Monitoring

At Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary in West Sumbawa, monitoring sea turtles is one of our most important conservation efforts. Each nesting season, our team of volunteers, researchers, community members, and government officials patrols the beach to record turtle activity and protect nests. These nightly patrols help us understand when and where turtles are nesting, how many eggs are being laid, and the challenges they face.

Our monitoring combines traditional knowledge with modern science. One key method we use is the photo-identification (photo-ID) technique, where we take clear photos of each turtle’s head scutes patterns. Every turtle has a unique arrangement of scales—like a human fingerprint—which allows us to identify individuals without tagging or harming them. By tracking these photo records over time, we can learn which turtles return to Mawil Beach, how often they nest, and how far they travel.

Monitoring also includes nest marking, temperature checks, and recording hatching success rates. Once hatchlings emerge, we guide them safely to the ocean while collecting data on survival and behavior. These details are essential for understanding population trends and developing better protection strategies.

What makes Mawil’s monitoring program special is its strong community involvement. Local community, youth, and visiting volunteers join our team to help patrol the beach and share conservation awareness. Visitors are welcome to observe the process responsibly through guided eco-tours, turning research into an inspiring experience.

Every photo taken, every nest recorded, and every hatchling released adds to our growing understanding of sea turtles and their connection to Mawil Beach. Through dedicated monitoring, we aim to ensure that these ancient travelers will continue to return to our shores, generation after generation. 

Get Involved: Join the Effort to Protect Sea Turtles

We hope with support from turtle lovers, volunteers, government officials, and many others, the sea turtle monitoring can be done every single night. The monitoring starts at about an hour before sunset and end in the sunrise time. Monitoring tools and materials are provided by the community group (KOMPAK). Meals and drinks should be prepared for each participants. Food and drink sharing may be available. Please be noted that it is required to use NON single plastic use and manage each participant's waste. 

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The collected data is here the records.

Contact the community WA number (+62 859-3990-3335) or email mawilpenyu[at]gmail.com either for one time monitoring participation or be a volunteer.