Libreville, Gabon — Pongara National Park, situated 30 minutes by boat from Gabon’s capital, Libreville, serves as a crucial nesting ground for marine turtles. However, the survival rates for these turtles are alarmingly low, with local conservationists estimating that only one in every 1,000 hatchlings reaches adulthood.
The park is a haven for four turtle species, including leatherback, green, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles, making it one of Africa’s most significant marine turtle habitats. Despite the efforts of conservationists to locate nests, move threatened eggs to hatcheries, and assist hatchlings in their perilous journey to the sea, these efforts are threatened by financial constraints.
Conservation work is under increasing strain due to reduced funding and unpaid eco — guards, which could weaken monitoring during the most critical period for the species. The challenges facing the turtles include rising sea levels, predators, plastic pollution, industrial fishing, and poaching along Gabon’s 900-kilometre coastline.
The government has yet to comment on the current state of funding for turtle conservation in Gabon. Conservationists and researchers are calling for increased international cooperation and support to protect these critical habitats and ensure the survival of these endangered creatures.
Source: Africanews
