Feeding ecology of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Galapagos Islands

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Galápagos Islands exhibit significant variation in their diet, both spatially and seasonally. The study identified Ulva lactuca as a dominant algae species consumed across foraging grounds, with dietary composition differing notably between Bahia Elizabeth, Caleta Derek, and Punta Nuñez. Seasonal shifts were also observed, with diets during the warm season showing greater algal diversity compared to the cold season. This research, based on 65 oesophageal samples collected in 2006 and 2007, highlights the importance of spatial and temporal factors in shaping the feeding ecology of this species. The findings underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies that account for these dietary dynamics.

Carrión-Cortez, J. A., Zárate, P., & Seminoff, J. A. (2010). Feeding ecology of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Galapagos Islands. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 90(5), 1005–1013. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0025315410000226