In this new post, Ikegwu Chukwudi Michael—from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Indonesia—discusses seeking opportunities to implement the theories concerning biological principles and practices, and working to develop fundamental skills and progress towards delivering best outcomes. Ikegwu wishes to become an active part of biological research involving biodiversity, conservation, and ecology.
Profile
My love and passion for life led me to study Biology for my undergraduate major. Life is still more complicated than anything human beings have ever built. When I was an undergraduate, I developed a keen interest in biodiversity and conservation. I understood very early on that conservation biologists have a huge role to play in the sustainability of the earth’s biodiversity. I chose to major in biodiversity and conservation because I wanted to join a new generation of scientists ready to describe, understand, and conserve biodiversity. The most exciting part of being a conservation biologist is having the ability to interact with and study nature in order to make sure that nature and humanity can coexist and support one another.
The greatest challenge I wish to investigate is the fact that, due to the Anthropocene, sea turtle species are under huge threat. I want to understand what’s driven this extinction crisis and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.
Where in the world are you?
Currently, I live and study in Indonesia. My research is taking place at Turtle Bay in Cilacap, Indonesia. Cilacap beaches are famous for both domestic and foreign tourists because they are naturally beautiful and panoramic. These beaches are also a nesting area for four sea turtle species in Indonesia—the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), andthe charismatic leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Data collection is performed on eight beaches: Sodong Beach; Srandil Beach; Welahan Wetan Beach; Widarapayung Kulon Beach; Sidayu Beach; Widarapayung Wetan Beach; Sidaurip Beach; and Pagubugan Beach. Data retrieval was done during the full moon and new moon in July, August, and September. The field parameters that were collected and analyzed were both in- and ex-situ.
At this study site, I am researching sea turtle identification and nesting ecology—this will be the first research of this kind conducted in this location. I want to understand the diversity of sea turtles and use environmental parameters to ascertain overall impacts on sea turtles’ nesting ecology.The environmental parameters include land surface temperature, beach width, beach slope, sand particle size, pH, humidity, and vegetation. The environmental data will be presented in tables and flow charts, then analyzed descriptively. Hence, this will help to determine areas that are suitable for sea turtles to land and lay their eggs. Conservation measures can then be taken using that data protect this habitat for sea turtles. The sea turtle species available in the research location are yet to be identified and included in science. This study involves both morphological characterization and genetic studies involving DNA Barcoding and cytochrome oxidase (CO1) to identify species, since information from morphology might be misleading due to existence of cryptic or sister species. Some of the DNA extraction will be done using the turtles’ embryo where the adult turtle may not be available, hence morphological identification becomes irrelevant here.
The most surprising aspect of my study site has been finding turtle tracks with eggs nowhere to be found. This implies that the eggs were collected by humans, either for consumption or trade. The inhabitants of the study location are mainly fishermen and locals. Sea turtles are fully protected under Indonesian law; however, for such a law to be functional, there is a need for community-based conservation agenda where everyone can get involved in decision-making processes. For instance, during one of the sampling periods, an olive ridley nested eggs was first found by some fishermen. They were honest enough to tell me that 86 eggs were laid by the turtle, but they only returned 65 at the Conservation Area at Sodong Beach.
In this study site, the ecosystem challenges are numerous, ranging from environmental degradation, pollution, predatory crab species feeding on baby turtles, egg poaching, light reflection (disturbance), and too many fishermen interrupting nesting by digging holes for fish traps. I am very hopeful that upon completion of this research, the individually managed conservation area can be elevated to a world-renowned conservation area/zone at Cilacap beach. Through interviews, I hope to involve community leaders, local governments, and other NGOs in order to take community action to ensure the sustainability and support of these umbrella species.
Tips for fieldwork
Turtles are nocturnal animals and walking around the beach at that time of the night was quite a daunting task. My passion to illuminate the challenges faced by sea turtles and how to protect them drove me to keep going. There was also a time where my soil tester had battery issues; fortunately, I contacted someone who was able to provide me with another one. It’s always a good idea to bring spare equipment when conducting research!
The thing I loved most about this fieldwork was seeing the full moon reflect on the beach. It felt nostalgic as it recalled the childhood stories I was told about the moon. The movement of the beach with the noise of the waves made me ponder over the beauty of nature and reiterated why we should strive to protect and care for it.
In community-based conservation, it is vital to include local stakeholders in your study. I involved the director of the Conservation Area at Sodong Beach Cilacap because local knowledge was essential to the support of my data. In the interview/questionnaire section of this study, I will be including community leaders and local NGOs in order to account for and support the wishes of local stakeholders.
The future
I am originally from Nigeria and turtle species do not receive enough attention from researchers. I have written to notable Conservation NGOs in Nigeria to know if they have research funds and would like to support a conservation project while I volunteer to do the research. A few that responded were kind enough to tell me they do not have funds available. With enough luck and hopefully some funding, I would love to study sea turtle species in this location. As an MSc student, I hope to be able to continue contributing to and supporting conservation efforts during my PhD.
