Simulated hibernation of sea turtles in the laboratory .1. Feeding, breathing frequency, blood pH, and blood gases

Captive immature green (Chelonia mydas) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempi) sea turtles were examined to determine if a hibernation-like state could be induced under controlled conditions. Both species demonstrated that they are able to acclimate to cold temperatures behaviorally. However, the two species appeared to respond differently to decreasing temperature. Whereas the green turtles tolerated the onset of cold water temperatures by reducing swimming activity, the ridleys became very agitated and active as they were exposed to temperatures below 20 degrees C. Nevertheless, both species displayed semi-dormant behavior at temperatures below 15 degrees C, coming to the surface to breathe periodically at intervals of up to three hours. At low temperatures, venous blood pO(2) and pCO(2) decreased, whereas venous blood pH increased. Feeding also decreased as either species was exposed to cold temperature: greens (at 15 degrees C) and ridleys (at 20 degrees C) decreased food consumption to 50% of control levels, and ceased feeding below 15 degrees C. Thus, these species tolerated temperature drops and the associated hypophagia. They did not exhibit cold-stunning behavior, as has been observed in wild sea turtles exposed to rapid temperature drops, or prolonged periods of hibernation-like dormancy, as has been proposed for wild sea turtles during cold winter months. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.