Distribuição espaço-Temporal das áreas de Nidificação da Espécie de Tartaruga Marinha eretmochelys imbricata no Litoral norte da Paraiba

Abstract

Turtles are animals that require conservation, protection and management on their nesting areas. Thus, this study aims to analyze the areas of spatial-temporal distribution of the species Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill turtle) on the north coast of Paraíba. The studies were conducted during two reproductive seasons in the period 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. The survey was conducted between Mamanguape River Bar and Campina Beach, which are inserted in the conservation unit of the Environmental Protection Area (APA) of Mamanguape River Bar belonging to the municipality of Rio Tinto, PB. Data were collected in field visits and study area was traversed on foot in order to locate, identify and record the nests of sea turtles. After identifying the geographic location of nests was recorded with the help of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) that allowed the storage and spatial data. The results demonstrate the preference of spawning sites and the occurrence of changes in the landscape model in nesting areas from one season to another, with the consequence of this change the microclimate. Having also the hottest time of the year (summer) as the period that favors a high peak of reproduction and the rainy season (winter) peak reproduction is low.