The distribution of failed eggs and the appearance of fungi in artificial nests of green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles

Abstract

Fungi are often found on the exterior of unhatched eggs in sea turtle nests in eastern Australia. Artificial incubation of green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtle eggs allowed the radiation of fungi to be monitored. Fortuitous egg mortality provided a nutrient source for common soil mycobiota (Fusarium solani and Pseudallescheria boydii) and served as a focus for the progressive spread of fungal hyphae to adjacent viable eggs. In extreme cases the entire egg mass was enveloped and resulted in nil hatch success.