Spatial distribution and the influence of surface temperature and green area on sea turtle nesting sites in peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia is home to four of the seven sea turtles in the world, with Malaysian islands being one of the potential areas for sea turtle landing and nesting. However, sea turtles are classified as endangered species because they face extinction mainly due to land use changes, human marine activities, and environmental factors. As a result, they are now among the most important resources for ecotourism. Green turtles are the most prevalent species (endangered), while the hawksbill turtle is one of the world's most seriously endangered marine turtle species today. Hence, considering the importance of improving turtle habitat in Malaysia, this study investigated the sea turtle's nesting site preference in Peninsular Malaysia using spatial analysis. The objectives of this study are (1) to map sea turtle nesting sites in Peninsular Malaysia for five years (from 2017-2021) and (2) to identify the influence of surface temperature and landscape characteristics on sea turtle nesting habitats. This study used the binomial regression method to determine the significant environmental factors such as temperature, distance from the green area and the coastal line that could influence the preference for sea turtle habitat. The results show a positive relationship between temperature and that more sea turtles will nest and land in the area with the higher temperature. Also, more sea turtles prefer to land and nest near green areas. These findings confirmed the influence of green areas in turtle nesting sites in Peninsular Malaysia. It could assist the authorities in further understanding the importance of green areas in turtle nesting site preference and developing a mitigation plan to protect sea turtle habitat.