This study investigated anthropogenic disturbance effects on green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) behavioural ecology in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil. We compared turtle populations at sites with contrasting tourist exposure levels to examine diel activity patterns, flight responses, and habituation processes. Turtles at high-tourist sites exhibited altered circadian patterns with increased midday feeding activity, while low-tourist site turtles showed feeding suppression during human observation. Approach trials revealed significantly greater flight distances in less-exposed populations, suggesting state-dependent habituation to human presence. Results demonstrate that chronic anthropogenic pressure can modify natural behavioural rhythms, with important implications for marine ecotourism management as tourism continues expanding into previously undisturbed marine habitats worldwide.
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