Around the world, captive breeding programs are conducted to protect endangered species such as the hawksbill turtles. However, when rearing hawksbill turtles in captivity, frequent fighting between the turtles leads to injuries and possibly serious infections. Okinawa Churashima Foundation researchers monitored the concentrations of corticosterone in the blood of the turtles, their aggressive behaviors, and resting behaviors. Monitoring was done when the turtles were (1) alone (2) with another turtle with rocks (3) with another turtle without rocks. This was done to evaluate whether the aggressive behavior of captive hawksbill turtles could be controlled.
The results showed that the presence of rocks reduced aggressive behaviors, and increased resting. By placing rocks in the tank, it will help reduce the hawksbill turtles from being aggressive with others.

Authors

Isao Kawazu, Miwa Suzuki, Konomi Maeda (Bold letters: Staff members of Okinawa Churashima Foundation)

Title

Rock installation reduces aggressive behavior in captive hawksbill turtles

Journal

Current Herpetology