Work

The first record of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting attempt in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We document the first recorded nesting attempt by a green sea-turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Pemba located in the Cabo Delgado Province of northern Mozambique – an urban area with a population of 200,529 inhabitants. This sighting expands the known nesting range of sea-turtles by 40 km south of the Quirimbas Archipelago, highlighting Pemba’s potential as a critical nesting site. In July 2021, local fishermen were observed by a tourism operator killing the turtle and selling its meat. Consequently, the absence of eggs at the presumed nesting site suggests that the turtle was intercepted before it could lay eggs. This incident highlights the threats to sea-turtles and the need for conservation while emphasising the importance of collaboration among communities, government, and researchers to protect nesting activity.

Source: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

DOI: 10.1017/s0025315425000323

Authors: Gélica Inteca, Isabel Silva, Harith Farooq

Institutions: Lúrio University, University of Copenhagen, University of Gothenburg

Language: English

Topic: Turtle Biology and Conservation

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550