Title : Description of the nesting sites of the olive ridley and leatherback turtles in the peripheral zone of the Manyange na Elombo Campo National Park
Abstract:
The nesting habitats of marine turtles located in the coastal zone of the “Manyange na Elombo Campo National Park” and its peripheral zone are home to two species of marine turtles including the Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles. However, these nesting habitats are subject to natural and anthropogenic threats which could lead in the long term to the disturbing of abundance these species in this area. The main objective of this study is contributing to the conservation of marine turtles through a better knowledge of the biological and physical characteristics of some nesting sites. The study was carried out from March to June 2024 through surveys of fishermen and resource people and also direct observations on spawning sites using patrols. The results showed that the animal species which frequent the nesting sites are Crabs (91%), Mammals (5%), Reptiles (2%), Birds (2%). The plant composition is essentially made up of 11 species, distributed in 9 families. In general, the most common obstacles on beaches with great dominance are fallen trees (63%), followed by rocks (32%) and stranded logs (5%). The nests recorded during the study were found in states where 64% were poached, 22% intact and 14% flooded. The main threats to sea turtle nesting sites are nest poaching, urbanization along beaches, accidental capture and the presence of fishermen. Given the importance of nesting sites in the reproduction of sea turtles, the short-term conservation measure would be the monitoring of nesting sites during the nesting season. For example, Creation in each village a fixed and operational checkpoint co-managed by the stakeholders; permanent monitoring of egg-laying sites during the breeding period.
Keywords: Nesting site, marine turtles, threat, and anthropogenic activity.
