181:, note that the worldwide turtle population is being threatened by man's activities. One such activity is the development of Point Denis. Turtles find their way to the sea by using the light from the moon shimmering off the water as a reference. Man-made artificial lights at night disorientate the female turtles during laying season as well as the hatchlings trying to find their way to the water. As a result, many turtles head off in the wrong direction and can die from starvation and dehydration. Nests are also destroyed by visitors who drive vehicles, mainly
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Artificial Lights as a
Significant Cause of Morbidity of Leatherback Sea Turtles in Pongara National Park, Gabon, Sharon L. Deem et al. Marine Turtle Newsletter No. 116, 2007
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177:(Dermochelys coriacea). Between 1 800 and 2 000 nests are laid annually on its beaches. Recent studies by Dr Sharon Deem, formerly of the
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are found in the area, as well as a diverse population of monkeys, birds, snakes and other reptiles.
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Battle of the
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Point Denis from the air showing development by man.
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206:Wildebeest
187:Libreville
183:quad bikes
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