles are released with a satellite tracking device so that their trajectories can be followed. During the next four years, 5 turtles will be equipped and followed (financial support Regional Gouvernment-Kélonia, CA)

Turtle clinic

LILI

Born on Tromelin 20 years ago, this young turtle today weighs 149 kg for a Curve Carapace Length of 107 cm, and grew up in captivity. Her aggressive behaviour toward her kin motivated her release into the wild. She was sponsored by a class of 24 children from the primary school of St Leu and she was equipped with a satellite tracking device to follow her trajectory on a regular basis. Scientists at Kélonia are very interested in her migratory behaviour. The analysis of her trajectory will show if a born captive turtle will have similar migratory behaviour as a wild one.

  identification (pdf)

PUBLICATIONS

Marine turtles use geomagnetic cues
during open-sea homing.
Luschi P., Benhamou S., Girard .C, Ciccione S.,
Roos D., Sudre J., Benvenuti .S (2007).
Current Biology 17, 126–133.

Homing in green turtle Chelonia mydas :
oceanic currents act as a contraint
rather than a information source.
Girard C., Sudre j., Benhamoun S., Roos D., Luschi P. (2006), Marine Ecology Progress series
Vol. 322 : 281-289.

Oceanic survival and movements of wild
and captive-reared immature green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Indian Ocean.
Pelletier D, Roos D, Ciccione S (2003).
Aqua Liv Res 16: 35-41.