Hidden diversity of the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Angola, West Africa

Cunha, Regina L.; Costa, Adjany; Godinho, Filipa; Santos, Carmen; Castilho, Rita

doi:10.1007/s10592-021-01422-6

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…A study published in 2007 and another two in 2022 shed light on this [ 15 , 33 ]. Cunha and colleagues [ 36 ] conducted the only genetic diversity study of a nesting population in the Palmeirinhas area (Luanda), providing crucial information for refining the definition of regional management units (RMUs). The coast of Angola falls under the east Atlantic RMU for L. olivacea , as determined by Wallace and colleagues [ 37 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nesting Ecology of Lepidochelys olivacea in Lobito, Angola

Ferreira,

Murillo,

Le-Corre

et al. 2023

MPs

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The scarcity on the Atlantic coast of the African sea turtle population and its dynamics data is well known. This article discusses the nesting ecology methods and analysis of a nascent Angolan project aimed at preserving the nesting female population of the Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) on the coast of Lobito. This study examines the nesting ecology of this species from 2020 to 2023. Females had an average CCL of 70.2 cm and CCW of 68.5 cm. These females laid 127 eggs in nests that averaged 47.0 cm deep. The ex situ nest incubation period averaged 60 days, and the hatchling success was 82.1%. Some techniques used in this project require modifications and enhancements. The utilization of photo identification did not yield the anticipated outcomes, prompting the adoption of passive integrated transponders (PITs) in the last season. However, due to limited funding, the success of this method is contingent upon an augmented field effort, allowing for the recapture of a larger number of females. The continuity of this project hinges upon collaboration between higher authorities and the local community. Together, it is possible to deepen the understanding of the nesting ecology of this species and address pivotal issues for its conservation, thereby implementing the most effective preservation measures.

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