It's World Turtle Day!

Wednesday May 23 is World Turtle day! The day, created by the American Tortoise Rescue, aims to increase knowledge and respect for turtles and tortoises. Encouraging humans to help turtles thrive is a vital part of building a brighter future for the ancient creatures. Panama is home to 4 types of marine turtles, Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys Olivacea) Pacific Green (Chelonia Mydas) Leatherback (Dermochelys Coriacea) and Hawsbill (Eretmochelys imbricate). Their health is an indicator of our environmental health.

Every year, 20,000 - 30,000 sea turtles head to coastlines in Panama to lay their eggs. Among these nesting grounds is The Azuero peninsula on the Pacific coast of Panama. Isla de Canas, an island off southern coast of the peninsula, is one of the most important nesting sites for all 4 species of sea turtles.

In the Azuero peninsula, sea turtle nesting most commonly occurs between the months of September and November; however, nesting can happen as early as May and continued well into December. There is no telling when the turtles will show up, but when they do, they attract humans, some are interested in harvesting their eggs for food, while others are there to protect the eggs.

The turtle populations in the Azuero are at risk, as many of the eggs are being poached. In an effort to maintain the Azuero lineage of turtles, each year volunteers work though the nesting period to protect the eggs.

What can you do to help?

Protect the eggs. Head to Isla Canas and lend a helping hand. For more information on tours to Isla Canas contact Assaf Allouche, owner of El Sitio de Playa Venao, by email at  elsitiopv@gmail.com.

Keep the beaches clean. Protecting the eggs is only half the battle. If the hatchlings make it to the water they will face a whole new set of problems. One problem these hatchlings will experience is the struggle of navigating through garbage. Take your garbage with you after spending a day at the beach.

Help with beach clean ups. Punta Chame is also a known area for turtle nesting! Head out and help clean up the beach this month, you never know when the turtles will arrive!

To learn more about marine turtle in Panama or to get involved with turtle conservation in Panama visit: tortuguias.org