Leatherback Turtles in Vanuatu

Abstract

Leatherback turtles, Dermochelys coriacea, have not previously been reported nesting in Vanuatu. A review of archival data, unpublished reports, interviews with key informants from coastal communities, and a nesting beach survey indicates that leatherback nesting occurs on a number of islands, including Pentecost, Ambrym, Malakula, Epi, and Efate. Leatherbacks are opportunistically consumed in some areas, particularly Malakula, where 5 have been reported killed in the past 7 years.