Linking lunar phases to reproductive behaviors of the green sea turtle in the Gulf of Mexico

Green sea turtles are keystone species in marine ecosystems; however, anthropogenic threats have led to significant population declines. Research aimed at understanding the environmental and biological factors influencing their reproductive behavior is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. This study examines the relationship between lunar phases and green sea turtle nesting and hatchling emergence along the central-northern coast of Veracruz, Mexico. Data were collected from 2021 to 2023 across a 15.5 km stretch of beach, where nesting and emergence events were recorded. The influence of lunar phases was analyzed using circular statistics, mixed-effects models, and non-parametric tests. Results revealed significant non-uniform distributions in nesting and hatchling emergence patterns, with peaks occurring during the new and full moon phases. Hatchling emergence success was highest during the first and last lunar quarters, while incubation length varied significantly across moon phases. These results highlight the importance of integrating lunar cues into conservation strategies to optimize habitat protection and enhance hatchling survival.