“We were walking along the beach at night, the moon passed dim light through the clouds, little by little our eyes became accustomed to the darkness, we could see our feet and a little further. Suddenly someone in the group whispered excitedly “Turtle tracks”! Now, our night had begun.
Every night from July through December, our team patrols Playa Tortuga and is responsible for ensuring that the turtles that come to nest on this beach, are not threatened by those who steal their eggs for sale. For this it is necessary to relocate the nest to a safe place, protecting it from poachers, extreme tides and other natural hazards. About 50 days later, the hatchlings are born and make their way to the sea.
Less than 1% will survive and return to the beach as adults.
The 6 species of marine turtles in the world are under threat of extinction, and the beaches of our country are home for 5 of them. Turtle Beach is home to the Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelis olivacea) that 15 years ago arrived in numbers of up to 20 females per night, while today you are lucky if you see one or two.
The conservation program for sea turtles at the “Reserva Playa Tortuga” (Turtle Beach Reserve) wants to promote the conservation of this species, and is open to all who want to help this cause. Contact us and join us for night patrols!
Info: Tel: 27865200 – rptojochal@hotmail.com