SREL Reprint #1822

Diet of the Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempii, in New York waters

Vincent J. Burke1, Stephen J. Morreale2, and Edward A. Standora3

1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and Department of Zoology, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802
2Center for the Environment, Room 200, Rice Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-5601
3Department of Biology, State University College at Buffalo, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222

Abstract: A review of previous studies on Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) diet was combined with information on the diet of the species in the coastal waters of New York State. Juvenile Kemp's ridleys occupy coastal Long Island, New York waters during the summer and early autumn months. Both fecal and intestinal samples collected between 1985 and 1989 were analyzed to obtain information on the diet of this endangered species. Fecal and intestinal sample analysis, as well as information from previous studies, indicated that juvenile Kemp's ridleys primarily consume crabs. Walking crabs of the genera Libinia and Cancer appear to be the primary food sources for the species in New York waters.

SREL Reprint #1822

Burke, V.J., S.J. Morreale, and E.A. Standora. 1994. Diet of the Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempii, in New York waters. Fishery Bulletin 92:26-32. 

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).