SEA TURTLE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION PROJECT
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant decline in global sea turtle populations. Human activities, such as tourism, have resulted in the degradation of nesting beaches. Additionally, the harvesting of sea turtles for their meat, eggs, and medicinal purposes, along with the unintentional capture of large sea turtles as bycatch in overfishing operations, has led to the majority of sea turtle species being classified as vulnerable or endangered. As a result, these population declines have spurred worldwide conservation initiatives that focus on researching population trends, implementing protective measures, and raising awareness to ensure the survival of these remarkable marine creatures.
In Zanzibar the size of the sea turtle population is still unknown. Meanwhile sea turtles are still hunted for their meat and eggsΒ on a daily basis.Β This is why getting more information about the population is crucial.
Previous studies relied on standard βcapture-mark-recaptureβ methods based on tagging as a tool to establish population size. Our project relies on theΒ photo-identificationΒ technique. This technique, increasingly used as a reliable tool to track individuals over time, has many advantages over tagging. Conventional tagging methods are costly. And they are stressful for the animals. The tags are difficult to apply and easy to fall off.Β Photo-identification offers high potential as it is non-invasive, low-cost and long-lasting.
A unique photo-ID code for every turtle
The unique and asymmetrical pattern ofΒ facial scutes on the cheeksΒ of the sea turtles are likeΒ fingerprints. By adding photos of the turtles’ cheeks to a database, we identify individual sea turtles in a population and track them over time. The first step is collecting as many photos as possible. Next, we visually transform the photos into aΒ unique turtle photo-ID code. Having an extensive database, we can ultimatelyΒ estimate the population sizeΒ and structure and gather reliable information onΒ their distribution, habitat use and migration patterns.Β Besides this, we can determine theΒ sex ratioΒ in the population.
Do you want to help?
If you are in the area, take photos or videos:
- Both side of the face
- The whole turtle from above
- The whole turtle from below
Note the date+time+location and send us the files to seaturtlezanzibar@gmail.com. Many thanks!
Help us to estimate the turtle population in Zanzibar. Donate your gift to the sea turtle photo identification project. Thanks a lot!
