Olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea in french guiana: back from the brink of regional extirpation?

Abstract

The estimated number of olive ridley marine turtles Lepidochelys olivacea nesting annually in 20022007 in French Guiana was 1,7163,257, the highest ever recorded in the country and similar to nesting numbers recorded in neighbouring Suriname c. 40 years ago, where the species has now severely declined. A shift of nesting females from Suriname to French Guiana beaches and improvement of nationwide marine turtle monitoring appear to be the most plausible explanations for the current high level of nesting recorded in French Guiana. The species' nesting status in French Guiana therefore appears less critical than previously documented but ongoing threats suggest the need to reinforce regional conservation efforts in the West Atlantic. © Fauna & Flora International 2009.