Evaluation of gonadal tissue to validate size at reproductive maturity in Kemp's ridley sea turtles found stranded in Texas, USA

The Kemp's ridley, Lepidochelys kempii, is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. Anthropogenic mortality of Kemp's ridleys has been well documented in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), USA.We evaluated the reproductive maturity of 75 Kemp's ridley sea turtles found dead on GOM beaches on Mustang Island and North Padre Island, Texas, USA, 1994-1999. Straight carapace length (SCL) ranged from 40.8 to 68.7 cm. Preserved gonads and associated tissues were examined and measured. Gonadal measurements were then compared with SCL. Adults and juveniles shared a larger range of carapace measurements than expected, supporting the idea that juveniles spend several years in a pubertal state. Our results suggest caution when using SCL, tail length, or curved front claws alone as indicators of sexual maturity. In fact, SCL can be used to discern adults from juveniles with more predictive power when coupled with testis length or oviduct length measurements, thus allowing endangered species managers to more clearly identify demographic shifts in the number of mature animals, which can precede population changes. This study shows that information gained from the examination of stranded sea turtles allows wildlife managers to make more informed decisions regarding conservation priorities.