The study will be conducted under four experimental scenarios that combine incubation site (in situ and hatchery) and nest density (high and low) in order to assess how these conditions influence the internal temperature of the nests. Temperature sensors will be used to continuously monitor incubation throughout embryonic development, with an emphasis on the second third of the incubation period. In addition, sex will be determined directly through histological analysis of the gonads of dead hatchlings or dead developed embryos, which will allow us to compare estimates of sex ratio based on temperature with a highly accurate morphological method.

The main objective of the project is to evaluate the effect of nest density and ambient temperature on incubation temperature in Olive Ridley turtle nests, and to identify its potential impact on sex determination in a context of climate change. The importance of this study lies in the fact that Ostional hosts nesting events characterized by high nest densities, where factors such as metabolic heat and the accumulation of organic matter can increase incubation temperature. Understanding how these conditions influence sex ratio and reproductive success is critical to assessing the vulnerability of the population to global warming. The results will provide key information for the design of management and conservation strategies, including the use of hatcheries and density management, thus contributing to the long-term protection of this species.