GREEN TURTLES (Chelonia mydas) FEEDING ON INVASIVE ALGAE Caulerpa taxifolia IN TURKEY

Abstract

An invasive species is a species that has been introduced to an area outside its natural range and can cause ecological problems such as change the functions of ecosystems. A female green turtle was predated by a jackal on Samandag beach, in Turkey. Stomach content was sampled and stored for diet analysis. Macroalgae were the dominant food in terms of mass, and Caulerpa taxifolia (M. Vahl) C. Agardh, which is an invasive species, was the most frequent food type. Although this species has not been shown to be a preferred diet item for green turtles, C. taxifolia is dominant species at the area and was consumed by the adult green turtle.