MEXICO COUNTRY OF TURTLES

TURTLE CAMP

PROTECCION ECOLOGICA SUBACUATICA A.C.

ACAPULCO - MEXICO


*PROYECT S.O.S. MARINE TURTLE*

LUCES EN EL MAR ON THE PACIFIC OCEAN.

A PROJECT OF WORLD-WIDE IMPORTANCE.

This project has a world-wide significance and all the nations have put their hopes in the commitment of the mexican children to protect and preserve the marine turtle, and the results of this promise, since 7 out of the 8 species known to man reproduce on our shores.

THE TURTLE.

^{The turtle in an important being for the marine world as well as for mankind.}

Although it does not seem so, the turtle's functions within its environment are very important. For example, its favrite food is the jellyfish, which very few animals can eat, as it is toxic. If the turtle should dissappear from the seas, the ocean would be swamped by jellyfish, who in turn live from plancton a very important nurishment for many other species - causing an acute shortage of this vital element.

Another negative effect of overpopulation of jellyfish in the ocean affects directly the human beings, fishermen and swimmers could be badly burned when coming into contact of their tentacles. This can lead to the closure of beaches, as has happened already in Australia.

This are only a few examples of the important role the turtles play in keeping the balance in their environment.

DIFFICULTIES IN THE SURVIVAL OF THE TURTLE.

Ever since the eggs are deposited in their nest, the turtle face survival risks.

On land the nests can get trampeled by cows or horses, or sacked by dogs, pigs, coyotes, foxes, crabs and not to forget, by man.

When they are born and scramble towards the sea they are pursued by gulls, black-burds, bussards who gobble them up and prevent a great number from reaching the water. Once inside the waves they are not safe yet as barracuda, sharks andother predators await them to feed on them as they form part of their food chain.

That way through the natural depredation a great number of turtles never make it to adulthood. Adding to this we have human depredation, so that only 10 % that are 10 out of 100 turtles complete their life circle. Man robs their eggs to eat them, kills them for meat skin and shell, traps them in his fishing-nests where they drown and suffocates them, throwing plastic bags into the water, which they eat mistaking them for jellyfish.

Nevertheless man, his principal enemy, can and must be his savior and protector, helping her to survive. And that is our Project S.O.S. , of which you may form part.

Thanks to our turtle-camps the survival porcentage of the turtles rise from 10 % tp 70%.¡ That is why your colaboration is so important. !

To help you to participate actively in this project, we will present you some data that will widen your knowledgement of sea turtle.

THE TURTLE'S LIFE CYCLE.

This graphic shows the life cycle of the sea turtle, that means since her birth until she is mature enough to reproduce. It is important to point out that she has to get at least 8 years old to reach her sexual maturity and can reproduce. That is very hard for her due to the irrational hunting and killing.

TIPICAL FORMS OF NESTING.

In this graphic we observe tha way the turtle makes her nest and deposites the eggs in it.

a.- Group of the dark-brown turtle and Golfina.

b.- Group of the White turtle, Caguama, Tortoise-shell and Leather-back turtle.

Contrary to general belief, turtles do not cry when depositing their eggs in their nests, as this does not cause them any pain. These tears are secretions to clean their ayes from sand and to keep them humid; remember they live most of the time underwater.

The turtle is one of the long;living animals on earth, it is hnown that they can live to 150 years. Adulthood comes at age 8, from then on they produce eggs twice a year. As they get older, they can produce up to 4 clutches a year, laying between 60 and 140 eggs each time, which gives us an average of 400 eggs a year.

THE FUNCTION OF THE TURTLE SANCTUARIES.

The reason for the sanctuaries is to protec the freshly collected eggs from all kinds of predators, planting them in the artificial nests which are carefully monitored as to humidity, and temperature. A register is kept of the date of recollection, the number of eggs found in each nest, how long the incubation took and how many little turtle were born to each nest. All this helps to fix the porcentage of survival in our sanctuaries.

When they crawl out of their nest, the little turtle are gathered and transferred to a basin with salt water, were thay are kept and for some time to strengthen them before reliesing them into the ocean, so that they have a better chance to survive.

For higher security the sanctuary is surrounded by chickenwire, as to keep animal predators getting to them.

These enclosures should measure at least 2 m in hight and 30 cm into the ground as to offer better protection.

Also you shold remember that those enclosures should be located on high and level ground, free from undergrowth, at least 10 m away from the highest waves.

Here we show you how to do it, so that when you come to the sanctuary, you may be able to apply your knowledge.

You have to be very carefull when harvesting the eggs. For transportation you should use plastik or canvas bags and be careful never to put more than one nests in one bag. Remenber never to let them stand in the sun, nor leave them outside for too long, not topile them up too high nor treat them with negligence: ¡ they are living creatures who depend on you !.

The planting of the eggs must be inmediately afet the recollection and care must be taken not to mix up the different nests. To do so you must form a team: meanwhile one digs the nests, another one must plant the eggs and the next one must write down the number of eggs planted, the number of the nest, the date of depositing, in order to foresee the aprox day they well be born, wich is more or less after 50 days.

HOW TO MAKE THE NEST.

The form of the artificial nests should resemble that of the natural ones as closely as possible. That is why they have to be finished by hand. Observe the graphic and the measurements in it and try to put the eggs into the ample bottom of the nest without exceeding the neck.

In this graphic we show you how the turtle makes her nest and how we can simulate it, taking care of the measurements and that the eggs rest in its ample bottom and not in the neck.

To cover the nest you first throw humid sand over it without preasuring it as not to crush the eggs inside. Afterwards you put a sighn in the center of it with a number and protect it, surrounding with mesh-wire.

The little ones generally start appearing after 50 days. Usually birth starts in the evenings, during night or at dawn. Those who come out during daytime die of insolation, or burns caused by the hot sand or are eaten by predators. One must pay special attention to those stuck at the bottle neck so they will not get burned by the hot sand. As they leave the nest they must be taken inmediately to the pools or to be released into the ocean. Choosing a spot where the waves are not too high, like the bay, an estuary or into the open sea.

CONGRATULATIONS¡ Now you have become a protector of turtles ! Here we give you a memorandum sheet, wich you can fill out with the data of your firts practice.

1.- Date of recollection_______________________________________________________

2.- Number of eggs found_____________________________________________________

3.- Duration of incubation_____________________________________________________

4.- Number of turtles born to your nest___________________________________________

5.- Date of liberation_________________________________________________________

PROTECCION ECOLOGICA SUBACUATICA A.C.

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HOW CAN I HELP?

This activities require fisical an financial aid. If you with to work with us or if you want to get in contact with us and collaborate with the Marine Turtle Protection program, call us at 52 (744) 486-1803 or write to us: P.O.Box 65-C, Acapulco Gro. México C.P. 39350 or send your fax to 52 (744) 486-2343, If you want to make a donation, please write the check out on the name of PROTECCION ECOLOGICA SUBACUATICA A.C.

We would very much like to know your opinion:

You can write to us also thru email .

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