African Aquatic Conservation Fund Inc

SEA TURTLE RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA, 2021-2026

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO ADDRESS THREATS TO THIS SPECIES FROM EXPLOITATION FOR MEAT AND MEDICINAL NEEDS. AN ESTIMATED FIVE PERCENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION IS COLLECTED EACH YEAR WHICH IS STEADILY DRIVING POPULATIONS TOWARDS EXTINCTION. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: (1) DOCUMENTING THE POPULATION STATUS IN TAI, AZAGNY, AND ILES EHOTILE NATIONAL PARKS AND SURROUNDING AREAS THROUGH FIELD SURVEYS; (2) CONDUCTING MARKET SURVEYS IN VILLAGES AROUND THE AFOREMENTIONED PARKS; (3) PROVIDING TURTLES RESCUED FROM BUSHMEAT MARKETS WITH HEALTH CHECKS AND CARE IN PREPARATION FOR TRANSLOCATION TO SOFT RELEASE PENS FOR A MINIMUM OF 12 MONTHS IN SUITABLE HABITAT NEAR PLANNED RELEASE SITES; (4) ENSURING HEALTHY RESCUED TURTLES ARE RELEASED AT SITES IN TAI, AZAGNY, AND ILES EHOTILE NATIONAL PARKS (THE NUMBER IS YET TO BE DETERMINED AND DEPENDS ON HOW MANY WILL BE RESCUED); (5) OUTFITTING AT LEAST 20 OF THE RELEASED RESCUED TURTLES WITH RADIO TAGS AND TRACKING THEM FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS TO ASSESS POST-RELEASE BEHAVIORS, ADAPTATION AND SURVIVORSHIP TO INFORM FUTURE RELEASES; AND (6) TRAINING OF PARK PERSONNEL IN SURVEY METHODS, DATA COLLECTION AND RADIO TRACKING TECHNIQUES TO CARRY OUT SURVEY AND PROTECTION WITHIN THE PARKS.

MENTOR: AFRICAN MANATEE PROGRAM

COASTAL SENEGAL MARINE MAMMAL AND SEA TURTLE STRANDING SURVEYS TO ASSESS MORTALITY AND FISHERIES INTERACTIONS

COASTAL SENEGAL SEA TURTLE STRANDING SURVEYS TO ASSESS MORTALITY AND NESTING.