Nathan J. Robinson, Ryan P. Killackey, Veronica Valverde-Cantillo, Pilar Santidrián Tomillo, 2024. Green Turtle Feeding on Terrestrial Leaves Reveals Energy Pathway From Land to Sea. Ecology and Evolution, 2024; 14:e70524. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70524

Abstract: We report on an adult male green turtle (Chelonia mydas) feeding on fallen leaves from a terrestrial tree, frangipani (Plumeria rubra), in the waters in front of Cabuyal—a known sea turtle nesting beach—on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This observation, in conjunction with similar reports worldwide, corroborates that terrestrial leaves may be a common food item for green turtles in areas near mangrove forests or coastal deciduous trees. Our observation also indicates that male turtles may feed during reproductive periods if food is available.

Keywords: Costa Rica, diet, drone, sea turtle, trophic, unoccupied aerial vehicle