Non-modal Scute Patterns in Green Turtle Hatchlings: Effect of Clutch Mass
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between estimated clutch mass (ECM), sand volume above the eggs (sand volume) and nest depth (ND) and the number of individuals exhibiting a non-modal scute pattern (NMSP) in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings at Alata Beach, Eastern Mediterranean, in 2009. Using generalised additive mixed model (GAMM) analyses, we evaluated 5 covariates that may influence NMSP, including ECM, sand volume, ND, distance from the sea and vegetation. A total of 1,064 hatchlings from 33 nests were examined and 801 exhibited a modal scute pattern, while 263 exhibited NMSP. The prevalence of NMSP was 24.8%. The GAMM model showed a significant relationship between ECM and NMSP prevalence, and this relationship was supported by correlation. This is the first study to provide preliminary information on the effect of ECM on NMSP frequency.
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