Overview
I am a marine ecologist and my research focuses on several aspects of marine turtle ecology, including both in-water research and work conducted on nesting beaches. My current research involves studying the ecology of leatherback sea turtles in Brazil, through the use of diverse techniques such as PIT tagging, stable isotopes, temperature and sex ratios and population dynamics.
Broad research specialisms:
- Marine turtles
- Marine conservation
- Population dynamics
- Spatial ecology
- Mark and recapture studies
Qualifications
2019 PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, UK
2013 MSc Biodiversity & Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
2010 Bachelor in Biology, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Brazil
Career
2019 - current: Post-Doctoral Researcher University of Exeter & Projeto TAMAR (Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme) Brazil
2015 Consultant Auiká Brazil
2013 - 2014 Field Biologist at Projeto TAMAR, Brazil
2010 - 2012 Field Biologist at Projeto TAMAR, Brazil
2006 - 2007 Federal University of Bahia, Brazil (Junior Researcher PIBIC/CNPq)
Research
Research interests
Research projects
Project Title: Ecology and conservation of the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) population in Brazil.
Supervisors: Professor Brendan Godley and Dr Annette Broderick
Funding Bodies: US Fish and Wildlife Service and British Chelonia Group, in collaboration with Projeto TAMAR (The Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme) in Brazil
Project Description:
The leatherback sea turtle population in Brazil is considered critically endangered, mainly due to their restricted distribution and small population size, which makes them highly vulnerable to threats such as incidental capture in fisheries, habitat destruction/alteration and climate change. The broad objective of this project is to utilise a range of techniques, including PIT tagging, stable isotopes, the thermal profile of nesting beaches and nest counts to obtain a more complete knowledge of the spatial ecology, habitat use, population trends and threats to the leatherback turtles nesting in Brazil, hopefully contributing to achieve their effective conservation.
Publications:
Colman LP, Lara PH, Bennie J, Broderick AC, Freitas JR, Marcondes A, Witt MJ, Godley BJ (2020) Assessing coastal artificial light and potential exposure os wildlife at a national scale: the case of marine turtles in Brazil. Biodiversity and Conservation https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01928-z
Bellini C, Santos AJB, Patrício AR, Bortolon LFW, Godley BJ, Marcovaldi MA, Tilley D, Colman LP (2019) Distribution and growth rates of immature hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. Endangered Species Research, 40:41-52 https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00979
Colman LP, Thomé JCA, Almeida AP, Baptistotte C, Barata PCR, Broderick AC, Ribeiro FA, Vila-Verde L, Godley BJ (2019) Thirty years of leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea nesting in Espírito Santo, Brazil, 1988-2017: reproductive biology and conservation. Endangered Species Research, 39:147-158 https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00961
Colman L.P., Patrício A.R.C., McGowan A., Santos A.J., Marcovaldi M.Â., Bellini C., & Godley B.J. (2015). Long-term growth and survival dynamics of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at an isolated tropical archipelago in Brazil. Marine Biology, 1-12.
Colman, L.P., Sampaio, C.L.S., Weber M.I. & Castilhos, J.C. (2014). Diet of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, Lepidochelys olivacea, in the Waters of Sergipe, Brazil. Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 13(2):266-271
.
Colman, L. P., Carneiro K. & Salies E.C. (2012). Caretta caretta (Loggerhead Sea turtle) Diet. Herpetological Review, v. 43, p. 637-638.
Research grants
- 2017 Rufford Foundation
Ecology and conservation of leatherback sea turtles in Brazil
- 2017 British Chelonia Group
Ecology and conservation of leatherback sea turtles in Brazil
- 2015 Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological
PhD studentship
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Publications by category
Journal articles
Colman LP, Lara PH, Bennie J, Broderick AC, de Freitas JR, Marcondes A, Witt MJ, Godley BJ (2020). Assessing coastal artificial light and potential exposure of wildlife at a national scale: the case of marine turtles in Brazil.
Biodiversity and Conservation,
29(4), 1135-1152.
Abstract:
Assessing coastal artificial light and potential exposure of wildlife at a national scale: the case of marine turtles in Brazil
AbstractCoastal areas provide critical nesting habitat for marine turtles. Understanding how artificial light might impact populations is key to guide management strategies. Here we assess the extent to which nesting populations of four marine turtle species—leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and two subpopulations of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles—are exposed to light pollution across 604 km of the Brazilian coast. We used yearly night-time satellite images from two 5-year periods (1992–1996 and 2008–2012) from the US Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Programme (DMSP) to determine the proportion of nesting areas that are exposed to detectable levels of artificial light and identify how this has changed over time. Over the monitored time-frame, 63.7% of the nesting beaches experienced an increase in night light levels. Based on nest densities, we identified 54 reproductive hotspots: 62.9% were located in areas potentially exposed to light pollution. Light levels appeared to have a significant effect on nest densities of hawksbills and the northern loggerhead turtle stock, however high nest densities were also seen in lit areas. The status of all species/subpopulations has improved across the time period despite increased light levels. These findings suggest that (1) nest site selection is likely primarily determined by variables other than light and (2) conservation strategies in Brazil appear to have been successful in contributing to reducing impacts on nesting beaches. There is, however, the possibility that light also affects hatchlings in coastal waters, and impacts on population recruitment may take longer to fully manifest in nesting numbers. Recommendations are made to further this work to provide deeper insights into the impacts of anthropogenic light on marine turtles.
Abstract.
Bellini C, Santos AJB, Patrício AR, Bortolon LFW, Godley BJ, Marcovaldi MA, Tilley D, Colman LP (2019). Distribution and growth rates of immature hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. Endangered Species Research, 40, 41-52.
Colman LP, Thomé JCA, Almeida ADP, Baptistotte C, Paulo PC, Broderick AC, Ribeiro FA, Vila-Verde L, Godley BJ (2019). Thirty years of leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea nesting in Espírito Santo, Brazil, 1988-2017: Reproductive biology and conservation.
Endangered Species Research,
39, 147-158.
Abstract:
Thirty years of leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea nesting in Espírito Santo, Brazil, 1988-2017: Reproductive biology and conservation
In the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea are only known to regularly nest in eastern Brazil, on the coast of the state of Espírito Santo. Here, we present an analysis of the nesting ecology, population trends and conservation status of this leather - back turtle colony between 1988 and 2017. We observed an increasing, although variable, trend in the annual number of nests, with the mean increasing from 25.6 nests in the first 5 yr of the study to 89.8 in the last 5 yr. Concurrently, there was also a significant decrease in the mean curved carapace length of the population, which we hypothesize was caused by recruitment of new females to the nesting population. Throughout the study period, nests were concentrated in the southern part of the 160 km long study area. No change was observed in the annual median nesting date. Mean annual hatching success was 66.0% and no significant variation in hatching success was detected after a major spill of mining tailings into the nesting area in 2015. We postulate that local conservation actions that started in the 1980s have contributed to the gentle recovery of this population; however, given the small population size and restricted nesting geographical distribution alongside the persistence of various threats-fisheries bycatch, climate change, pollution and coastal development-this population continues to be of conservation concern.
Abstract.
Sampaio CLS, Loiola M, Colman LP, Medeiros DV, Quimbayo JP, Miranda RJ, Reis-Filho JA, Nunes JDACC (2017). Cryptobenthic fish as clients of french angelfish Pomacanthus paru (Pomacanthidae) during cleaning behaviour. Marine Biodiversity Records, 10(1).
Vargas SM, Lins LSF, Molfetti É, Ho SYW, Monteiro D, Barreto J, Colman L, Vila-Verde L, Baptistotte C, Thomé JCA, et al (2017). Revisiting the genetic diversity and population structure of the critically endangered leatherback turtles in the South-west Atlantic Ocean: insights for species conservation.
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom,
99(1), 31-41.
Abstract:
Revisiting the genetic diversity and population structure of the critically endangered leatherback turtles in the South-west Atlantic Ocean: insights for species conservation
The worldwide population of the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) encompasses seven subpopulations among the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It has experienced declines across parts of its distribution, with the subpopulation of the South-west Atlantic listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. The main threats to this subpopulation include its interaction with fisheries, coastal development, pollution and climate change. In this study, we sequenced mitochondrial DNA from 52 leatherback turtles in Brazil and combined these with published data from other Atlantic Ocean rookeries. The haplotype diversities of the Atlantic population rookeries ranged from 0.112 to 0.533 and are not directly proportional to current rookery sizes. The Brazilian rookery, despite recording low nest numbers per year, had the second-highest haplotype diversity among all Atlantic rookeries (h = 0.532). A mixed-stock analysis revealed that the South American pelagic aggregate is primarily composed of individuals from West Africa (84%), with contributions from the North Atlantic rookeries (14%). Leatherback turtles appear to have a complex phylogeographic pattern, showing evidence of multiple colonization events and a lack of isolation by distance. Our novel dataset, based on DNA sequences of 695 base pairs, will provide baseline data needed to understand population dynamics in the region, building comprehensive population assessments to support and develop management strategies. Having both the only known regular rookery in the South-west Atlantic, and a mixed-origin foraging area for the species along its coast, Brazil has a key role in the conservation of the leatherback turtle.
Abstract.
Colman LP, Sampaio CLS, Weber MI, De Castilhos JC (2014). Diet of Olive ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys olivacea, in the waters of Sergipe, Brazil.
Chelonian Conservation and Biology,
13(2), 266-271.
Abstract:
Diet of Olive ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys olivacea, in the waters of Sergipe, Brazil
We investigated the diet of olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Sergipe, northeast Brazil. Stomach contents from 30 stranded animals showed ridleys in the region were benthic carnivorous, consuming mainly crustaceans and fish. Results are valuable to understand the feeding and foraging habitats of this population and to help clarify possible threats in the region.
Abstract.
Colman LP, Patrício ARC, McGowan A, Santos AJB, Marcovaldi MÂ, Bellini C, Godley BJ (2014). Long-term growth and survival dynamics of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at an isolated tropical archipelago in Brazil. Marine Biology
Publications by year
2020
Colman LP, Lara PH, Bennie J, Broderick AC, de Freitas JR, Marcondes A, Witt MJ, Godley BJ (2020). Assessing coastal artificial light and potential exposure of wildlife at a national scale: the case of marine turtles in Brazil.
Biodiversity and Conservation,
29(4), 1135-1152.
Abstract:
Assessing coastal artificial light and potential exposure of wildlife at a national scale: the case of marine turtles in Brazil
AbstractCoastal areas provide critical nesting habitat for marine turtles. Understanding how artificial light might impact populations is key to guide management strategies. Here we assess the extent to which nesting populations of four marine turtle species—leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and two subpopulations of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles—are exposed to light pollution across 604 km of the Brazilian coast. We used yearly night-time satellite images from two 5-year periods (1992–1996 and 2008–2012) from the US Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Programme (DMSP) to determine the proportion of nesting areas that are exposed to detectable levels of artificial light and identify how this has changed over time. Over the monitored time-frame, 63.7% of the nesting beaches experienced an increase in night light levels. Based on nest densities, we identified 54 reproductive hotspots: 62.9% were located in areas potentially exposed to light pollution. Light levels appeared to have a significant effect on nest densities of hawksbills and the northern loggerhead turtle stock, however high nest densities were also seen in lit areas. The status of all species/subpopulations has improved across the time period despite increased light levels. These findings suggest that (1) nest site selection is likely primarily determined by variables other than light and (2) conservation strategies in Brazil appear to have been successful in contributing to reducing impacts on nesting beaches. There is, however, the possibility that light also affects hatchlings in coastal waters, and impacts on population recruitment may take longer to fully manifest in nesting numbers. Recommendations are made to further this work to provide deeper insights into the impacts of anthropogenic light on marine turtles.
Abstract.
2019
Bellini C, Santos AJB, Patrício AR, Bortolon LFW, Godley BJ, Marcovaldi MA, Tilley D, Colman LP (2019). Distribution and growth rates of immature hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. Endangered Species Research, 40, 41-52.
Colman LP, Thomé JCA, Almeida ADP, Baptistotte C, Paulo PC, Broderick AC, Ribeiro FA, Vila-Verde L, Godley BJ (2019). Thirty years of leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea nesting in Espírito Santo, Brazil, 1988-2017: Reproductive biology and conservation.
Endangered Species Research,
39, 147-158.
Abstract:
Thirty years of leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea nesting in Espírito Santo, Brazil, 1988-2017: Reproductive biology and conservation
In the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea are only known to regularly nest in eastern Brazil, on the coast of the state of Espírito Santo. Here, we present an analysis of the nesting ecology, population trends and conservation status of this leather - back turtle colony between 1988 and 2017. We observed an increasing, although variable, trend in the annual number of nests, with the mean increasing from 25.6 nests in the first 5 yr of the study to 89.8 in the last 5 yr. Concurrently, there was also a significant decrease in the mean curved carapace length of the population, which we hypothesize was caused by recruitment of new females to the nesting population. Throughout the study period, nests were concentrated in the southern part of the 160 km long study area. No change was observed in the annual median nesting date. Mean annual hatching success was 66.0% and no significant variation in hatching success was detected after a major spill of mining tailings into the nesting area in 2015. We postulate that local conservation actions that started in the 1980s have contributed to the gentle recovery of this population; however, given the small population size and restricted nesting geographical distribution alongside the persistence of various threats-fisheries bycatch, climate change, pollution and coastal development-this population continues to be of conservation concern.
Abstract.
2018
Poggio Colman L (2018). Ecology and conservation of the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting in Brazil.
Abstract:
Ecology and conservation of the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting in Brazil
Knowledge of life-history parameters of marine turtles is essential for understanding their ecology and for effective conservation. The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is globally classified as Vulnerable by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), however, distinct subpopulations are recognised and require specific data for the assessment of their conservation status. The Southwest Atlantic Ocean subpopulation is known to regularly nest only in eastern Brazil, on the coast of the state of Espírito Santo. This thesis presents a collection of chapters that investigate the ecology and conservation of this taxon. Multiple technologies and methodologies are employed to ask both ecological and management questions, assessing key population parameters to inform conservation. Here I use long-term data (30 years) to investigate the nesting ecology, population trends and conservation status of leatherback turtles in Espírito Santo. I explore their nesting environment and provide baseline data which will guide further research and management strategies under future scenarios of climate change. I investigate the marine habitat use through stable isotope approaches and satellite telemetry to infer spatial ecology, setting out the conservation situation and perspectives of this important population. Finally, I assess the potential impacts of artificial light on wildlife, using marine turtles in Brazil as a case study. The leatherback turtle rookery in Espírito Santo shows signs of population recovery, however, the existence of various threats means this population remains subject of conservation concern.
Abstract.
2017
Sampaio CLS, Loiola M, Colman LP, Medeiros DV, Quimbayo JP, Miranda RJ, Reis-Filho JA, Nunes JDACC (2017). Cryptobenthic fish as clients of french angelfish Pomacanthus paru (Pomacanthidae) during cleaning behaviour. Marine Biodiversity Records, 10(1).
Vargas SM, Lins LSF, Molfetti É, Ho SYW, Monteiro D, Barreto J, Colman L, Vila-Verde L, Baptistotte C, Thomé JCA, et al (2017). Revisiting the genetic diversity and population structure of the critically endangered leatherback turtles in the South-west Atlantic Ocean: insights for species conservation.
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom,
99(1), 31-41.
Abstract:
Revisiting the genetic diversity and population structure of the critically endangered leatherback turtles in the South-west Atlantic Ocean: insights for species conservation
The worldwide population of the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) encompasses seven subpopulations among the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It has experienced declines across parts of its distribution, with the subpopulation of the South-west Atlantic listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. The main threats to this subpopulation include its interaction with fisheries, coastal development, pollution and climate change. In this study, we sequenced mitochondrial DNA from 52 leatherback turtles in Brazil and combined these with published data from other Atlantic Ocean rookeries. The haplotype diversities of the Atlantic population rookeries ranged from 0.112 to 0.533 and are not directly proportional to current rookery sizes. The Brazilian rookery, despite recording low nest numbers per year, had the second-highest haplotype diversity among all Atlantic rookeries (h = 0.532). A mixed-stock analysis revealed that the South American pelagic aggregate is primarily composed of individuals from West Africa (84%), with contributions from the North Atlantic rookeries (14%). Leatherback turtles appear to have a complex phylogeographic pattern, showing evidence of multiple colonization events and a lack of isolation by distance. Our novel dataset, based on DNA sequences of 695 base pairs, will provide baseline data needed to understand population dynamics in the region, building comprehensive population assessments to support and develop management strategies. Having both the only known regular rookery in the South-west Atlantic, and a mixed-origin foraging area for the species along its coast, Brazil has a key role in the conservation of the leatherback turtle.
Abstract.
2014
Colman LP, Sampaio CLS, Weber MI, De Castilhos JC (2014). Diet of Olive ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys olivacea, in the waters of Sergipe, Brazil.
Chelonian Conservation and Biology,
13(2), 266-271.
Abstract:
Diet of Olive ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys olivacea, in the waters of Sergipe, Brazil
We investigated the diet of olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Sergipe, northeast Brazil. Stomach contents from 30 stranded animals showed ridleys in the region were benthic carnivorous, consuming mainly crustaceans and fish. Results are valuable to understand the feeding and foraging habitats of this population and to help clarify possible threats in the region.
Abstract.
Colman LP, Patrício ARC, McGowan A, Santos AJB, Marcovaldi MÂ, Bellini C, Godley BJ (2014). Long-term growth and survival dynamics of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at an isolated tropical archipelago in Brazil. Marine Biology
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