HWF’s Basking Education Project Tumored and non-tumored juveniles and adults (male and female) bask on dark, quiet beaches. They are able to stay out of the ocean for hours or even days at a time if not disturbed. This seems to be a learned behavior, which is increasing, but still rare enough that people don’t expect to see turtles on shore. This provides a remarkable setting to view turtles, but introduces management challenges since pono (“righteous”) turtle watching etiquette needs to constantly be taught: Trained HWF volunteer naturalists educate the community about unique turtle behaviors and life history to create a sense of respect through coexistence and enjoyment for this species. ~Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund~ www.WildHawaii.org [email protected]808-385-5464 HWF’s Basking Honu Research HWF has been monitoring Ho‘okipa’s basking honu since 2008. These turtles have exhibited a noticeable behavior shift, as they only basked at night until recently. They may feel more comfortable emerging on shore (where they are defenseless), and are basking during the day. HWF uses zoom lenses and night vision cameras to not disrupt their natural behaviors. We record all entanglements, fibropapillomatosis cases, injuries like shark bites, and signs of nesting (Northwestern Hawaiian Island biologists tag them and paint #s on their shells): Individuals are recognized by the scale patterns and pigmentations on their faces and flippers: These patterns are like fingerprints, and by matching them we’ve documented over 100 different individuals at Ho‘okipa (translated as “hospitality”). We predict that more will start basking if people show them true hospitality... Please show turtles aloha! ~Hawaiian Sea Turtles~ Iconic Species That Need Your Help to Survive… Multiple issues affect sea turtle recovery: fibropapillomatosis (a tumor-forming disease), coral reef habitat degradation, nesting habitat alterations/loss, interactions with nearshore fishing activities, boat strikes, marine debris ingestion and entanglement, harassment, poaching, and climate change. Please join HWF’s Turtle Team! “Ho‘okuleana” means “to take responsibility”. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that sea turtles thrive for future generations to experience. Mahalo for your kōkua!
2
Embed
H Basking Honu Research ~Hawaiian Sea Turtles~€™s Basking Honu Research HWF has been monitoring Ho‘okipa’s basking honu since 2008. These turtles have exhibited a noticeable
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.