Ana Rita Caldas Patricio

I am a dedicated marine ecologist with a focus on sea turtle ecology, particularly in areas such as migrations and connectivity, population dynamics, climate change impacts, trophic ecology, and emerging diseases. My recent research has led to significant breakthroughs, including unraveling the connectivity of green turtles across West Africa. This work has fostered strong partnerships and contributed to regional agreements, which are pivotal for conservation efforts in the region. Additionally, my team has identified new sites of conservation priority for sea turtles in West Africa.

I am passionate about participatory conservation, capacity building, and science communication, and I am committed to raising awareness and empowering key stakeholders and resource users. Currently, I coordinate the project 'Survie des Tortues Marines au niveau de l'Archipel des Bijagos - Guinea-Bissau' (2023-2026) and co-coordinate research initiatives in Mauritania, Senegal, and Príncipe Island. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of sea turtles and the ecosystems they inhabit through collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing.