Environment of the nesting and feeding grounds for endangered turtle species in Dhofar (Southern Oman) (original) (raw)

Mendonca, V.M., Al-Kiyumi, A.A., Al-Saady, S.M., Grobler, H.J., Erzini, K., Bait Said, A.S., and Al-Rasbiy, A. 2001. Environment of the nesting and feeding grounds for endangered turtle species in Dhofar (Southern Oman). In Claereboudt, M., Goddard, S., Al-Oufi, H., and McIlwain, J. eds. Proc. 1st International Conference on Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment in the NW Indian Ocean, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, pp. 151-159. ABSTRACT: The coastal line of the Dhofar Region is about 400 km long, with sandy beaches intercalated by rocky shore. Some sandy beaches are several kilometres long, and human disturbance is limited to artisanal fishery activities. On the other hand, the seasonal monsoon makes these waters very rich in biodiversity. Therefore, the region provides good nesting and feeding grounds for sea turtles. From November 1999 to October 2000, field observations were carried out, on an opportunistic schedule. Turtle nesting activities, and threats to turtle eggs and hatchlings by natural predators and human disturbance were registered. At least two turtle species nest on the area: green turtles Chelonia mydas and loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta. Two short but distinct nesting seasons have been identified: one during the Khareef (Monsoon) and another in late winter - early spring. Fresh tracks of both turtle species were observed on both seasons, and in October 2000, both species were observed on a feeding ground of seagrass around Hino Island. The major predators of turtle eggs were feral dogs around the Salalah Port, and foxes Vulpes spp. and ghost crabs Ocypode spp. elsewhere. Seabirds are the major predators of turtle hatchlings all over the region, especially on the islands. Hino Island holds a nesting population of sooty gulls Larus hemprichii, and the Al Hallaniyat Islands hold colonies of masked boobies Sula dactylatra and Socotra cormorants Phalacrocorax nigrogularis. The green turtle is still harvested for meat on Al Hallaniyat Islands.