CARETTA RESEARCH PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT – 2014 SEASON WASSAW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, GA Prepared by: Kristina Williams Project Director Joseph Pfaller Research Coordinator Caretta Research Project Savannah Science Museum, Inc. P.O. Box 9841 Savannah, GA 31412 912-447-8655 [email protected] 1. ABSTRACT In 2014, the Caretta Research Project (CRP) recorded 122 nests and 71 false crawls from at least 51 individual loggerhead turtles. CRP also recorded two false crawls from at least one leatherback turtle and one nest from an individual green turtle. For loggerheads, the average clutch size was 103.5 eggs and the average incubation period was 58.0 days. Nest predation was minimal, with only 1 nest affected by ghost crabs and four nests affected by fire ants. The overall hatching success was 76.6% and 8,379 hatchlings emerged. Seven assistants and 83 volunteers participated in data collection and fieldwork. 2. INTRODUCTION The Caretta Research Project (CRP) is a non-profit environmental organization created for the conservation of loggerhead sea turtles in the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge (WNWR). Founded in 1972 by the Savannah Science Museum, CRP is now in its 42nd consecutive year of operation. The three goals of CRP are: (1) to monitor the long-term population trends and nesting habits of loggerheads in the WNWR, (2) to enhance the survival of eggs and hatchlings in an area where loss to predators and beach erosion are historically high, and (3) to educate and involve the public in research and conservation efforts. To date, CRP has recorded 1,388 individual turtles and successfully monitored 3,481 nests containing 406,500 eggs, ultimately releasing over 249,300 hatchlings. Additionally, CRP has involved over 3,000 volunteers in research and conservation. 3. METHODS AND MATERIALS 3.1 Nesting 3.1.1. Beach patrols Nightly patrols were conducted from 10 May to 2 August to document all nesting turtle activities on Wassaw Island. Two crews, each with one CRP staff member and up to 3 volunteers, systematically patrolled the beach between 9PM and 7AM using Kawasaki Mules. Patrol intervals varied throughout the night depending on tides, frequency of turtle activity, and weather conditions. If a turtle was encountered during a patrol, care was taken not to disturb the turtle. Vehicles and flashlights were kept off and CRP staff determined when crews could approach the turtle for data collection. 3.1.2. False crawls and nests All crawls were documented and examined for evidence of egg deposition. If laying was not observed and the presence of a body pit indicated the possibility of a nest, CRP staff initiated a search for the eggs. If no eggs were found, the event was recorded as a ‘false crawl’. If laying was observed, a cord was placed in the nest to locate the eggs after the female returned to the ocean. For each crawl, information regarding date, time, and location were recorded. Locations were taken with respect to the nearest beach marker and by GPS position. 3.1.3. Tagging When encountered, each turtle was examined for and, if necessary, fitted with two external inconel tags and one internal Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag. Inconel tags were located by visually inspecting both front flippers and PIT tags were located by scanning the front flippers using a Destron-EX pocket reader. If present, the tag numbers were recorded. If absent, inconel tags were applied to the second or third proximal scute along the trailing edge of both front flippers and PIT tags were inserted subcutaneously at the elbow of the right front flipper. The PIT tag was scanned before and after application to ensure that it was functioning properly. All tag numbers and applicable data were sent to the University of Florida, Gainesville, for inclusion into the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research tagging database. Tagging data was used to classify each turtle as a neophyte, remigrant, or immigrant. A neophyte is a turtle that has not previously been tagged (although she may have nested before). Tagging neophytes allows us to determine if the turtle is a remigrant or an immigrant during future nesting events. A remigrant is a turtle that was originally tagged on Wassaw Island and continues to use Wassaw during subsequent nesting attempts and nesting seasons. An immigrant is a turtle that was originally tagged on a different nesting beach, but was observed nesting or attempting to nest on Wassaw. Turtles with tag scars and no PIT tag could not be classified. 3.1.4. Morphometrics For each turtle, curved carapace length (CCL) and width (CCW) were measured using a flexible, fiberglass measuring tape. CCL was measured medially from the inner nuchal notch (anteriorly) to the longest pygal tip (posteriorly) and CCW was measured at the maximum carapace width. 3.1.5. Nest relocation Nests deposited above the spring tide line were left in situ. Nests deposited at or below the spring high tide line were relocated within six hours of deposition. When relocated, eggs were carefully excavated, counted, and placed in a 5-gallon bucket. Eggs broken by the female turtle or by CRP staff were documented and discarded. At the base of the adjacent dune, a new egg chamber was dug by hand to replicate the size, shape, and depth of the original nest. Eggs were carefully transferred into the new nest and reburied. The locations of both in situ and relocated nest sites were recorded. 3.1.6. Nest protection After egg deposition or relocation, two types of protective screening were placed over all nests: (1) 1.5’ X 1.5’ metal screen with 0.4” x 0.4” mesh and (2) 5’ X 4’ plastic screen with 2” X 3” mesh. Screens were secured in place by pencil rods anchored at each corner of the larger screen. Reflective markers identified the nest locations and plastic labels identified the nest number. Smaller screens were removed and replaced with 0.4” x 0.4” mesh cones at 45 days of incubation in anticipation of hatching emergence. Nests were monitored throughout the season for evidence of predation, tidal wash and beach erosion. 3.2. Hatching 3.2.1. Beach patrols Dawn and dusk patrols were conducted from 2 August to 30 August to monitor nests for signs of hatchling emergence and predation. Upon observing the first signs of hatchling emergence (e.g. distinct depressions, empty eggshells in nest, hatching tracks, or live hatchlings), we recorded the date and allowed time for secondary emergences. Nests that showed signs of fire ant infestation were inventoried immediately. Nests that were either fully or partially predated by raccoons or foxes were recorded and the extent of predation was estimated by counting eggshells scattered around the nest. 3.2.2. Nest inventories All nests were inventoried within 5 days of emergence or after 70 days of incubation for nests in which hatchling emergence was never observed. Nest inventories involved excavating all nest contents, then counting the number of live and dead hatchlings, empty eggshells, and unhatched eggs. Live hatchlings found at night were immediately released to crawl to the ocean, while live hatchlings found during the day were retained and released the following night. Live unhatched or pipped eggs were retained until subsequent emergence and release. All unhatched eggs were dissected to determine the percentage of embryonic development that was completed prior to termination. Nest inventories were conducted to quantify the hatching and emergence success of each nest. Hatching success was calculated by dividing the number of hatched eggs by the total number of eggs in each nest (multiplied by 100). For nests with known clutch sizes, the number of hatched eggs was determined by subtracting the number of unhatched eggs (including dead pipped eggs) from the total number of eggs. For nests with unknown clutch sizes, the number of hatched eggs was estimated by counting the eggshells (fragment size 50% or greater) found in the nest, while the total number of eggs was determined by adding the number of eggshells and the number of unhatched eggs. Release rate was calculated by subtracting the number of dead hatchlings from both within the nest and found predated outside the nest from the number of hatched eggs, then dividing by the total number of eggs (multiplied by 100). Incubation periods of each nest were determined based on the number of days between egg deposition and first hatchling emergence. 3.3. Strandings All turtles (dead or alive) found stranded on Wassaw Island were photographed and reported to the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) based in Miami, FL. We reported the species, location, size (CCL, CCW, straight CL, and straight CW), condition, and probable cause of death (estimated via necropsy by CRP staff). After examination, a large red “X” was spray-painted on the carapace of the turtle before moving it into the dunes. Complete reports were forwarded to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. 3.4. Additional procedures – Collaborations 3.4.1. Daniel B. Warner School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia – Dr. Brian Shamblin For the 8th year, we collected skin biopsies and eggshell samples from each female and each nest, respectively. Skin biopsies were collected between the neck and right front flipper using a 6mm biopsy punch and placed in 95% ethanol. The eggshell from one egg in each nest was collected and placed in 95% ethanol. Egg contents were saved for Dr. Vander Zanden’s study (see below). 3.4.2. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida – Dr. Hannah Vander Zanden Additional skin biopsies were collected from nesting females and yolk samples were collected from the eggs sacrificed for Shamblin’s study. Samples of yolk were stored in ethanol and albumin samples were frozen. 3.4.2. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida – Joe Pfaller Head size (length, width and depth) was measured for all adult females that were encountered and for 10 randomly selected hatchlings from two sets of 10 nests laid at the beginning (late May) and middle (late June) of the nesting season. 3.4.4. Armstrong Atlantic State University - Kathryn Craven Fresh eggs were caught during deposition using sterile gloves and placed into bags and frozen. 4. RESULTS 4.1. Loggerhead nesting 4.1.1. False crawls and nests We recorded 122 nests and 71 false crawls. The first nest was deposited on 15 May and the last on August 4. Nesting activity peaked in June and July (52 each month) (Fig. 1) and was distributed across the island (Fig. 2). Of the 122 nests, 67 were left in situ (55.0%) and 55 were relocated (45.0%) (Appendix C). Crawl success was 63.21%. 60 Nests False crawls 50 40 30 20 10 0 May June July August Figure 1. Histogram showing the monthly distribution of nests and false crawls on Wassaw Island. Figure 2. Histogram showing the distribution of loggerhead nests and false crawls on Wassaw Island. Letters correspond to the sectors of the beach between each U.S. Fish & Wildlife sign located at every five dune posts. 4.1.2. Individual turtles We recorded 51 individual turtles: 31 neophytes (60.8%), 18 remigrants (35.3%), and two immigrants (3.9%) (Appendix A). Five remigrant turtles were identified solely by their PIT tags. Of the 122 loggerhead nests, 61 (50.0%) were deposited by 17 remigrants, 40 (32.8%) were deposited by 26 neophytes, 5 (4.1%) were deposited by two immigrants, 16 (13.1%) were deposited by females that were not observed nesting (i.e. ‘missed nests’). We recorded 6 turtles that were not observed depositing a nest (false crawls only) and 20 turtles that deposited only one nest. Twenty-five turtles deposited more than one nest, resulting in a mean clutch frequency of 3.4 nests per female (range=2-6 nests). The observed internesting interval for these females ranged from 10-55 days, with a mean interval of 15.4 days. Of the 18 remigrants recorded, 12 were recorded on Wassaw Island in one previous season, three in two previous seasons, one in three previous seasons, one in five previous seasons, and one in eight previous seasons. The mean remigration interval was 4.1 years (range=2-8 years). The female who has been nesting for 8 previous seasons was first tagged on Wassaw as a neophyte in 1995. Since then, she has deposited 34 nests containing 4,094 eggs, releasing ~3,528 hatchlings into the ocean. Three turtles originally tagged on Wassaw Island were sighted elsewhere. Two turtles originally tagged on Wassaw Island in 2010 and 2011 nested on Jekyll Island in July, and the third, originally tagged on Wassaw in 2008, false crawled on Fripp Island, SC in July. Additionally, two immigrant turtles originally tagged on Blackbeard Island nested on Wassaw this year. 4.2. Loggerhead hatching 4.2.1. Nests and eggs Within 122 nests, we recorded approximately 12,512 eggs. The mean clutch size was 103.5 eggs per nest (range=5-148 eggs per nest; N=121) (Appendix C). The overall mean hatching success was 76.6% (range=0-99.2%; N=121 nests). The mean hatching success was 77.8% for in situ nests (range=0-99.2%; N=67 nests) and 75.1% for relocated nests (range=0-99.2%; N=55 nests). The mean emergence rate was 66.9%. Overall mean incubation time was 58.0 days (range=50-70 days; N=58 nests). The mean incubation period was 58.6 days for in situ nests (range=52-70 days; N=30 nests) and 57.4 days for relocated nests (range=50-65; N=28 nests). 4.2.2. Nest and egg loss Two nests were washed away completely by high tides and five nests were washed over this year. One of these nests was in situ and no egg count was recorded. There was no sign of egg predation by fox and raccoons, thanks to the new plastic coated screening. One nest lost 4 eggs to ghost crab predation. One hundred and twenty four hatchlings from four nests were consumed by fire ants. No nests were lost to human tampering. Thirty six broken eggs were encountered this season: 30 were broken by turtles while covering their nests and 6 were broken by CRP staff while probing for eggs. An additional 132 eggs were collected for collaborative research studies (see Collaborations section). 4.3. Nesting and hatching for other sea turtles species 4.3.1. Green turtle nest We encountered one neophyte green turtle (Chelonia mydas) depositing one nest. The nest was left in situ and contained 120 eggs, 108 of which hatched, for a hatching success of 90.0%. 4.3.2. Leatherback false crawls We documented two false crawls by leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). One occurred the night before we started patrolling and was missed. The other was from a neophyte, which was encountered and tagged. This turtle later nested on Sea Island, GA in June. 4.4. Strandings Six individual turtles were found stranded. Three juvenile loggerheads and one juvenile Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) were found dead, but the cause of death was unknown. One adult male loggerhead was found dead with a catastrophic injury caused by a recreational boat. One adult male leatherback was found dead and all evidence suggests that it was drowned in a shrimp trawler. 4.5. Collaborations 4.5.1. Daniel B. Warner School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia – Dr. Brian Shamblin We collected skin biopsies and eggshells from 48 individual loggerheads and 122 loggerhead eggs, respectively. These samples will be used to assess the genetic population structure of the loggerhead nesting population in the southeastern US. In addition, DNA extracted from the eggshells of missed nests can be used to match those nests with previously sampled females. 4.5.2. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida – Dr. Hannah Vander Zanden We collected skin biopsies and egg components (yolk and albumin) from 48 individual loggerheads and 122 loggerhead eggs, respectively. These samples will be used in stable isotope analyses to determine (1) the foraging strategies of nesting loggerheads and (2) the transfer of isotopes between adult females and egg contents. 4.5.3. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida – Joe Pfaller We collected head size measurements for 44 adult turtles and 169 hatchlings from 17 different nests. These data will be used in combination with stable isotope analyses to determine the factors that affect variation in head size (i.e., body size, foraging ground location and trophic position). 4.5.4. Armstrong Atlantic State University - Dr. Kathryn Craven Ten eggs were collected from nests to further determine the species of fungus and bacteria that affect hatching success in loggerhead sea turtle nests. 5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The staff and Board of the Caretta Research Project would like to thank the following people and institutions for their support and assistance during the 2014 season: 2014 Leaders and Assistants: Terri Collins, Michael Frick, Jason Fuller, Debbi Hanibal, Darnice Pettigrew, Jamie Price and Cody Struthers. Chris Carroll for support on and off the island. Beth Betbeze, Lillian Powell, Angie Sheets and members of the Wassaw Island LLC for their support, which makes this project possible. Jane Griess, Chuck Hayes, Peter Range and USFWS personnel for assistance with permits and continued support. Mark Dodd and GADNR personnel for permits and support throughout the season. Peter Eliazar, Karen Bjorndal and the University of Florida for supporting and coordinating the Tagging Database at the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research. All of the Boat Captains for providing transportation for our research crews and volunteers: Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Bouchillon, Mr. Chris Carroll, Dr. and Mrs. Fabienne Dickinson, Mr. and Mrs. Rolfe Glover IV, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Grainey, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Gussler, Mr. and Mrs. Gabe Pitt, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Powers, Ms. Kathleen Ramee Pitt, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ramee, Mr. and Mrs. Al Townsend, and Drs. Chris Walls and Melissa Cobbs, Mr. Landon Walls. 2014 Volunteers: Aimee Becker, Michele Block, Emma Bouchillon, Kelly Bouchillon, Sarah Mac Bowman, Darin Brubaker, Garnett Bryant, Olivia Buelvas, Adam Byck, David Cahoon, Jessie Cahoon, Brittany Campbell, Ian Chamberlain, Robert Chamberlain, Isaiah Chisholm, Terri Collins, Glynis Cooney, Joan Cox, Caitlin Crews, Marie Dent, Nolan Doyle, Donna Edwards, Jennifer Erhardt, Clark Evans, Kai Everard, Katie Fasnacht, Leigh Funk, Beth Garrett, Sarah Glover, Dorothy Green, Catherine Gussler, Caroline Gussler, Walker Gussler, Laurel Harman, Carole Hart, Cord Helmken, Helen Iocovozzi, Kim Iocovozzi, Hakon Jones, Loretta Kane, Roy Kane, Ryan Khan, Sarah Landa, Naudain Machen, Julie McCall, Peggy McCloskey, Gina McCullough, Jordan Moller, Lindsay Moller, Kris Morris, Jim Olsen, Susan Owens, Melissa Painter, Mathew Parrish, Christine Parsons, Ryan Pittman, Sherri Pittman, Jamie Queen, Kathleen Ramee, Anna Robertson, Kameron Sallee, Ruth Sappie, Amy Schuler, Taylor Shook, Meghan Smith, Tyrus Smith, Elizabeth Southard, Cody Struthers, Caroline Szczecinski, William Szczecinski, Michaella Taylor, Jessica Timms, Becky Troth, Reagan Tutwiler, Anita Vanbrackle, Bethany Voyles, Jackson Walls, Landon Walls, Tristan Walls, Jzsanettae Webster, Melynda Wieters, Woodie Williams, David Wright. The many individuals who have donated time, money and supplies to the CRP. Mr. Dave Cahoon and Mr. Frances Becker for fixing and maintaining our Mules. Kennesaw State University for donating a Cushman and a Yeti cooler. Mr. Jim Olsen for 5 rolls of awesome nest screening, small screens, nest tags, and batteries. Mrs. Loretta Kane for the donation of two GPS units. Delegal Creek Marina and Landings Harbor Marina for use of marina facilities throughout the season. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for helping with vehicle transport on and off the island. Grants/Corporate Contributions: Anderson-Rogers Foundation, Colonial Foundation, Inc., Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation, Inc., DIRTT Environmental Solutions, Inc., Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Power, Guerry Beam Fund, Hunter Foundation J.C. Lewis Foundation, Jolly Foundation, P. Twenty One Foundation, Piper Jaffray Matching Gifts Program, Publix Super Markets Charities, Savannah Community Foundation, Inc., Savannah Presbytery Ecology Fund, Schwab Charitable Fund, Shared Earth Foundation, Southern States Educational Foundation, St. Thomas Thrift Store, Sweetgrass Foundation, Inc., and Waterfall Foundation, Inc. APPENDIX A – 2014 INDIVIDUAL TURTLES TURTLE # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 STATUS Neophyte Remigrant Remigrant Remigrant Remigrant Remigrant Neophyte Remigrant Remigrant Immigrant Neophyte Remigrant Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Remigrant Remigrant Remigrant Neophyte Remigrant Remigrant Neophyte Remigrant Remigrant Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Remigrant Remigrant Neophyte Neophyte Remigrant Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Neophyte Immigrant Neophyte Neophyte NEO # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 RF TAG NEW OLD NEW NEW OLD OLD NEW OLD OLD OLD NEW RF TAG # EEK 853 SSX 292 EEK 877 EEK 754 SSK 673 BBN 202 EEK 861 YYZ 508 YYZ 443 BBN 171 EEK 803 NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW OLD NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW EEK 808 BBN 239 EEZ 576 EEZ 580 EEK 751 EEK 868 EEK 864 EEK 880 EEK 883 EEK 885 EEK 895 YYZ 352 EEZ 681 EEK 891 EEK 755 EEK 894 EEZ 685 EEZ 695 EEK 896 EEZ 691 EEZ 687 OLD NEW NEW OLD NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW OLD NEW NEW YYZ 558 EEZ 615 EEZ 616 YYP 862 EEZ 624 EEZ 682 EEK 897 EEZ 676 EEZ 686 EEZ 626 EEZ 628 EEZ 700 EEZ 613 EEZ 629 EEZ 578 EEZ 698 YYY 145 EEK 814 EEZ 614 LF TAG LF TAG # PIT TAG PIT TAG # OLD OLD NEW OLD OLD NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW OLD YYZ 511 YYZ 506 EEK 757 SSK 412 BBN 213 EEK 865 EEK 862 EEK 804 EEK 852 EEK 879 YYP 847 NEW NEW NEW OLD NEW NEW NEW OLD NEW EEK 881 EEK 866 EEK 863 BBN 222 EEZ 579 EEK 867 EEK 878 YYP 837 EEK 898 NEW NEW NEW NEW EEK 577 EEZ 683 EEK 889 EEZ 627 NEW OLD OLD OLD OLD NEW OLD OLD OLD NEW OLD NEW NEW NEW OLD OLD OLD OLD OLD OLD NEW OLD OLD NEW NEW NEW 989.001001239158 407B4C2373 446A6D4313 407B143806 4A40343559 989.001001237982 4A2F010225 4466520F33 452C70161C 989.001001239174 4B1161554D 989.001001239254 989.001001237990 989.001001238047 407B396308 4B1125664A 4B12275477 989.001001239158 4453166844 4A1C046322 989.001001238048 442D063921 4A1B0B2F60 989.001001238046 989.001001239185 989.001001238117 NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW OLD NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW EEK 900 EEZ 684 EEZ 696 EEZ 690 EEZ 694 EEZ 631 EEZ 699 EEZ 607 EEZ 618 YYZ 383 EEZ 605 EEZ 689 EEK 899 EEK 893 EEZ 678 EEZ 610 NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW OLD NEW NEW 989.001001238120 989.001001238054 989.001001238107 989.001001238132 989.001001238140 4453440E7A 989.001001237957 989.001001239195 OLD NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW 4A5F587F1C 989.001001238192 989.001001238110 did not register 989.001001238109 989.001001238084 989.001001238082 NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW EEK 892 EEZ 623 EEZ 632 EEZ 601 EEK 884 EEZ 608 EEZ 679 EEZ 619 NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW OLD NEW NEW 989.001001238092 989.001001238121 989.001001238022 989.001001238029 989.001001238064 4A0E037A17 989.001001239248 989.001001238094 NOTES LEATHERBACK!! 989.001001239155 GREEN!! APPENDIX B Loggerhead Activity on Wassaw Island 1973-2014 * Patrols did not cover the entire nesting season 1973-1977 ** Crawl Success=(# nests/# crawls)X100 ***One nest composed of 5 abnormal eggs is included YEAR TURTLES NEOPHYTES CRAWLS NESTS FALSE CRAWLS **CRAWL SUCCESS (%) 1973* 1974* 1975* 1976* 1977* 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991*** 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 25 49 40 47 44 52 56 44 54 52 49 47 60 43 23 30 35 46 53 52 18 55 39 63 25 42 69 60 38 38 59 20 65 60 43 70 63 86 93 101 112 51 25 46 36 40 38 35 34 30 36 39 34 31 46 27 18 19 20 35 41 38 12 38 40 9 20 35 41 23 22 28 12 31 29 25 36 36 50 61 68 66 31 82 116 135 157 247 186 160 112 163 158 133 139 116 135 55 90 126 166 170 140 58 185 185 230 101 118 289 143 126 91 221 71 233 266 202 275 234 352 323 541 452 193 35 61 56 51 76 65 55 51 75 65 61 71 66 47 23 43 43 60 77 80 28 105 80 135 60 69 125 82 74 56 115 37 104 141 63 120 91 159 165 138 250 122 47 55 79 106 171 121 105 61 88 93 72 68 50 88 32 47 83 106 93 60 30 80 105 95 41 49 164 61 52 35 106 34 129 125 139 155 143 193 158 403 202 71 42.68 52.59 41.48 32.48 30.77 34.95 34.38 45.54 46.01 41.14 45.86 51.08 56.90 34.81 41.82 47.78 34.13 36.14 45.29 57.14 48.28 56.76 43.24 58.70 59.41 58.47 43.25 57.34 58.73 61.54 52.04 52.11 44.64 53.01 31.19 43.64 38.89 45.17 50.62 25.51 55.31 63.21 TOTAL 2,171 1,381 7,675 3,480 4,195 45.34 APPENDIX C: 2014 Nest Summary for Wassaw Island NEST # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 NEST LOCATION relocated in situ in situ in situ relocated relocated in situ relocated relocated relocated relocated in situ in situ in situ in situ relocated relocated in situ in situ relocated in situ relocated in situ relocated relocated relocated in situ in situ relocated relocated in situ in situ in situ in situ in situ relocated IN SITU IN SITU IN SITU in situ relocated in situ in situ relocated relocated in situ relocated relocated relocated relocated INCUBATIO N (Days) 63 68 70 65 57 60 61 63 60 58 52 58 64 64 55 57 60 59 70 59 54 56 56 57 63 52 57 52 55 57 57 57 57 55 62 55 54 60 56 59 50 58 57 57 57 57 57 TOTAL # EGGS 5 118 140 148 128 129 126 77 122 97 98 102 146 121 115 94 137 29 19 134 142 137 131 112 118 131 131 83 100 92 111 108 132 131 80 146 123 110 98 114 102 101 134 146 99 114 97 96 94 100 # HATCHED 0 52 100 128 97 90 113 68 116 96 81 90 92 120 92 89 90 25 12 109 119 126 114 102 111 130 123 75 84 79 101 100 116 127 33 141 48 106 77 108 25 99 118 56 28 105 91 94 90 89 %SUCCESS 0.00% 44.07% 71.43% 86.49% 75.78% 69.77% 89.68% 88.31% 95.08% 98.97% 82.65% 88.24% 63.01% 99.17% 80.00% 94.68% 65.69% 86.21% 63.16% 81.34% 83.80% 91.97% 87.02% 91.07% 94.07% 99.24% 93.89% 90.36% 84.00% 85.87% 90.99% 92.59% 87.88% 96.95% 41.25% 96.58% 39.02% 96.36% 78.57% 94.74% 24.51% 98.02% 88.06% 38.36% 28.28% 92.11% 93.81% 97.92% 95.74% 89.00% NOTES Fire Ant Predation Washed Over Ghost crab Predation Fire Ant Predation Washed Over 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 in situ relocated in situ in situ in situ in situ in situ in situ in situ in situ relocated relocated in situ relocated relocated relocated in situ in situ relocated in situ in situ relocated in situ relocated iin situ relocated relocated relocated relocated relocated relocated relocated in situ in situ in situ in situ relocated relocated relocated relocated relocated in situ in situ in situ in situ in situ relocated in situ in situ in situ relocated relocated in situ in situ 62 56 54 55 58 57 56 57 56 57 51 73 82 120 unknown 104 129 83 111 105 104 123 116 132 104 98 100 97 95 112 86 109 112 93 77 84 77 140 114 105 86 103 89 98 135 114 112 132 112 118 124 104 38 115 79 98 102 79 25 99 84 78 75 108 107 39 79 108 0 95 1 40 93 98 95 117 0 126 79 79 98 78 25 63 59 105 88 81 72 79 48 0 102 96 83 85 74 63 131 103 107 118 103 108 113 58 34 106 25 43 85 76 21 74 68 63 70 89 86 53.42% 96.34% 90.00% 0.00% 91.35% 0.78% 48.19% 83.78% 93.33% 91.35% 95.12% 0.00% 95.45% 75.96% 80.61% 98.00% 80.41% 26.32% 56.25% 68.60% 96.33% 78.57% 87.10% 93.51% 94.05% 62.34% 0.00% 89.47% 91.43% 96.51% 82.52% 83.15% 64.29% 97.04% 90.35% 95.54% 89.39% 91.96% 91.53% 91.13% 55.77% 89.47% 92.17% 31.65% 43.88% 83.33% 96.20% 84.00% 74.75% 80.95% 80.77% 93.33% 82.41% 80.37% Washed Out Washed Out Washed Over Fire Ant Predation Washed Over Washed Over 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 TOTALS in situ in situ in situ relocated in situ relocated in situ relocated in situ relocated in situ in situ relocated in situ in situ relocated in situ in situ relocated 58.0 104 34 120 125 122 98 107 114 121 112 97 76 114 86 93 85 75 74 83 12,512 29 27 108 101 105 89 97 103 111 86 86 66 1 58 89 44 61 74 5 9,736 27.88% 79.41% 90.00% 80.80% 86.07% 90.82% 90.65% 90.35% 91.74% 76.79% 88.66% 86.84% 0.88% 67.44% 95.70% 51.76% 82.43% 98.67% 6.02% 76.55% Fire Ant Predation
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