Observations on the influence of seasonality, lunar cycles, and weather condition on freshwater turtle activity in Sarawak, East Malaysia (Borneo)

• Main Authors: Jensen, Karen A., Das, I.
• Format: E-Article
• Language: English
• Published: Asiatic Herpetological Research Society 2008
• Subjects: GE Environmental Sciences; QL Zoology
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11866/1/Observations%20on%20the%20influence%20of%20seasonality%20%28abstract%29.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11866/; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karen_Jensen4/publication/228351157_Observations_on_the_influence_of_seasonality_lunar_cycles_and_weather_condition_on_freshwater_turtle_activity_in_Sarawak_East_Malaysia_(Borneo)/links/55c122cc08aed621de1540dc.pdf

Freshwater turtles were surveyed at two sites in Sarawak: Loagan Bunut National Park and Balai Ringin. Capture results were tested against environmental factors such as lunar phase, weather and seasonality to examine differences in activity level. Proportionally, soft-shelled turtles were most active during the full moon (29.0%) and the last quarter lunar phase (29.4%). Hard-shelled turtles were active during the full moon 50.0% of the time. Both soft-shelled and hard-shelled turtles were more active during overcast periods (53.0% and 66.0%, respectively). Seasonality did not seem to affect soft-shelled turtle activity, while hard-shelled turtles were active 50.0% of the time during the dry South-west Monsoon from June to September.