Tulum, Q.R. — The first leatherback nest in 36 years has been discovered on a Tulum beach. The finding was made over the weekend at Xcacel-Xcacelito and reported by the Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas of the State of Quintana Roo (Ibanqroo).
The agency says it is the first time in 36 years of conservation that a leatherback has been seen laying eggs on the Tulum municipal beach.
Xcacel-Xcacelito has become a prominent tourist attraction for Quintana Roo, while focusing on the protection of these species and the maintenance of their habitat, promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.
The Government of Quintana Roo says it works to guarantee the preservation of the turtles and their habitat in the Sanctuary of the Sea Turtles. In collaboration with various sectors of society, specific strategies and measures are developed to protect these endangered species as well as promote scientific research and continuous monitoring of their population.
In the Xcacel-Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuary, a total of 54,214 white/green turtle nests and 9,030 loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests have been recorded from 1996 to 2022. In addition, a total of of 4,770,850 white/green turtles and 711,891 loggerhead turtle hatchlings were located, they added.
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest in the world weighing between 550 and 2,000 pounds (249 klios to 907 kilos) and growing as long as six feet or 1.8 meters in length.
