First skeletochronological analysis on loggerhead yearlings (Caretta caretta) in the Canary Islands

Abstract Knowing the age of individuals in a population is crucial to devise appropriate conservation strategies, especially on endangered long-lived species such as sea turtles. Sea turtles do not have external morphologic characters that indicate their age; therefore, has been estimated by indirect methods biometric measurements or skeletochronological analysis. Previous studies determined turtle can be with skeletal growth marks (GMs) produced annual seasonality. This study focused analysis known-age loggerheads reared under seminatural conditions, showing kept natural photoperiod and seawater temperature seasonality fed periodically, did present visible GMs. However, animals suffering health problems affecting exhibit suggests must taken caution at least early life stages for northeast Atlantic loggerhead population. Additionally, this showed strongly influences turtles’ rates.