Significant sea turtle nesting populations under intense anthropogenic pressure in Northern Madagascar

Centuries of human exploitation have resulted in severe declines and localized extinctions of sea turtles in Madagascar. However, the rich foraging habitats and beaches of the remote northern coast are believed to support... [ view full abstract ]

Centuries of human exploitation have resulted in severe declines and localized extinctions of sea turtles in Madagascar. However, the rich foraging habitats and beaches of the remote northern coast are believed to support regionally and potentially globally significant nesting populations. Between 2012 and 2018 we conducted track counts, key informant interviews of local fishers and nightly beach monitoring surveys in five key biodiversity areas. We found significant nesting populations of green turtles and smaller numbers of hawksbills as well as occasional olive ridleys and loggerheads. However, turtles were intensely exploited by humans at all nesting sites. Turtles were primarily hunted to provide meat for local consumption, offering an alternative source of protein to more costly zebu meat. Turtle bycatch in artisanal fishing nets was also widely reported. Although of secondary importance, there was a significant commercial trade in turtle shells. Local people were found to be knowledgeable about turtle ecology and understood turtle protection legislation. However, they reported a lack of enforcement of relevant laws, particularly in areas outside Nosy Hara Marine Park. Management for turtle conservation must be carefully considered, because in a region where poverty and a lack of alternative livelihoods and food sources are driving local use, excluding local needs is liable to foster resentment towards conservation, undermine conservation efforts and create further difficulties for enforcement. We recommend that areas that combine evidence of high levels of nesting activity and exploitation should be prioritized for management actions in the future, in close collaboration with local resource users