Tracking rehabilitated sea turtles in the Indian Ocean using satellite telemetry: Insights into behaviour, ecology, and conservation implications

Abstract

Understanding the movements and behaviour of threatened marine turtles is essential for effective conservation management. Satellite telemetry is a valuable tool which has previously provided valuable insights sea turtle behaviour, particularly mating and post-nesting movements; however, certain life stages and species remain under-represented. Here, we use satellite tracking to investigate the post-rehabilitation behaviour of olive ridley, green, and hawksbill turtles in the Indian Ocean. We find that rehabilitated turtles survive for extended periods following release and display species and life-stage specific behaviour comparable to wild individuals. Monsoon-driven ocean currents strongly influence movements in open ocean with turtles actively swimming to maintain position or navigate along continental shelves and ridges. These findings provide valuable insights into the behaviour of groups under-represented in current literature, namely olive ridley and juvenile turtles, demonstrates the value of rehabilitation for both facilitating research and supporting animal welfare, and underscores the importance of regional cooperation for the conservation of these wide-ranging species.