TURTLE TRACKS SEEN FOR THE FIRST TIME AT PUNTA GRUESA!

The beaches along the Caribbean coast of Mexico are important nesting grounds for two endangered species of marine turtles, the Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) and the Green sea turtle (Chelonia Mydas) during the nesting season from May to October. After mating at sea the females will crawl up onto the beach at night and dig an egg chamber using their flippers before laying the eggs inside. Once finished they cover the nest with care before returning to the ocean.

The lucky volunteers at the Pez Maya base have had the chance to see some hatchling turtles emerging from nests along their beach already this season. This is a luxury that the volunteers at Punta Gruesa do not usually get the chance to see on base. However, one morning this phase whilst happily raking the beach, we stumbled across the tracks of what was likely to have been a Loggerhead turtle! Unfortunately she decided not to nest, most likely due to disturbance from dogs from neighbouring properties and other factors. We are keeping our eyes peeled for any other signs of turtle activity and who knows, in the future our beaches may become more popular amongst these beautiful creatures.

Watch this space!

Gen (Base Manager in Punta Gruesa)

TURTLE TRACKS SEEN FOR THE FIRST TIME AT PUNTA GRUESA!