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  • Ghost Crab

    Golden ghost crab (Ocypode convexa) a predator of marine turtle eggs and hatchlings. Image: Casper Avenant.

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Understanding predator-prey interactions between ghost crabs and marine turtles for better management of an endangered species

Sea turtles have been an important cultural component of human culture for thousands of years and have reached high conservation value in recent times, with all seven extent sea turtle species are listed as ‘most endangered’ under the CITES agreement.

The egg and hatchling phase provides one of the most vulnerable phases in the turtles’ life history, when they are exposed to numerous threats including terrestrial predation. Semi-aquatic ghost crabs (Ocypode species) are recognised as a major predator of sea turtle eggs and hatchlings around the world, but despite this, there is a paucity of empirical data on the impacts of ghost crabs on turtles. Their feeding habits and high observed abundances on turtle nesting beaches, along with anecdotal evidence of predation on turtle hatchlings, has led to concerns by coastal managers that they may significantly impact sea turtle numbers.

This PhD project is intended to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding predation rates by ghost crabs (and other predators) on eggs in sea turtle rookeries, using a range of field and laboratory approaches to quantify predator-prey interactions between ghost crabs and the sea turtles Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle) and Natator depressus (flatback turtle) along Western Australia’s Gascoyne and Pilbara coastline. Novel use of existing technologies, i.e. infra-red video, 3-axis accelerometers and Bluetooth trackers, are intended to provide unique insights into temporal and spatial patterns in egg and hatchling predation by ghost crabs and other predators, while minimising disturbance and destructive sampling of endangered and vulnerable turtle species.

Since ghost crabs can be highly abundant on tropical beaches throughout the world, where a range of turtle species nest, the outcomes of this study will have global implications. The outcomes of this study will provide resource managers with the information required to assess threatening processes at sea turtle rookeries and to devise strategies for the management of this predation.

Funding agency

Holsworth Endowment (Ecological Society of Australia)
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)
Woodside

Project duration

2019-2022

Supervisors/Researchers

Mr Casper Avenant (PhD Candidate)
Professor Glenn Hyndes
Dr Scott Whiting (DBCA)
Dr Sabrina Fossette-Halot (DBCA)
Dr Peter Barnes (DBCA)

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