Spatial and temporal nesting pattern of Sea Turtles in Alas Purwo National Park, and its implications for conservation management practices

Abstract

As a sea turtle conservation area, Alas Purwo National Park (APNP) shows different patterns in the four species of turtles that have nesting records, such as an increase in Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), stability in Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), and a decline in Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). During the survey, which lasted from January to July 2023, we discovered that each type of sea turtle preferred nesting sites at specific hypothetical stations, except for the L. olivacea, which nested at all hypothetical stations along Pancur-Cungur Coast. We also discovered that it is highly encouraged to continue relocations that have already been carried out, given the variety of predators encountered during the survey period. This discovery supports the need for in situ conservation at preferred sites for sea turtle species.