Wildlife Conservation Mexico Project #51436

Help save 500,000 sea turtle hatchlings in Yucatan

by Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan A.C.

Help save 500,000 sea turtle hatchlings in Yucatan

Project Report | Dec 25, 2024
Saving Sea Turtles: A Look Back at 2024

By Melania Lopez | Sea Turtle Conservation Program Coordinator

As we approach the end of 2024, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your invaluable support. This year, with your help, we achieved remarkable milestones in the conservation of sea turtles on the Yucatán Peninsula. Together, we:

Monitored and protected 79 kilometers of critical nesting beaches in Celestún, El Cuyo, and Holbox.
Conducted 15,336 kilometers of patrols between April and October.
Recorded an incredible 3,229 hawksbill, 4,331 green, and 3 leatherback nests.
Safeguarded 75% of these nests from threats like predation and erosion.
Released 198,910 hawksbill and 340,740 green sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean.
Engaged 642 people in conservation efforts, raising awareness about the vital role sea turtles play in marine ecosystems.

However, the year wasn’t without its challenges. Hurricanes Beryl and Helene significantly eroded sections of our beaches, compromising incubation conditions and destroying some nests. Port closures and mechanical issues with our ATVs also disrupted our monitoring efforts, giving predators like feral dogs and raccoons more opportunities to raid nests.

Despite these setbacks, our team’s dedication and your unwavering support enabled us to successfully release a new generation of sea turtles. We hope that, in a few decades, some of these hatchlings will return to the very beaches where they began their journey.

These challenges have been invaluable learning experiences. As we prepare for the 2025 nesting season, we’re focusing on reducing predation, particularly from feral dogs, and implementing ecosystem-based solutions to restore dunes and combat beach erosion.

Your support makes all this possible, and we hope we can count on you to help us write the next chapter in the conservation and recovery of sea turtles on the Yucatán Peninsula. If you’re inspired by our work, consider becoming a monthly donor or encouraging others to join this critical mission.

From all of us, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season. Thank you for being part of our sea turtle conservation family.

Warm regards,

The sea turtle team at Pronatura Península de Yucatán.

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