|
Introduction
to Marine Turtles
| Marine
turtles are long-lived and slow to mature making them particularly
susceptible to human exploitation at all stages of their life
cycle. Globally, most turtle populations are depleted and some
are already extinct as a result of habitat destruction and alteration,
overexploitation for meat, eggs, shells and hides, and fisheries
by-catch. |
| The
status of turtles in the Western Indian Ocean region was first
assessed in the mid 1970s when populations of all species were
reported to be declining (Frazier, 1974; 1976; 1980). Subsequent
studies indicate that turtle populations have continued to decline
with a high human pressure index accounting for approximately
85% of turtle mortalities and illegal take-offs in the form
of poaching of turtle meat, eggs and oil (Clark & Khatib,
1993; Hughes, 1989; Kescom, 1996). |
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|
Turtle
release by local fishermen
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INTRODUCTION
TURTLES
OF TANZANIA
THREATS
TO TURTLES
TURTLE
CONSERVATION
IN TANZANIA
SPECIES
STATUS
REPORTS
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