Conservation researcher
Ana Rita Patrício

Cheila Raposo

Sea turtles are susceptible to climate change throughout their life-cycle, however, they can potentially adapt to changes by having variable breeding/foraging strategies, or by choosing to breed in sites with higher reproductive output. Thus, I am studying the green turtle population from the Bijagós, Guinea-Bissau to assess its plasticity in foraging and breeding habitat selection and identify areas of high reproductive success.

My research combines the use of satellite transmitters to explore the connectivity between nesting sites, degree of site-fidelity and map foraging grounds; and stable isotope analysis, to estimate hatchling predation and contribution to the local coastal trophic web.

Results from my PhD will support sea turtle conservation by updating the management plans of marine protected areas and producing recommendations of impact mitigation at breeding areas.