Background & Aims

Background

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) are one of the most abundant marine turtle species in the world with its 2nd biggest rookery in the cape Verdean Archipelago. It’s composed by 10 islands, all nesting grounds. Sal has the second largest nesting population and it’s one of the most touristic islands. Human pressure is increasing every year, with the construction of resorts and a higher tourist income, making it a challenge for females to lay their eggs.

Climate trends also affect the archipelago and year-round temperatures have been increasing during the last decades. With the expected habitat fragmentation and these rising temperatures, egg laying and incubation will be compromised, leading to mostly female skewed populations and high embryo mortality.

Conservation efforts have shown positive outcomes as the number of female sightings has significantly increasing since 2020. However, sea turtles are very sensitive to the environment that surrounds them, making them prime targets to an ever changing ecosystem.