The world's largest leatherback rookeries: A review of conservation-oriented research in French Guiana/Suriname and Gabon

Abstract

The Atlantic Ocean hosts a major part of the world's leatherback population, with the largest rookeries being located in the northern part of South America (Suriname/French Guiana) and in western Central Africa (Gabon). In contrast with the dramatic decline of nesting populations in the Pacific Ocean, some Atlantic leatherback rookeries have recently been reported to be stable or even to increase. This raises the question, which particular research and conservation initiatives, past and present, may have led to such development. Here we present an overview of the historical and present research and conservation efforts in French Guiana, Suriname and Gabon and highlight current gaps in knowledge and required improvements to maintain protection for the major rookeries of this critically endangered species.