PLES 1-985: l- 79.

LEATHERBACK TURTLES UNDER THREAT IN MOROBE PROVINCE

PAPUA NEW GUTNEA

Norman J. Quinn and Barbara L. Kojis

ABSTRACT

Previously unreporte{ Ieatherback turtle

(Dermochelys coriacea) nestings are documented from the
south coast of the Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.
The Maus Buang chelonery has an estimated total female
population of 300-500 turtles. We suggest that these
turtles migrate to feeding grounds along the east coast
of AustraLia. Basic reproductive data and estimation of
the nesting female population size is presented. Further
study is required on the large number of yolkless eggs
laj-d by many Leatherbacks. It is suggested that students
returning home during the between year break may assist
in leatherback turtle resource assessment. Exploitation
of the eggs is documented. It is reconmended that the
chelonery be declared a marine park and international
financial assistance be sought to implement necessary
conservation measures.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION AND DISTRTBUTION

The leatherback turtl,e, Dermochelys coriacea

,-
Linneaus, L766, is by far the largesf turtle species with
a maximum carapace length of nearly 2m and a weight of
over 600k9. This species is morphologically highly
distinctive, notably in lacking."scales on the carapace
(Fig.1-). The leatherback is ecologically unique among
sea turtles in having a truly pelagic mode of life, but
it shares with all sea turtles the need to nest on land.

The leatherback turtl-e is a circumglobal

species whose nesting occurs on beaches of tropical. seas
in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans and
occasionally in the subtropics and Mediterranean
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PLES i1985: 1

vauglran,'..P.wr 1,981,:
Minie!ry,::of
ilffiEFmint in 6e- solomon Islandgrslands'
iht-ffi"effimon
Norman J. Quinni..', ,.,:'
Fisheries DePartnent,
Papua New Guinea UniversitY of Technology,
Laer.. :,..: t.:_,:.

Papua New Guinea.

Barbara L. Kojis
-Chemical Technology'
o"p"it*"nt of
;I[;;--d;, coit"" onivers{tv of rechnolosv'
Irae,
Papua New Guinea.