First Nesting Record of the Leatherback Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, in Japan

Abstract

Nesting of the leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea in Japan was confirmed for the first time on the basis of two nests, each containing a clutch of eggs, found on Katoku Beach of Amami-oshima Island, central Ryukyus. There were no indications of development in eggs obtained from them. These nests were likely to have been made by the same individual.