The climatic debt of loggerhead sea turtle populations in a warming world. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Monsinjon, Jonathan R.; Wyneken, Jeanette; Rusenko, Kirt; López-Mendilaharsu, Milagros; Lara, Paulo; Santos, Alexsandro; dei Marcovaldi, Maria A.G.; Fuentes, Mariana M.P.B.; Kaska, Yakup; Tucek, Jenny; Nel, Ronel; Williams, Kristina L.; LeBlanc, Anne-Marie; Rostal, David; Guillon, Jean-Michel; Girondot, Marc
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 107(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Climate change -- Phenotypic plasticity -- Phenology -- Hatching success -- Sex ratio -- Embryonic development -- Incubation -- Thermal tolerance -- Reptile -- Caretta caretta; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.105657
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Highlights: We assess the adaptive potential of phenological shifts in 7 sea turtle populations. Few populations may be able to stay synchronized with suitable thermal conditions. Hatchling survival may be substantially reduced in important populations. Nearly 100% female-biased hatchling sex ratios are expected in important populations. Abstract: Phenological shifts, by initiating reproductive events earlier, in response to advanced seasonal warming is one of the most striking effects currently observed in wild populations. For sea turtles, phenological adjustment to warming conditions could be the most effective short-term adaptation option against climate change. We calculated future phenological changes required in seven important loggerhead ( Caretta caretta ) nesting populations to continue achieving a high hatching success and a sex ratio that lies within current ranges. Considering temperature-mediated phenological changes, we found that most populations (six out of seven) will not be able to keep pace with a warming climate. Under an optimistic climate warming scenario (RCP4.5), these populations will face a climatic debt, that is, a difference between required and expected phenological changes, and warming will substantially reduce hatching success and induce a feminization of hatchlings, which may jeopardize their reproductive sustainability. Our approach offers the possibility to quantify the efficiency of phenological shifts in oviparous reptiles by considering physiological, developmental and phenological processes.