Estimating hatchling sex ratios of loggerhead turtles in Cyprus from incubation durations

Abstract

Incubation durations for loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta nesting at Alagadi, in Northern Cyprus, were recorded over 6 full seasons (1993 to 1998). Because incubation duration depends on temperature, it was possible to convert data on durations to hatchling sex ratios, using extensive data from other areas on the relationship between these 2 variables. It was estimated that 89 to 99 % of the hatchlings produced on Alagadi beach were females. These findings provide a further instance of highly female-skewed sex ratios in loggerhead turtles.