Factors affecting nesting beach selection by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta): a multiple regression approach

Based on data obtained from 3 years' fieldwork in Okinawajima and adjacent islands of the central Ryukyus, Japan, various physical and human-related b each characters were assessed for their relative influence on beach selecti on by nesting sea turtles using multiple regression analysis. Of the 23 cha racters considered, sand softness (measured by a specially designed tool) ( positive), distance from the nearest human settlement (positive), presence of lagoon (positive), beach length (negative), and beach height (positive) were selected as influential variables in descending order. Explanations we re attempted for such results in the light of correlates of these beach cha racters with natural and artificial factors that are believed to impact the nesting success of female sea turtles.