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Exploring sociodemographic and cultural characteristics of sea turtle take and use to support effective conservation strategies in Indonesia
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Exploring sociodemographic and cultural characteristics of sea turtle take and use to support effective conservation strategies in Indonesia

Adela Hemelikova, Petr Chajma, Teuku Reza Ferasyi, Awaluddin, Nur Fadli, Widya Sari, Christine Madden, Kimberly Riskas and Jiri Vojar
People and Nature, Vol.8(1), pp.51-64
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70196
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People and Nature - 2025 - Hemelikova - Exploring sociodemographic and cultural characteristics of sea turtle take and use1.50 MBDownloadView
Published VersionCC BY V4.0,  Open Access

Abstract

aquatic bushmeat conservatin intentional take sea turtle threats tortoiseshell traditional use
Many sea turtle populations face severe declines in the Asia-Pacific region and, although threats are widely recognised, drivers are practically unknown, especially in Indonesia. We surveyed 140 respondents at three sites in Sumatra, Indonesia (Padang, Mentawai, Nias) to identify how sociodemographic and cultural characteristics across these sites influence illegal turtle take (direct removal of turtles or their eggs from the wild) and use (utilisation of turtles or their products) and the purposes of use (subsistence, cultural, medicinal, religious). Cultural and ceremonial hunting played a minor role in turtle capture, but cultural and religious traditions influenced which turtle parts were used (eggs, meat and by-products, carapaces). Use purposes varied significantly between the survey sites (p < 0.001): only medicinal use was found in Padang, all uses were reported in Mentawai, and subsistence, cultural and religious uses were recorded in Nias. Although the odds of turtle take were highest among middle-aged Muslim males (36-55 years) with a lower level of education who worked in the primary sector, turtle use was most probable among unemployed middle-aged Christian males with a higher level of education. Furthermore, significant site differences were observed-while the highest odds of turtle take were found in Nias (p < 0.001), the highest odds of turtle use were found in Mentawai (p < 0.05). Most of the respondents (94%) were aware of the status of turtle protection in Indonesia, but widespread misconceptions persist that turtles deplete fish stocks. The results identify the factors and drivers behind the illegal take and use of turtles. They can support the development of regional and national conservation policies and refine local management programs in Indigenous communities to provide alternative livelihoods and intervene in trade dynamics.

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Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas
Biodiversity Conservation
Ecology

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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#13 Climate Action
#15 Life on Land

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