Dakar, Senegal – A WWF
survey has discovered several marine turtle
nesting sites on the beaches of Senegal,
prompting calls from conservationists to
improve protection of the endangered species.
The survey — conducted by WWF staff, Senegalese
wildlife officials and the local community
between July and September — discovered
nine new green turtle nests on the beaches
of Joal-Fadiouth in the Saloum Delta south
of the capital, Dakar.
Turtle tracks in the sand left by female
turtles were also discovered at nearby Palmarine
Beach as well as at Langue de Barbarie at
the mouth of the Senegal River in the northern
part of the country.
“The nests confirm that these beaches are
important nesting sites and must be protected,”
said Dr Mamadou Diallo, WWF Senegal’s programme
manager for species.
“Even beaches with tracks but no nests
are important to protect as they are potential
nesting sites.”
In Joal-Fadiouth, where the nine nests were
found, each was marked and enclosed with
wire mesh to protect them from predators.
Thanks to a broadly supported public awareness
campaign, illegal turtle capture and consumption
has dropped by over 80% in Joal-Fadiouth.
"By protecting the nesting beaches,
we not only help conserve this rare species
but also provide the basis to develop sustainable
tourism to watch these rare turtles in their
natural setting,” Dr Diallo added.
In October and November, as hatching time
draws near, the surveillance teams will
work all night to take photographs and count
the hatchlings as they find their way back
to the sea.
In addition to green turtles, the waters
of Senegal, and the greater West African
Marine Ecoregion, are also home to other
marine turtle species, including the loggerhead,
hawksbill, olive ridley, Kemp’s ridley and
leatherback.
Birima Fall, Communications Manager
WWF West African Marine Ecoregion
