First evidence of leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) embryos and hatchlings emitting sounds

Abstract

There are only a few studies documenting acoustic communication in chelonians; here we provide additional evidence that sound plays an important role in the interchange of information in this group. We recorded 12 nests of Dermochelys coriacea during March 2012 at Barra de la Cruz Beach, Oaxaca, Mexico. Four types of sounds were identified from recordings of nests after 51 d of incubation; our results reinforce the idea that sounds are important to coordinate group behavior in turtles. © 2014 Chelonian Research Foundation.