Selenium is a trace element that exists naturally in marine environments. In oviparous (egg-laying) animals, when the concentration of selenium is low within the blood, there is a risk of hatching rates dropping. In this study, the serum selenium concentration of 45 wild and captive endangered hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) were compared, and changes in serum selenium concentration were monitored during the captive period. The results showed that the serum selenium concentration is significantly higher in wild hawksbill sea turtles than captive hawksbill sea turtles. The decline was particularly noticeable after one to two years in captivity. This result suggests that this may lead to lower rates of hatching in captivity.
The Okinawa Churashima Foundation that manages Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium will continue to promote conservation research and will work toward finding a solution to this challenge.

hawksbill sea turtles

Authors name

Kino Masakatsu, Isao Kawazu, Konomi Maeda All authors are staff of the Churashima Foundation

Paper Title

Relationship between Serum Selenium Concentration and Rearing Period in Hawksbill Turtles

Journal Name

Current Herpetology