WWF Guianas: Safeguarding our Marine Turtles
Guyana Chronicle
March 25, 2007
WWF Guianas is a non-profit environmental organization based in Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. We are a sub-office of the World Wildlife Fund International network whose primary function is the protection of the world’s wildlife and ecosystems. WWF Guianas currently works on forest, species and freshwater conservation. Its species programme is designed to help protect many of the region’s endangered and rapidly disappearing fauna and flora. One species of very special concern are marine turtles. As part of a conservation effort, WWF Guianas is pleased to share the following important information.
Threats to Marine Turtles
MARINE turtles face many threats during their lifespan. From the time that they hatch from their sandy nests, to the age of maturity and beyond, there are many dangers that must be avoided.
Egg Poaching
When turtle eggs are laid they must remain in the sand for about 60 days before they hatch. However, many turtles never even get the chance to hatch as persons and wild animals dig up the nests and consume the eggs. Many countries are working hard to protect their turtle populations by restricting the collection and consumption of turtle eggs. In Guyana it is ILLEGAL to collect and eat turtle eggs!
Predation of Hatchlings
For the eggs that have not been consumed, if conditions are right, they will hatch into small turtles or hatchlings. These little turtles struggle to the surface of the nest and then scrambling along the beach to the sea.
They must move fast to avoid being eaten by birds, crabs, and other wild animals. Once they get to the water, the dangers continue as many fall prey to large fish. It is estimated that only a small percentage of the hatchlings survive these first days.
Juvenile turtles and young adults must also learn to avoid predators and fishing nets, as well as survive illness as a result of marine pollution.
Quiz q: Describe two ways in which turtle eggs may be protected from poaching (illegal collections). Please send answers to:
TURTLES
WWF Guianas
87A Ituni Street
Bel Air Park,
Georgetown,
Guyana