Births in Brazil’s Largest Turtle Nursery Drop by 75%

Researchers who have monitored these species for decades attribute the sharp decline in turtle hatchlings at Brazil’s largest nursery to extreme climate events. According to data from the Amazon Turtles Project (PQA), only around 350,000 hatchlings are expected in 2024, a significant drop from the 1.4 million recorded last year.

Turtles, tortoises, and freshwater terrapins are the primary focus of the project, with an emphasis on protecting species such as the Amazon River turtle and the yellow-spotted river turtle. The severe reduction in hatchling numbers is linked to delays in reproductive cycles caused by a combination of extreme climatic factors, including record-breaking drought in the northern region, dense smoke from wildfires, unusual river flooding, and high temperatures.

Emergency Action at the Guaporé River

To minimize the losses, an emergency task force was deployed at the Guaporé River in Rondônia, near the border with Bolivia. This region, regarded as the largest natural nursery for turtles in Brazil, is under the watchful eye of the Guaporé Turtle Project. The initiative is led by Ibama in partnership with Ecovale (the Quilombola and Ecological Association of the Guaporé Valley) and supported by Grupo Energisa.

With over 22 years of work, the project aims to protect native Brazilian turtle species, particularly the Amazon River turtle and the yellow-spotted river turtle. The program also focuses on conserving bird species, such as the Southern lapwing and seagulls, as well as reptiles that use the river beaches—known locally as tabuleiros—as nesting grounds.

Challenges and Hope

The current data underscores the urgency of intensifying conservation efforts. Climate change and environmental impacts in the Amazon continue to pose significant challenges to the survival of countless species. However, initiatives like the PQA offer hope that, through coordinated action, it is possible to ensure the recovery and continuation of these animals’ life cycles.

About The Author