The value of long-term, community-based monitoring of marine turtle nesting: a study in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya

Long-term community-based monitoring of sea turtle nesting in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya, reveals stable green turtle nesting densities over 17 years. The study recorded 2,021 nests, predominantly green turtles (97.5%), with hawksbill and olive ridley turtles contributing smaller fractions. Nesting peaked from March to July, accounting for 74% of annual activity. Mean clutch sizes varied among species, while incubation duration for green turtles showed significant monthly and seasonal differences but not location-specific variations. Hatching success was high (81.3%), with in situ nests outperforming relocated ones by 3.2%. This work underscores the critical role of community-led patrols in sustaining Western Indian Ocean sea turtle populations through low-cost, effective monitoring.

Olendo, M. I., Okemwa, G. M., Munga, C. N., Mulupi, L. K., Mwasi, L. D., Mohamed, H. B., Sibanda, M., & Ong’anda, H. O. (2017). The value of long-term, community-based monitoring of marine turtle nesting: a study in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya. Oryx, 53(1), 71–80. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0030605317000771