The central African country of Gabon is providing an invaluable nesting ground for a vulnerable species of sea turtle. During a survey of nearly 600 km of Gabon's coastline, scientists from the University of Exeter uncovered the Atlantic’s largest breeding colony of olive ridley turtles. Study results estimate that there could be up to 9,800 turtle nests per year, compared with around 3,300 in French Guiana and 3,000 in Brazil.

"Conservation efforts for sea turtles can be hampered by their migratory life cycles, which carry them across jurisdictional boundaries and international waters. That makes this first population assessment which covered extensive areas of Gabon's coast outside of monitored regions all the more valuable and worthwhile, and demonstrates the importance of focusing beyond intensively monitored beaches,” said Dr. Kristian Metcalfe, lead author from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) at the University of Exeter.

Although a considerable proportion of nesting occurs within protected areas, illegal activities and external pressures highlight the need for sustained conservation efforts. Study data was used to inform the development of a new network of marine protected areas encompassing nearly a quarter of Gabon's Exclusive Economic Zone.

One of the smallest of the sea turtles, olive ridley turtles are named for the greenish colour of their shell and skin. Although considered the most abundant of marine turtle species, a decline in numbers has them currently listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).