First record of nesting ecology and tumor-forming disease in endangered Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) on Taiping Island, Taiwan

Taiping Island is an important sea turtle nesting site in Taiwan. However, information on the nesting ecology on Taiping Island is still limited. The present study was conducted between 26 April and 3 June 2023 with the objective of collecting primary data on the sea turtle species that nest on the island. A total of 20 individual nesting green turtles were identified. No other sea turtle species were recorded nesting during this period. Five percent of nesting sea turtles had external tumors. The mean curved carapace length of all nesting female turtles was 98.2 cm. A total of 28 clutches were detected during the survey. The mean re-nesting interval was estimated to be approximately 10 days. The majority of nests were located in the north of the island. The southern region of the island has the highest number of documented sandy cliffs, which may affect the nesting behavior of sea turtles. To protect this endangered species, the authorities should first consider using more natural methods to protect the coastline, such as dune restoration. Furthermore, it is advised that long-term monitoring programs be established on Taiping Island to gather supplementary data, including information on nesting ecology and the comprehensive health assessment of nesting turtles.