Clues to turtle migration riddle found

Scientists are closer to understanding how green sea turtles navigate hundreds of miles of ocean to nest on the beaches of Ascension Island.

Every year an estimated 3,000-5,000 turtles migrate from Brazil to the tiny South Atlantic island to mate, with the females laying eggs in the sand.

A team at Heriot-watt University in Edinburgh has developed a model that simulates part of the turtles’ journey, uncovering more about the information they rely on to make the arduous trip.

They found the species uses a range of cues, with several “weak” cues more successful than fewer strong ones.

Study author Professor Kevin Paintersaid: “Understanding how animals navigate means we understand how to protect them.”