In Cabo Verde, off West Africa’s coast, individuals who once hunted sea turtles have transformed into dedicated protectors, helping loggerhead turtle populations rebound along key nesting sites.
- 2018 legislation criminalized sea turtle hunting in Cabo Verde
- Former hunters now patrol nesting beaches protecting loggerhead turtles
- Loggerhead nests have increased more than sevenfold since 2007
What happened
Cabo Verde has seen a remarkable shift in its approach to protecting loggerhead turtles, which nest along the archipelago's shores. After years of traditional hunting, a law enacted in 2018 made killing threatened sea turtles illegal. This landmark legislation prompted many former hunters to join conservation efforts, taking on roles as rangers who monitor and protect turtle nesting sites.
These rangers, some of whom once participated in poaching, now walk several kilometers each night during the nesting season, from June to October. They use a combination of foot patrols, drones, and trained dogs to safeguard the turtles and their eggs. On Boa Vista, the easternmost island and main loggerhead nesting ground, illegal captures have plummeted dramatically, from over 1,200 in 2007 to just 20 in 2024.
Why it feels good
The transformation from hunters to guardians represents a hopeful story of community empowerment and environmental stewardship. Former poachers have discovered new purpose and income in protecting the turtles they once hunted, signaling a meaningful cultural and economic shift. Their firsthand understanding of local customs and challenges uniquely positions them to advocate for the turtles’ survival.
This change leads to tangible conservation wins: loggerhead turtle nests have increased more than sevenfold in recent years, highlighting the effectiveness of on-the-ground efforts. The biggest loggerhead population in the eastern Atlantic now thrives thanks to local engagement, awareness campaigns, and support from organizations like the Turtle Foundation.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors and wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing the impressive loggerhead turtle nesting season in Cabo Verde, which extends from June through October. Opportunities to see conservation rangers in action and learn about sea turtle ecology enrich the experience and deepen appreciation for this remarkable species.
Beyond loggerheads, Cabo Verde is also home to several other sea turtle species, including green, leatherback, olive ridley, and critically endangered hawksbill turtles. Continued monitoring and sustainable fisheries agreements will be crucial in protecting these marine animals from threats such as fishing bycatch, ensuring these gentle ancient creatures remain part of the archipelago’s natural heritage.