Surveys of the Angolan coast uncover the largest olive ridley sea turtle nesting population in the Atlantic and the largest non-arribada population globally

Abstract Knowledge of the abundance and distribution species is important for designing prioritizing conservation management activities. Despite numerous existing studies on status sea turtles, we still lack knowledge about certain populations, especially in Angola, which considered to be southernmost range nesting turtles eastern Atlantic. This study provides an overview status, size olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea population along coast its relevance context other populations Aerial ground surveys were conducted 1,410 km Angolan coastline daily beach monitoring over 53.9 seven permanent sites at a latitudes during 2011–2020. Angola hosts largest Atlantic, non-arribada globally. Although appeared relatively stable, pressures from various threats land (e.g. consumption eggs) (captures fishing gear) necessitate development comprehensive plan, improved strengthened legislation law enforcement, cohesive approach conserving all Angola.