The sea turtles of Fiji

Abstract

Three species of sea turtle nest in Fiji. In order of abundance they are the Hawksbill or taku (Eretmochelys imbricate); the Green or vonu dina (Chelonia mydas) and the Leatherback (Dermochdys coriacea). Two other species, the Loggerhead or tuvonu (Carelta caretta) and the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) are known from the region but there are no records of their nesting. Aerial surveys indicate that Hawksbill turtles nest widely throughout, the Fiji Islands, but Green turtles nest only on the islands of the Ringgold and Heemskercq Reefs in Northern Lau. Leatherbacks nest sporadically on the Natewa Peninsular