DNA probe bid to boost turtle stock

Published on 04/02/2013 00:00

A DNA study has begun to unravel the mysterious mating habits of an endangered sea turtle.

Scientists hope the research will aid conservation efforts to protect the hawksbill turtle, a victim of the tortoiseshell trade. The findings show that female turtles store sperm for up to 75 days after mating before laying in multiple beach nests.

Hawksbill turtles are also mainly monogamous and until now, little has been known about the breeding habits of the creatures, which often live far out to sea.