Population genetic structure of sea turtles in Macaronesia and connectivity with other populations of the Atlantic

Each colour indicates a population. The smaller turtles represent juveniles of this population in the feeding areas. The most relevant populations for Macaronesia are indicated in bold type. A. Population genetic structure of the loggerhead sea turtle in the Atlantic and dispersion of the juveniles of the Cape Verdean population. To facilitate the clarity of the figure, there are curved lines, but these do not indicate in any way the trajectory followed by the juveniles.

B. Composition of the feeding areas of the east Atlantic and the spacial distribution of loggerhead sea turtle juveniles in those areas

C. Population genetic structure of the green sea turtle in the Atlantic, which shows the composition of Cape Verdean feeding area

D. Population genetic structure of Hawksbill Sea turtles in the Atlantic, which shows the composition of Cape Verdean feeding area. The juveniles with no colours correspond to aggregations of majoritarily unknown origin.

?: Populations not genetically studied

Abbreviations: NEFL-NC, Northeast of Florida-North of Carolina; NOFL, Northwest of Florida; SFL, South of Florida; DT, Dry Turtles; MX, Mexico; BR, Brasil; CV, Cape Verde; Desc, unknown area/s; Azo, Azores; Mad, Madeira; Can, Canary Islands; And, Andalusia; Gim, Gymnesians; FL, Florida; CR, Costa Rica; AV, Aves; SR, Suriname; RA, Rocas Atoll; TI, Trinidad Island; IA, Ascension Island; GB, Guinea Bissau; BI, Bioko; ST&P, São Tomé and Príncipe; IA, Ascension Island; CU, Cuba; BE, Belize; VI, Virgin Islands; PR, Puerto Rico; VE, Venezuela; BB, Barbados; AN, Antigua. Finally, one can conclude that the Macaronesia is a significant development and nesting area for sea turtles. Individuals born on both sides of the Atlantic mix in this region. The preservation and protection of juveniles and the Cape Verdean population are a priority to insure the preservation of these species.