Predatory ants invading sea turtle nests on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Ant infestation of sea turtle nesting beaches can impede sea turtle recovery efforts. In this short report, we surveyed ant predation on three nesting beaches on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an important rookery for green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. These sites suffered from intermittent infestation from underground raiding ant Doryluslaevigatus tunnelling into the nests and feeding on eggs and hatchlings. This study found that the recommended 1-m barrier from dune vegetation is insufficient to prevent ant predation. Furthermore, the nest densities did not correlate significantly to ant predation incidence at these nesting beaches. These results suggest that constant nest monitoring of ant predation signs is required, and long-term recording of ant predation should be standardized across sea turtle conservation organizations. Finally, an innovative elevated incubation system was tested at a hatchery heavily infested with ants and limited in relocation space. This method is promising as an alternative incubation system for long-term sea turtle conservation, provided incubation conditions are considered, as it effectively prevents all invertebrate predators, including ants from reaching the nests.