Physical-chemical characterization of the Barú-Guapil beaches for nesting and optimal development of the olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea at Hacienda Barú, Puntarenas, 2017

Abstract

Beaches are unique ecosystems, where there is a very important event such as the nesting of sea turtles. In this article, it is determined, by means of physicochemical studies and review of nesting behavior records in the last 9 years, if the morphology is optimal for the nesting and development of the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and if the nursery is found in the appropriate ranges for a similar development of females and males; In addition, we want to determine if there is a pattern of decrease in the nestings witnessed in the area, and if so, determine the factor that may be causing it. Based on the study, it was determined that both beaches have a steep slope, the temperature of 29 ºC and humidity 11% were found in Guapil beach; As for the type of sand, the nursery and beach Guapil present the appropriate level of 60%; for water quality, the data obtained showed organic contamination and finally the pH of the rivers and the sea presented an ideal range between 4 to 9. In addition, it was determined that the nursery could be developing a greater number of females than male and that nesting has decreased significantly in the last two years.