Study On Navigation Method Used by Sea Turtles at Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary Terengganu

Abstract

One of the most remarkable and mysterious elements of sea turtle is the ability to return to its nest area which is known as natal homing. Sea turtles can go to a specific course upon hatch and emerge from the sand. The migratory pathway of sea turtles does not mainly depend on earth magnetic fields, but previous research has revealed that it combines with another type of navigation. Thus, the purpose of this research is to determine the navigation method used by sea turtles. The types of navigation methods had been observed or tested on turtles at Chagar Hutang. The celestial method was tested by observing the movement of the hatchling on test rigs. The terrestrial method was determined by observing the geomorphology of the island and prominent landmarks of Chagar Hutang Bay. The magnetic method was determined by obtaining the magnetic declination of Chagar Hutang and the number of turtles landed. The result of the test and observation had verified sea turtles have the capability to navigate by using different methods, namely magnetic, celestial, and terrestrial. These navigation methods are used by turtle either separately or by combination any of two at one time.