Posted on September, 11 2008

Five marine turtles - four green and one hawksbill - in Kenya’s Kiunga Marine National Reserve have been tagged with satellite tracking devices in an attempt to learn more about their ecology.

To improve current turtle conservation efforts WWF-Eastern Africa has started a turtle satellite tracking programme which will provide information on feeding, behaviour during migration, and the preferred development habitat for juveniles.

The relatively pristine and isolated Kiunga beaches provide key refuge and nesting ground for marine turtles in Kenya. WWF, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the local community protect these nests out of which over 11,000 hatchlings emerge and enter the sea each year. The rich aquatic habitats also support other rare species such as dugong, whale and dolphin.

Turtles, protected under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) as well as national legislation in Kenya, are generally regarded as a good indicator for the health of the ecosystem.

“The installation of the Sirtrack Kiwisat 101 PTT on sea turtles will provide accurate data to explain migratory patterns of the species,” said Sam Weru, WWF’s Marine National Coordinator for Kenya. “The broader significance of this project is to enhance our ability to effectively protect and conserve marine turtles and their habitats.”

The joint WWF/KWS turtle conservation programme at Kiunga is financially supported by USAID and was officially launched by the US Ambassador to Kenya, Michael E. Ranneberger,

“I want to commend the excellent work that WWF is doing working with KWS and your [Kiunga] community,” said the ambassador during the launching ceremony.

The programme involves the youth from communities living around the reserve. Local fishermen also provide regular reports on turtle nests and other conservation issues. The progress of the five turtles thus far can be followed online using the link above to the right.