Protecting Nesting Hawksbill and Other Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are endangered marine reptiles that return to Puerto Rico's beaches each year to nest. This monitoring program tracks nesting activity, protects nesting females, and ensures successful hatching of eggs. The primary focus is on critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles, though other species are also monitored.
Monitoring activities include regular beach patrols during nesting season, documentation of nesting events, nest protection from predators and human disturbance, and monitoring of hatchling emergence. The program tracks individual nesting females, counts eggs, and documents nest success rates. The adorable hatchlings ("tortuguitas") represent hope for the recovery of these ancient mariners.
Type: Sea Turtle Conservation, Nesting Monitoring
Species: Hawksbill Sea Turtle, other species
Activities: Beach patrols, nest protection, hatching monitoring