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Conservation, Protection and Education in Todos Santos, Mexico
Todos Tortugueros A.C. is a non-profit organization dedicated the
protection of endangered sea turtles and their habitat in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur Mexico. The beaches
of Todos Santos are the nesting grounds of Olive Ridley, Black, and Leatherback sea turtles, all of which
are on the endangered species list. Through conservation, education, and egg rescue patrols Todos Tortugueros hopes to replenish
the populations of local sea turtles, and protect their fragile habitat. In the 2007-08 season, working in partnership with ASUPMATOMA over 14,000 Olive Ridley eggs were rescued, and one Leatherback nest protected. Children from four different schools were
involved in regular workshops, festivals, and beach clean-ups. Community members and local fishermen participated in
meetings and conferences on sea turtle conservation. See below for future events where you can participate
in the conservation effort.
Leatherback Nesting Activity in Todos Santos! The first Leatherback of the season nested on October 29, 2008. Teams have now rescued three nests,
representing over 150 criticrally endangered Leatherback eggs. We now know there are at least two, possibly three
leatherbacks who will continue to nest in our region, and since the leatherback nests up to seven times in a season, we are
expecting between 14 and 21 nests this year!
Biologists and Technicians will be incubating
the precious eggs in an Invernadero, which is like a green house. It ensures proper temperatures for optimal survival
of the incubating eggs. Without this Invernadero, the temperature in Todos Santos is too low for leatherback eggs laid
after November 1 to survive. Once the turtles start
hatching, round the clock supervision of the Invernadero will be required, as the high temperatures can be dangerou s to a newly hatched turtle. The first nest should be hatching around December 30, 2008. Muchas Gracias to Biologist Elizabeth Gonzalez, and Rene Pinal of ASUPMATOMA for donating the Invernadero to
Todos Santos. The leatherback now has hope of being brought back from the brink of extinction. For more information on the Leatherback project in Todos Santos, or if you are interested in volunteering
for Leatherback patrols or providing a gas sponsorship, please contact field coordinator Francesca Dvorak at todostortugueros@live.com or in Todos Santos at 145-0353. Hundreds of Baby Turtles Safely Reach the Ocean!
Everyday at sunset hundreds of Olive Ridley Hatchlings are being released at La Cachora Beach in Todos
Santos. Teams have collected 199 Olive Ridley nests since July. This represents approximately 20,000 baby sea
turtles. Hatchling Releases will continue through December 2008. For directions to turtle nursery or to participate
in releases, email todostortugueros@live.com Last updated November 15, 2008
Adopt A Hatchling Program
Adopt A Hatchling Now
Click
on me!
Participate in our Adopt a Hatchling program and help save thousands of sea turtle hatchlings. Participants
recieve a Sea Turtle Birth Certificate, and photo of their hatchling. Proceeds go directly to rescue and care of eggs and
hatchlings. To participate, click on the Hatchling above.
Meet Our Team Members
Biologist Technician
Field Coordinator Irene
Josue
Tomas
Upcoming
Events:
October
2008 Leatherback Patrols Begin November 23
Punta Lobos Beach Clean up 9am
December 30 First Leatherback nest due
to hatch January 2009 Second
annual Leatherback Festival in Todos Santos
Bilingual meetings are held the second Monday of
each month at 6pm downtown in the Centro Cultural. All are Welcome!
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