Placement of temperature datelogger in Lakahia, Kaimana.

The Pacific leatherback turtle population has declined significantly over the latter half of 20 century and is currently critically endangered. The western Pacific leatherback represents the best remaining prospect for avoiding extinction. Bird’s Head region of Papua, Indonesia represents the last stronghold of leatherback nesting in the western Pacific so it is critical to their recovery. Works have been ongoing to protect the leatherbacks and other turtles on larger nesting beaches at Bird’s Head Peninsula - West Papua. However, elsewhere slaughter continues, while turtle meat and eggs are sold in markets from these unprotected areas. Therefore, community support, along with education and awareness are needed to ensure that all remaining pockets of leatherbacks are preserved in Papua.

The Bird’s Head Leatherback (BHL) research and conservation team of the State University of Papua (UNIPA) will expand monitoring and conservation programs to this area which is crucial for managing the sea turtle population. With funding support from Rufford foundation, BHL UNIPA along with YPP (Papua Sea Turtle Foundation) will work with local communities to start conservation work in north of Waigeo Island. Recent reports by local villagers from Yembekaki in the north of Waigeo Island indicate that this area may support a significant amount of leatherback nesting, as well as nesting activity of several other sea turtle species. Considering the critically endangered status and the decreasing population trends of the Pacific leatherback, it is imperative that a conservation plan be developed for leatherbacks nesting on Waigeo Island. This is a situation in which a Rufford Small Grant will significantly impact the recovery of the Pacific leatherback.

It is estimated that the conservation of the sea turtle nesting aggregations in the northern part of Waigeo Island is essential to solidify conservation efforts of sea turtles in the region of in West Papua - Indonesia. In addition to basic survey research, the proposed project includes the education and involvement of local villagers on the Yembekaki nesting beaches of Waigeo Island in order to instil a conservation mindset in the community which will ensure long-term stability of this project.