Causes of sea turtle admissions to the Wildlife Recovery Center "La Tahonilla" on the island of Tenerife in the years 2019-2022

Abstract

The Canary Islands archipelago is an important place for the conservation of sea turtles, as it is a migratory and feeding area for several species, including the loggerhead turtle, which accounts for most of the strandings recorded in the Canary Islands. Wildlife recovery centres play a fundamental role in the conservation of these species, as the vast majority of sea turtle strandings in these centres are due to anthropogenic causes, derived from fishing gear. The spatio-temporal patterns of sea turtle strandings in the Canary Islands respond to the winds and currents, as well as the phenology of the local populations. Most strandings occur in the summer months and on the southwestern slope of the island of Tenerife