Turtle patrol battles climate threats on Kenya’s coast
Every night, the Turtle Police patrol Kenya’s southern coast to protect endangered green sea turtles. On Tiwi Beach, hatchlings emerge from their nests and scramble toward the ocean. But their odds of survival are slim—only one in a thousand makes it. Climate change is making things worse. Kenya recorded its hottest year in 2024, and rising incubation temperatures are skewing the sex ratio of hatchlings. Above 29°C, nearly all turtles born are female, threatening future reproduction. Researchers at Pwani University are investigating the impact of climate change and pollution on turtle populations.
Heat, moisture, and microplastics disrupt nesting
Biologist Sammy Wambua and his team monitor hatching success rates and examine unhatched eggs. In one nest, only 68% of eggs hatched—far below the expected 85%. Student Sandra Keter explains that extreme moisture can kill embryos by promoting fungal growth. Another major concern is the lack of male turtles, which could lead to infertile eggs. Microplastics in the sand worsen the problem by trapping heat and raising nest temperatures. Volunteers regularly collect plastic waste—38 kilos in one day—to help reduce this effect and protect nesting sites.
Conservation and science join forces
To combat rising tides and stronger waves, rangers use sandbags and relocate nests when necessary. They also shade nests to regulate temperature. In the lab, scientists study chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5, a stress-related virus causing tumors in turtles. Warmer oceans and habitat loss increase stress levels, making turtles more vulnerable. The combined efforts of rangers, researchers, and volunteers aim to preserve the delicate balance of this species and ensure that hatchlings can grow, reproduce, and sustain the ecosystem.