Confirmed feasibility of a satellite tracker attachment method on small juvenile hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata

Satellite trackers can be used for studying sea turtle movement, illuminating their migrations and behaviours. However, many studies have focused on adult turtles, with uneven species representation, despite the importance of understanding movement habitat use turtles at all life-stages. Furthermore, few publications detail successful satellite tracker attachment methods, particularly juveniles. Smaller-sized juvenile often an irregularly shaped carapace are fast growing, rendering rigid in a safe durable manner challenging. Juvenile hawksbill turtles’ specific shape imbricated scute arrangement further complicate compared to juveniles other species. This study’s objective was confirm feasibility method that would allow small-sized (~267-345 mm curved length) continue without loss or damage underlying scutes. Replica were made resin (simulating Wildlife Computer Spot-387 trackers), attached epoxy, silicone neoprene, using technique modified from those neonate loggerheads Kemp’s ridleys. Throughout study (3.5 mo), replica remained attached, grew up 114% heavier 25% longer, appeared clinically healthy active. scutes undamaged after removal. As critically endangered species, paucity data specifically juveniles, hinder evidence-based management decision-making. The improved ability track hawksbills can, therefore, help better our ecology inform conservation practices this