More turtles spotted in the channel!

Since setting up a new transect outside our Mkwiro base we have been seeing more and more turtles in the Wasini channel. Most of them are spotted at the Eastern end of the channel where you can find both coral and sea grass. Whilst we have had a small number of Hawksbill sightings, it appears to be mostly Green turtles that are being recorded, including sadly, a dead one.

-- Green turtles are being spotted in Wasini Channel more often --

Adult Green turtles are normally found around coastlines and in protected areas where there are sea grass beds. These turtles are the only species that once they are adults are entirely herbivorous. Their preferred habitat automatically puts them in danger from increasing human activity, particularly boat traffic and pollution and as a result they are classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The fact that we are spotting Green turtles on a regular basis in the channel may indicate that this is an important feeding or resting area, this remains to be seen but the data is definitely useful when trying to manage the Green Turtle populations in Kenya.

More turtles spotted in the channel!