Anthropogenic effects on loggerhead turtle nest success and predation in the gulf of mexico

can easily consume many sea turtle eggs during nesting season. They can reduce the recruitment of hatchlings, ultimately resulting in long-term decreases in breeding populations. Researchers have collected data for decades on nest success rates and the increase in predation frequency on one of the largest nesting aggregations of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Gulf of Mexico; however, these data have never been analyzed to identify what spatial factors may affect hatchling mortality. Understanding these factors can guide the development and deployment of efficacious measures to reduce or mitigate hatchling predation and, ultimately, increase site-specific sea turtle recruitment. We analyzed nest success data collected from 2010-2020 on two Sarasota, Florida, USA, beaches and show that nest predation rates were correlated with distance from buildings; specifically higher predation of nests laid further from buildings, nests laid near high-rise buildings (high number of occupants), and higher predation of nests in 2016-2020. Northern Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Ninebanded Armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) were the most prolific predators on these beaches. We found higher observed emergence rates from caged nests than from non-caged nests, regardless of when the cages were installed over the incubating eggs. We conclude that the high density of coastal high-rise buildings can negatively impact sea turtle hatchling emergence. Nest caging may help mitigate predation events on certain nesting beaches. Beach managers can use these findings to understand the impact of humans on predator populations and the impact of increased predation on hatchling survival and, ultimately, on site-specific sea turtle recruitment.