Home range and habitat use by Kemp's Ridley turtles in West-Central Florida
2003
The Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is an endangered species whose recovery depends in part on
the identification and protection of required habitats. We used radio and sonic telemetry on subadult Kemp's ridley
turtles to investigate home-range size and habitat use in the coastal waters of west-central Florida from 1994 to
1996. We tracked 9 turtles during May-August up to 70 days after release and fou.ld they occupied 5-30 km2 foraging
ranges. Compositional analyses indicated that turtles used rock outcroppings in their foraging ranges at a
significantly higher proportion than expected. based on availability within the study area. Additionally. turtles used
live bottom (e.g .• sessile invertebrates) and green macroalgae habitats significantly more than seagrass habitat. Similar
studies are needed through'mt the Kemp's ridley turtles' range to investigate regional and stage-specific differences
in habitat use. which can then be used to conserve important foraging areas.
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