SURVEYS OF THE SEA-TURTLES OF ANGOLA

Five species of sea turtles have been reported from Angola (in decreasing order of abundance): leatherback Dermochelys coriacea, olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea, green Chelonia mydas, loggerhead Caretta caretta, and hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata. All have been reported to nest on Angolan beaches, although with varying frequency. Immature, subadult and adult sea turtles have been recorded foraging along the coastline of Angola and in bays which provide developmental habitats. Few data are available on the distribution and abundance of each species in these habitats. The level of exploitation of turtles in Angola is moderate, as no dedicated turtle fishery exists. If, however, exploitation is considered to include those turtles taken by incidental catch, it would be deemed heavy. All size classes of turtles and eggs of some species have been taken incidentally although it has been reported that eggs are deliberately hunted. Even though sea turtles have been protected under Angola's hunting laws since 1972, and a heavy fine has existed since that time to discourage exploitation, little enforcement has occurred.