Marine turtles of the African east coast: current knowledge and priorities for conservation and research

Author:

de Geer CHv12,Bourjea J3,Broderick AC1,Dalleau M4,Fernandes RS5,Harris LR6,Inteca GE7,Kiponda FK2,Louro CMM6,Mortimer JA89,Msangameno D10,Mwasi LD11,Nel R6,Okemwa GM12,Olendo M13,Pereira MAM5,Rees AF1,Silva I7,Singh S14,West L15,Williams JL16,Godley BJ1

Affiliation:

1. Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK

2. Local Ocean Conservation, 80202 Watamu, Kenya

3. MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, 34200 Sète, France

4. Seanopsis, Saint-Paul 97411, Reunion Island, French overseas territories

5. Centro Terra Viva-Estudos e Advocacia Ambiental, Maputo, Mozambique

6. Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa

7. Faculdade de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Lúrio, Pemba, Mozambique

8. PO Box 1443, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles

9. Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA

10. Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

11. World Wide Fund for Nature-Kenya, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya

12. Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, English Point, 80100 Mombasa, Kenya

13. Conservation International, The Watermark Business Park, 00502 Nairobi, Kenya

14. Baobab Trust, Bamburi, 80100 Mombasa, Kenya

15. Sea Sense, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

16. Tartarugas para o Amanhã, Tofo Beach, Mozambique

Abstract

Although published literature regarding the 5 species of marine turtle found along the continental African east coast has grown substantially over the last decades, a comprehensive synthesis of their status and ecology is lacking. Using a mixed methods approach, which combined an exhaustive literature review and expert elicitation, we assessed the distribution and magnitude of nesting, foraging areas, connectivity, and anthropogenic threats for these species in Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. A complex pattern of nesting sites, foraging areas, and migration pathways emerged that identified areas of high importance in all 5 countries, although significant data gaps remain, especially for Somalia. Illegal take, bycatch, and loss of foraging and nesting habitat were identified as the most serious anthropogenic threats. Although these threats are broadly similar along most of the coast, robust data that enable quantification of the impacts are scarce. Experts identified regional strengths and opportunities, as well as impediments to turtle conservation. Topics such as legislation and enforcement, collaboration, local stakeholders, and funding are discussed, and future directions suggested. Given the projected growth in human population along the continental African east coast and expected accompanying development, anthropogenic pressures on turtle populations are set to increase. Stronger regional collaboration and coordination within conservation and research efforts are needed if current and future challenges are to be tackled effectively.

Publisher

Inter-Research Science Center

Subject

Nature and Landscape Conservation,Ecology

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