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The importance of north-west Madagascar for marine turtle conservation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 May 2007

Jessica Metcalf*
Affiliation:
St Hugh's College, Oxford, OX2 6LE, UK
Katie Hampson
Affiliation:
St Hugh's College, Oxford, OX2 6LE, UK
Alain Andriamizava
Affiliation:
Lot III R 28 A Tsarafaritra-Tsimbazaza-101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Rivo Andrianirina
Affiliation:
Departement de Biologie, Université d'Antananarivo, Ankatso, Madagascar
Claudine Ramiarisoa
Affiliation:
Institut Halieutique et de Sciences Marines, Toliara, Madagascar
Henriot Sondotra
Affiliation:
Institut Halieutique et de Sciences Marines, Toliara, Madagascar
Tom Cairnes
Affiliation:
3 Broomground, Winsley, Bradford on Avon, BA15 2JT, UK
Anna Gray
Affiliation:
51 Bridge Street, Wye, Ashford, Kent, TN25 5ED, UK
*
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Abstract

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The coast of north-west Madagascar is an important nesting and feeding ground for marine turtles, but little is known about populations in this area. From July to December 2000 we documented nesting activity of, and investigated threats to, green Chelonia mydas and hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata turtles at three sites along this coast: Nosy Iranja, the Radama Islands, and the Nosy Hara archipelago. Levels of nesting activity varied between sites, with green and hawksbill turtle nesting concentrated in different areas. The principal threats identified were opportunistic exploitation of nesting females and incidental capture in fishing nets. Commercial importance of marine turtles was negligible, suggesting conservation measures such as targeted environmental education could have beneficial impacts on these populations. Evidence for high levels of nesting activity reported here indicate that education efforts in these areas should be a conservation priority.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 2007