Turtle Tracks

What a great turnout we had for our first official turtle release here at Pedregal Beach!  I am so excited about 2014 because we will be able to share many more releases with the residents. Thanks to our Pedregal Realty office (by Coldwell Banker Riveras) and the Diaz Rivera family for the support and resources to make it happen.

The turtle hatchlings we released were Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, which nest from June to December on our beaches. It is estimated that only one out of one thousand will survive to adulthood. The females can lay up to three batches of eggs, and each nest contains approximately 100 eggs. Biologist Dr. Graciela Tiburcio Pintos heads the organization that protects the endangered turtles.  In 2013 alone, they protected and relocated over 600 nests!  They patrol the beaches from the East Cape to Todos Santos and beyond, relocate the nests that are in danger due to beach erosion and transport them to one of their “sanctuaries”.  They dig a new nest in the safe area and mark the date so they know when they will hatch (approximately 45 days).  The hatchlings must be released quickly to give them the best chance of survival.

 I have been asked if we can assist them in purchasing and delivering the metal tags they use to tag the turtles so they can track them to learn more about their habits.  They are requesting 5,000 tags at an approximate cost of $1,700.  I am working to see if I can get someone who is driving down to help with the delivery.  We already have approximately $400 from donations, so we are not too far off.  The company is called, National Band and Tag Company, and I have a copy of the order form.

We still need donations which can be dropped at the Pedregal office (within the development or the one in front of the Pedregal park, behind Romeo & Julieta Restaurant), or contact me, Jennifer Powell at jpowell@cbriveras.com.  Our ultimate goal is to host regular releases to help conserve the endangered turtles and to raise enough to purchase a satellite tag so we will be able to track a turtle to learn about its habits and movements. We are also working on creating a “discovery center” at our sales office so residents and guests can come learn more about the species.

I still have a few more classes to finish my certification to run the release programs, and I look forward to learning more about these amazing animals and working with all of you.  If you are interested in forming a small group of residents to work on this project, please contact me!  2014 is sure to be an exciting year, and I look forward to sharing the experience with all of you.

 For more information about lifestyle in Pedregal Cabo San Lucas contact us at info@pedregal.com, visit www.pedregal.com or call us +52.624.143.0202