Study

Exploring drivers and deterrents of the illegal consumption and trade of marine turtle products in Cape Verde, and implications for conservation planning

  • Published source details Hancock J.M., Furtado S., Merino S., Godley B.J. & Nuno A. (2017) Exploring drivers and deterrents of the illegal consumption and trade of marine turtle products in Cape Verde, and implications for conservation planning. Oryx, 51, 428-436.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Legally protect reptile species

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Legally protect reptile species

    A replicated, before-and-after study in 2011 on Santiago and Boa Vista islands, Cape Verde (Hancock et al. 2017) reported that after implementing legal frameworks to penalise killing and consumption of marine turtles and protect turtle nests on beaches, as well as public awareness raising campaigns, participation in consumption of turtle products, turtle harvesting and, in some locations, selling turtle products, declined. Results were not statistically tested. After national legal protections for marine turtles were introduced, fishers self-reported a decline in turtle harvesting from 61–87% to 17–18% of survey participants between 2002 and 2011. Fish sellers self-reported a decline in selling turtle products from 78% to 22% of participants on Santiago between 2002 and 2011 (on Boa Vista only one seller self-identified as selling turtle products and continued to do so). The general public self-reported a decline in turtle product consumption on both islands (Boa Vista: 28% decline, Santiago: 62). However, the authors also reported a significant increase in commercial use of turtle meat with trade increasing between Boa Vista and Santiago (see original paper). In 2005 and 2010, legal frameworks were put in place to penalize killing and consumption of marine turtles. Turtle nests on beaches were protected by the military and public awareness campaigns were carried out by local and international NGOs. In May–June 2011, interviews were carried out with individuals from Santiago and Boa Vista coastal communities. Survey participants were fishers (Boa Vista: 46 individuals; Santiago: 82), fish sellers (5; 18) and the general public (94, 189).

    (Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust