The Importance of Mukkawar Island as a Turtle Nesting Site

December 20, 2016
3069
Category: Nature

The extensive sandy beaches on the eastern side of Mukkawar Island is a turtle nesting site of regional and possibly international significance. All species of marine turtle are globally threatened and listed on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).In recognition of their conservation status, turtles and turtle eggs are also recognized as a protected species under Sudanese fisheries law. Both green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are commonly observed foraging throughout the park. The park also supports a significant number of nesting sites for both these species and the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) particularly around the islands. The beach on the eastern shore of Mukkawar Island is one of the most important turtle nesting sites in the entire Red Sea region, the significance of which was only recognized relatively recently during surveys in 2001. The significance of this beach is just one of the many special features in the park that demonstrate the immense conservation value of the area. While turtles are not actively hunted in Sudan, they are sometimes caught accidentally in fishing nets and the eggs may occasionally be collected for human consumption. Further work is now needed to better protect the nesting beaches and establish research and monitoring programmes.

 

Source: Kemp et al. 2002;PERSGA/GEF 2004.

 

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Hawksbill Turtle

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