Globally important refuge for the loggerhead sea turtle: Maio Island, Cabo Verde

Abstract One of the largest nesting colonies Vulnerable loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta is in Cabo Verde. Here we present first comprehensive study on island Maio During 2016–2019 monitored 38 km undeveloped sandy beaches that have minimal artificial lighting and where all takes place. We counted 4,063 nests 2016, 5,429 2017, 14,364 2018 7,937 2019. The estimated total number females was 1,016, 1,357, 3,591 1,984 each these years, respectively. Our findings suggest there are more turtles Verde than previously estimated, this could be species’ subpopulation (followed by Florida, USA Oman). inter-annual hatching success (the proportion eggs producing hatchlings) 29–38% for whole but varied between sites. 250 clutches showed flooding affected 38–61% predation crabs 40–42%, with different range 1–59%. Poaching rare (< 2% clutches), dogs predated 68.4% beach nearest human settlement. evaluated nest management strategies at multiple sites productivity hatchlings would reach strategy), finding hatcheries not always best option management. As relatively undisturbed, a high abundance density nests, should protected as globally important site conservation turtle, coastal biodiversity broadly.