Leonor Gomes Fernandes - How changes in magnetic fields affects the behavior and physiology of turtles
02 October 2024
Adam Clifford
The Master’s programme in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology aims to provide the students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a professional in the field or for further postgraduate studies.
A loggerhead turtle.Photographer: Leonor Gomes Fernandes
My name is Leonor and I am currently developing my Master's Thesis about the effects of changes in magnetic fields on the behaviour and physiology of turtles in Japan. If you're interested in learning more about my project, keep reading!
The turtles
Otsuchi Coastal Research CenterPhotographer: Leonor Gomes FernandesI am conducting my research at the Otsuchi Coastal Research Center, a wonderful place on the northeast coast of Japan.
Here, I am part of the "Turtle Team," working alongside nine other dedicated people. In the first week, I was introduced to our routine tasks, which include collecting turtles that have been accidentally caught in fishing nets, measuring them, and placing them in temporary rehabilitation at the Research Center. These turtles are studied and later released back into the sea. Additionally, I have been assisting my colleagues with their research projects, learning something new every day about handling turtles and studying this incredible species!
Previous studies submitting turtles to magnetic field changes suggest that the magnetic field can change turtles’ orientation patterns, emphasizing their sensitivity to magnetic cues. To provide further support to this hypothesis, my project aims to determine if loggerhead sea turtles respond behaviourally and physiologically to variations in the magnetic field, which may help guide conservation efforts for this species.
Turtle with ECG logger. This equipment is attached to the turtle during the experiments in a non-invasive way. It measures heart rate, acceleration, depth, and temperature. This equipment is fully removed from the turtle after the experiment is finished.Photographer: Leonor Gomes FernandesUpcoming research
In the coming weeks, I will be conducting my own research. This involves placing a directional inversion device on a turtle's head to alter the magnetic field around it, as well as a device that measures heart rate and acceleration. These devices, developed by my external supervisor, Dr. Kentaro Sakamoto, and his team, allow us to gather data non-invasively. I will also be recording changes in the turtles' behaviour, particularly their orientation. By doing this, I hope to determine whether there are any behavioural or physiological changes when the magnetic field is inverted—specifically if the turtles' orientation patterns or heart rates change in response.
I'm excited to uncover fascinating results from this project that I can share during my Master’s thesis presentation next year. I also hope my research will enhance our understanding of the physiology and behaviour of this remarkable species, filling gaps in our current knowledge!
Acknowledgments
This trip to Japan was supported by the Travelling Fellowship from the Journal of Experimental Biology, The Company of Biologists (https://www.biologists.com/).
