Turtle Watching Watching in Príncipe Island

SPECIES FOUND IN PRÍNCIPE Mark your observations A

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SEA TURTLE WATCHING GUIDE Green Chelonia m ydas

Hawksbill Er e t m o c h e ly s im br ic a ta

ON PRÍNCIPE ISLAND

Olive ridley L e pido c h e l y s o liv a c e a

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Príncipe Island is a refuge for many species of sea turtles. You can find them in the water or on the beaches around the island, during the day or at night.

This best practice guide will show you how to carry out the observation of these endangered and worldwide protected animals without putting them at risk.

Leatherback De r m o c h e ly s c o r ia c e a

SEA TURTLE WATCHING BEACH A

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B

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1 Praia Grande

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Don’t be a threat to the beach or to the sea: don’t leave any waste behind, don’t abandon dogs or other animals, do not support wildlife poaching and illegal sand extraction.

Be responsible and keep the environment clean and protected.

SEA TURTLE WATCHING

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4 White lights are prohibited at night on the beach! Use only flashlights with a red-light filter, as it is the only light that, due to its frequency, is less visible to turtles.

Do not make noise during the entire visit. Sea turtles are extremely sensitive to any loud noises. Make sure that children are calm and close to their caretakers.

2 If you find turtles on the beach, don’t go near them. Turtles are quite vulnerable, and any disturbance can chase them away.

Discreetly move out of their way (or sight), and sit or crouch behind them, at least 10 meters away, so that the turtle does not feel threatened by your presence.

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5 Never shine a flashlight directly at a turtle’s head or in its direction, as it can temporarily blind the turtle, causing disorientation and may injure its eyes.

6 Never take photos with flash, as it can also cause disorientation and damage to the turtle’s sensitive eyes, seriously disturbing its behavior.

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NEST AND HATCHLINGS SIGHTING

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Have the visit accompanied by a guide to ensure an amazing turtle watching experience. Always follow your guide’s instructions, especially when you are near a turtle.

Never touch a turtle. They are wild animals and, by touching them, we can negatively impact their behavior. It also increases the risk of contaminating them with harmful chemicals or contracting diseases.

Walk carefully on the beach, always looking at the sand around your feet, as you may step on hatchlings by accident.

Respect the nests! Do not disturb the nest site, avoid stepping on the area close to marked locations and never remove the nest markers.

Never touch or handle hatchlings, keep them protected from contamination by harmful chemicals (mosquito repellent, suncscreen, etc), or from contracting diseases.

Don’t bring your pet with you to the beach, they may harm or kill the hatchlings or disturb the nest.

Don’t make fires on the beach during the reproductive period (September to May). They may deter the females from nesting and disturb them. Also, it may damage nearby nests.

Turn off the lights.

Artificial lighting distracts hatchlings from finding their way into the water.

Never use camera with flash!