Loggerhead turtles are also seasonal visitors and are found nesting on sandy beaches on all the islands from June to October. With approximately 17,000 arriving each year, the archipelago is the third most important loggerhead nesting site in the world (after Florida and Oman).
Unfortunately, in common with all marine turtles, loggerheads are under extreme threat of extinction. In Cabo Verde there are pressures from illegal hunting, poaching of eggs and loss of habitat through development.
At a recent workshop held on Sal for everybody involved in turtle conservation in Cabo Verde, a new coalition – The Capeverdian Sea Turtle Network was formed to ensure a more cohesive and effective strategy.
Delegates from the Department of the Environment, Fisheries Department and Camara Municipais from many of the islands stated their determination to ensure the survival of loggerhead turtles in Cabo Verde through increased protection and legislation. 
Not only this, but many are also aiming to increase the population so substantially that Cabo Verde will overtake their two rivals and become the world’s most important nesting site for loggerheads!
This year should see a substantial decrease in the mortality of nesting female turtles, with new initiatives being started on Boa Vista, Maio, Sao Vicente, Santo Antao, Sao Nicolau and Fogo.
On Sal island, SOS Tartarugas will continue to work with the Camara Municipal, the military, martime and national police forces to improve on the 72% reduction of dead turtles that was achieved last year.
The first turtles are expected in the next two weeks and it is still possible to become involved. Part time Rangers of all nationalities are welcome and a commitment of only a few hours a week could make a big difference.
Please help us with a beach clean up on World Ocean’s Day June 7th from 8am – midday (come when you can) on Costa Fragata. Followed by a barbeque at Grijinha. For more information call Neal on 00238 976 9681.
For more information on volunteering call 00238 974 5020 or email info@turtlesos.org.
For information on night time turtle walks (starting approximately last week in June) call 00238 974 5019 or email neal@turtlesos.org
Visit our website www.turtlesos.org
What does SOS Tartarugas do?
• Deter hunting through night time beach (June to October)
• Collection of scientific data to improve conservation efforts
• Relocation of ‘at risk’ nests (flooding, destruction by vehicles, poaching, brightly lit areas & pollution)
• Incubation under natural conditions in a hatchery (June to December) and immediate release (hatchlings lose their instincts if they are kept in unnatural conditions and are unlikely to survive)
• Protection of beaches through clean ups and discouraging illegal practices such as driving on beaches and removal of sand for building
• Outreach activities including conducting guided walks for residents and visitors.
Cabo Verde’s Loggerhead Nesting Season
March, April, May
Male and female loggerheads are seen in the surrounding waters. Mating can be observed from boats and by divers.
June & July
Female turtles come ashore to lay their nests. The exact start and end date varies from year to year depending on temperature and other factors. Both male and females are still seen in the water and may be migrating between islands.
On Sal, turtles nest on every bit of sandy beach and while many return to exactly the same beach, some will lay their nests on different parts of the island.
In 2008 the first turtle track was seen on the 12th June.
August & September
Nests are still being laid, usually peaking in mid August. The first of the hatchlings will be born in the middle of the month, approximately after around 56 days incubation.
October
Nests are still being laid but the frequency is much lower. The last tracks seen on Sal in 2008 was 27th October.
November & December
Babies continue to be born during these months and the incubation period is longer, probably due to the lower temperature. The last nest to hatch in 2008 on Sal was on 25th December.
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