Ecuador relocates 438 eggs of the world’s largest turtle for conservation

Ecuador.- Park rangers from the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Ecuador, along with specialists from non-governmental organizations and foundations, relocated 438 eggs of the leatherback turtle, the largest in the world, to various beaches in the province of Manabí, to promote the conservation of this marine species, the State portfolio reported this Tuesday.

The eggs were identified in areas unsuitable for their development and were exposed to high tides, coastal erosion or human presence, so they were relocated to the beaches of Crucita (48 eggs), San Clemente (90), San Lorenzo (120) and Puerto Cabuyal (180). One of these turtles was seen in Crucita days ago. The leatherback turtle, whose scientific name is ‘Dermochelys coriacea’, can measure up to two meters and its subpopulations found in the eastern Pacific are listed as Critically Endangered (CR). The Ministry of Environment pointed out that among the main threats identified for the species are predation by feral dogs, vehicular traffic on the beach, nighttime tourist activities and light pollution, as well as extreme weather events.

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During the current nesting season, which runs from September to March, Ambiente has recorded eight nests along the coastal profile of Manabí and the presence of two breeding females has been observed, “which represents an increase compared to previous years“.

In Ecuador, the greatest spawning activity is recorded between December and February, according to information from the ministry. Since 2015, the State portfolio has been carrying out permanent monitoring, placing signage for the protection of nests, attending to biological emergencies, such as strandings, predation and floods; and developing socialization processes with tourism actors and artisanal fishermen. Likewise, it maintains inter-institutional coordination with local governments, non-governmental organizations, and coastal communities to increase their protection.