Hatchery efficiency as a conservation tool in threatened sea turtle rookeries with high embryonic mortality

Sea turtles are globally endangered and facing anthropogenic threats. To mitigate the negative impacts on sea turtle populations, different conservation strategies have been developed implemented. For instance, when an population suffers a high embryonic mortality from predation, human poaching, beach flooding or erosion, relocation of clutches to safer controlled areas can lower these However, use hatcheries is controversially discussed, with some previous studies reporting results such as low hatching success, skewed sex ratio phenotypic alterations hatchlings. In this study, we evaluated efficiency compared in-situ incubation in Cabo Verde using data six nesting seasons (2013–2018). During several thousand high-risk loggerhead (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758) were relocated hatchery constructed within Turtle Natural Reserve (STNR, Boa Vista Island). Our findings confirmed that nests STNR extremely egg usually over 70%. Mean success was significantly higher than mean values between 70 85%. No significant differences observed period, size behavioural response hatchlings clutches. As long low, clutch programs which designed impact at level, considered efficient tool contributes its recuperation. Nevertheless, strict recommendations increase while maintaining natural hatchling phenotype must be