Exploring sociodemographic and cultural characteristics of sea turtle take and use to support effective conservation strategies in Indonesia

Abstract

Many sea turtle populations face severe declines in the Asia-Pacific region and, although threats are widely recognised, drivers are practically unknown, especially in Indonesia. We surveyed 140 respondents at three sites in Sumatra, Indonesia (Padang, Mentawai, Nias) to identify how sociodemographic and cultural characteristics across these sites influence illegal turtle take (direct removal of turtles or their eggs from the wild) and use (utilisation of turtles or their products) and the purposes of use (subsistence, cultural, medicinal, religious). Cultural and ceremonial hunting played a minor role in turtle capture, but cultural and religious traditions influenced which turtle parts were used (eggs, meat and by-products, carapaces). Use purposes varied significantly between the survey sites (p < 0.001): only medicinal use was found in Padang, all uses were reported in Mentawai, and subsistence, cultural and religious uses were recorded in Nias. Although the odds of turtle take were highest among middle-aged Muslim males (36–55 years) with a lower level of education who worked in the primary sector, turtle use was most probable among unemployed middle-aged Christian males with a higher level of education. Furthermore, significant site differences were observed—while the highest odds of turtle take were found in Nias (p < 0.001), the highest odds of turtle use were found in Mentawai (p < 0.05). Most of the respondents (94%) were aware of the status of turtle protection in Indonesia, but widespread misconceptions persist that turtles deplete fish stocks. The results identify the factors and drivers behind the illegal take and use of turtles. They can support the development of regional and national conservation policies and refine local management programs in Indigenous communities to provide alternative livelihoods and intervene in trade dynamics. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.