Global warming causing 'feminisation' of turtles: Study

 Up to 93 per cent of green turtle hatchlings could be female by 2100, as climate change causes "feminisation" of species, according to a study.

sex of turtle hatchlings is determined by temperature, and at present about 52 per cent of hatching green turtles -- one of seven species of sea turtle -- are female.

Researchers at University of Exeter in UK and Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre in Portugal found that in warmer temperatures predicted by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios, 76-93 per cent of hatchlings would be female.

figures are specific to study site in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, but researchers say y expect a similar picture globally.

y said changing ratio would initially lead to more females nesting, increasing population, before a decline "as incubation temperatures approach lethal levels".

y also predict rising sea levels will submerge 33-43 per cent of current nesting areas used by green turtles on beaches where study was carried out.

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"Green turtles are facing trouble in future due to loss of habitats and increasing temperatures," said Rita Patricio from University of Exeter.

"Our results suggest nesting population of green turtles Bijagos Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, will cope with effects of climate change until 2100," said Patricio.

"Cooler temperatures, both at end of nesting season and in shaded areas, will guarantee some hatchlings are male.

"Although rising temperatures will lead to more female hatchlings -- and 32-64 per cent more nesting females by 2120 -- mortality in eggs will also be higher in se warmer conditions," she said.

"As temperatures continue to rise, it may become impossible for unhatched turtles to survive," said Rita. 

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