Spatial Distribution and Utilization of Marine Habitats by Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Gili Matra Island Marine Protected Area

Wiwid Andriyani  Lestariningsih; Mahardika Rizqi  Himawan; Ibadur  Rahman; Gonzalo  Araujo; Cakra  Adiwijaya; Muhammad Hafidz Ibnu  Khaldun; Himaya Kartika  Cahaya; Dita Hikmatul  Alam; Hotmariyah Hotmariyah

doi:10.29303/jstl.v11i2.869

Authors

Wiwid Andriyani Lestariningsih Study Program of Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram
Mahardika Rizqi Himawan Study Program of Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram
Ibadur Rahman Study Program of Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram
Gonzalo Araujo Marine Research and Conservation Foundation, Lydeard St Lawrence TA4 3SJ
Cakra Adiwijaya Marine Conservation Indonesia, West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara
Muhammad Hafidz Ibnu Khaldun Study Program of Fisheries Resource Utilization, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Jambi
Himaya Kartika Cahaya Study Program of Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram
Dita Hikmatul Alam Study Program of Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram
Hotmariyah Hotmariyah Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional Kupang, Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29303/jstl.v11i2.869

Keywords:

Behaviour, Marine, MPA, Sea Turtle Sightings

Abstract

Sea turtles are one of the key biota in coastal and marine ecosystems whose existence is not only ecologically important, but also holds social, cultural, and economic value. Indonesia, as the largest archipelagic country in the world, is home to six of the world’s seven sea turtle species, making it a globally significant habitat for the sea turtle life cycle. The Gili Matra Marine Protected Area, encompassing the three islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, is one of the strategic regions with high potential for sea turtle conservation. This study aims to document and analyze the spatial distribution and habitat use of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Gili Matra Marine Protected Area. Data collection was carried out during the period of September to October 2024, adjusted to weather conditions and water visibility. The method used was the Underwater Turtle Visual Census Methodology. The composition of sea turtle species and habitat characteristics were analyzed using descriptive analysis to summarize the patterns of species presence, habitat types, and environmental conditions observed during the survey. The findings indicate that the area supports both species, with sea turtles observed at various depths (9–16 meters) across multiple dive sites. The predominance of female individuals and the variation in species presence across sites suggest species specific habitat preferences and potential influences of environmental conditions. Both sea turtle was mostly observed in locations associated with coral reef structures.

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