March 2008

by Armando Lorences

In recent days there have been reports of hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtle hatchlings appearing on the beaches of Quintana Roo, weak or already dead.

So far the causes are unknown. The person in charge of the network of sea turtle stranding in the Riviera Maya, MVZ Ana Negrete, suggests that the turtle hatchlings are suffering from dehydration and weakness. As soon as more information is known it will be announced.

Meanwhile we appeal to the hotels and condominiums to help as follows:

• If you find any weak baby turtles, please take a picture of them in place, put the hatchlings in salt water, and take them to Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) or to Xcaret Park’s facilities.
• If you find a baby turtle a few hours after it has passed away, please take a picture of it in place, and take the turtle, with all that surrounds it—seaweed and sand—to CEA or to Xcaret Park’s facilities.
• If you find a baby turtle in a state of decomposition, please take a picture of it in place, bury the turtle, and send the photo to tortugas@ceakumal.org or paulsn@ceakumal.org.