Characterization and Conservation of Marine Turtle Nesting Habitats Near Kribi Port, Cameroon

Abstract

A description of marine turtle nesting habitats was conducted around the Port Authority of Kribi in order to propose a conservation strategy for these species in the area. The main objective is to characterize the nesting sites to define their status, with secondary objectives to identify and describe different nesting sites around the city of Kribi, assess threats to marine turtle habitats, and propose conservation measures. The study area covers the beaches on the outskirts of the city of Kribi, located in the Ocean Department, South Region of Cameroon. Its geographical coordinates range from N03°15'830''; E009°54'319'' to N02°71'200''; E009°86'64''. Data collection focused on micro-geographical parameters, ecological characteristics, and threats to these species. It was found that there are approximately ten main nesting beaches with an average length of 0.82 ± 0.26 km. The substrate is predominantly sandy and brown in color, with vegetation cover estimated at 80% of the surveyed sites further from the city. The urbanization rate is estimated at more than 60% for sites near the city and 20% for those further away. Various tourist attractions offered by these beaches are one of the causes of the increasing urbanization, leading to many activities that contribute to substrate compaction, making it more and more difficult for turtles to bury their eggs. Deforestation is another threat. The destruction of vegetation on the beaches and back shores is carried out by local populations for various needs: timber, charcoal, agriculture, aquaculture, or coastal construction.  Threats to marine turtles are present and persistent, with 90% of surveyed individuals admitting to consuming turtle meat. Nest predation is also high on beaches farther from the city. Additionally, coastal erosion is increasing, disturbing the beach structure. Therefore, it is ideal to develop and propose special participatory conservation statuses for these nesting sites. Considering the various threats described on the studied beaches, several conservation measures have been proposed. Some of them include the development and implementation of spatial planning plans, protection and effective management through nesting site monitoring programs during the nesting seasons and awareness, training, and education of the public regarding conservation measures.