Turtle Conservation in Senegal

Sea turtles

The reptile is one of the most endangered species in the ocean. Poaching, pollution and even fishing nets endanger their survival.

The coast of West Africa is of global importance for two species of sea turtles: the

loggerhead turtle and green turtle. The region is home to some of the most important nesting beaches globally for these two species, with around 4,000 loggerhead turtles and between 7,000 and 29,000 green turtles that come to the beaches to lay their eggs every year.

Marine turtles are threatened in the region mainly by illegal fishing and by catch.

Egg collection and female poaching also take place on the nesting beaches in some breeding sites. In addition, the high mortality at sea, caused by drifting nets and long liners used by artisanal and industrial fleets is another significant problem. The disturbance of nesting females and habitat degradation are also of concern.

Threats to sea turtles in the Senegal region

Loggerhead Turtle (approach image)

Illegal fishing and bycatch in Senegalese waters

- Egg collection on nesting beaches

- Female poaching in coastal areas

- High mortality at sea due to fishing nets

- Disturbance of nesting females by human activity

- Habitat degradation due to coastal development

Green Turtle

- Illegal fishing and bycatch in Senegalese waters

- Egg collection on nesting beaches

- Female poaching in coastal areas

- High mortality at sea due to fishing nets

- Disturbance of nesting females by human activity

- Habitat degradation due to coastal development

Effective Comparison

The bar chart visually compares the number of identified threats facing loggerhead and green sea turtles in two regions: West Africa and Senegal. It effectively illustrates that both regions share a similar range of threats, with both species facing a comparable number of challenges. This suggests a broader pattern of threats across the region, highlighting the need for comprehensive conservation efforts.

Complementary Perspective

The word cloud offers a complementary perspective, emphasizing the frequency of specific threats across both regions. Terms like "fishing," "bycatch," "egg collection," and "habitat degradation" appear prominently, indicating that these are the most prevalent issues impacting sea turtle populations. The word cloud provides a quick overview of the key concerns and can be useful for identifying areas where conservation strategies need to be prioritized.

Source colab ai

In Senegal, people protect turtles

Sea turtles have been banned from poaching since 1986 by Senegalese legislation. They are very present in the Sine Saloum Delta areas off the Casamance coastal areas. Civilian protectors are on site to explain to the marrins the importance of the turtle, their hiding on seagrass beds and their offer of protection to small fish.

Poaching of turtles has dropped 10% in recent years. Pandas the pandemic covid19, the sea turtles reappear on the Senegalese coasts. In fact, several sightings of brown totes are seen in the Dakar North coast.

In Joal, fishermen can catch turtles in their net by mistake and return them to the sea

Turtle village

In Senegal there is a village which takes care of only turtles on an area of 15 hectares, installed since 2001. Their objective is to watch over the turtles, to reintegrate the turtles in nature, to protect the turtles against predators.

There are many visitors to the turtle village, mostly students. The workers explain to them the importance and the role of the turtle. Example: Turtles are not pets, they are rather wild animals. The village of turtles is protected, shelters a very important plant heritage.

The enumeration methodology is essentially based on monitoring traces of ascent and surveys among fishermen. Monitoring of nesting beaches has made it possible to confirm in Senegal the presence of at least five of the six species of marine turtles recognized worldwide.

Turtle nests observed in Senegal, an overview of the situation

This report provides an overview of turtle sightings across various marine protected areas in Senegal from 2009 to 2016. The data encompasses several key sites, including Langue de Barbarie National Park, Natural Reserve of Community Interest of Somone, Palmarin Community Nature Reserve, Saloum Delta National Park, Marine Protected Area of Joal Fadiouth, ABENE Marine Protected Area, Kalissaye Ornithological Reserve, Popenguine Nature Reserve, and Basse Casamance National Park. The primary species observed are Green turtles, with an additional mention of Olive tree turtles in 2011 at Langue de Barbarie National Park. The report highlights the variability in turtle sightings across different years and sites, indicating potential influences from environmental conditions, conservation efforts, and data collection methods.

Key findings from the data show significant fluctuations in turtle sightings over the years. The year 2011 stands out with a notable peak in sightings, particularly at Palmarin Community Nature Reserve and Saloum Delta National Park. Conversely, 2015 recorded the lowest number of sightings across all sites. The report also notes a slight recovery in sightings in 2016. These observations suggest the need for further research into the factors influencing these trends, as well as enhanced conservation efforts and improved data collection methods to ensure the protection and monitoring of turtle populations in Senegal's marine protected areas.