Author(s)

Rita Anastácio, Mário Jorge Pereira

Departamento de Biologia e CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.

The Indian Ocean basin has much to reveal in what concerns marine turtles. Its regional management units (RMUs) are still lacking molecular data to define conservation strategies and priorities. Vamizi Island is one of the best known rookeries in the north of the Mozambique Channel. A mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed 14 haplotypes for the hawksbill turtle’s nesting and foraging in/near Vamizi, twelve of which were new in 2011. Though more studies inside the Channel are needed, Vamizi Island possibly contributes with hatchlings for other locations. More knowledge is important to define priorities for management units inside the Indian Ocean.

Eretmochelys imbricata, mtDNA, Haplotype, Regional Management Unit, Mozambique Channel

Anastácio, R. and Pereira, M. (2017) A Piece of a Puzzle of Haplotypes for the Indian Ocean Hawksbill Turtle. Natural Resources, 8, 548-558. doi: 10.4236/nr.2017.88034.