Hawksbill Sea Turtle Research and Conservation in Ecuador
Project Leader
Once thought extinct in the Eastern Pacific, hawksbill turtles are making a comeback in Ecuador. Through research, community work, and conservation action, this project protects every stage of their life cycle and secures vital nesting beaches.
A Rebirth for Hawksbill Turtles in Ecuador
Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are considered critically endangered by the IUCN. Furthermore, hawksbills from the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) are amongst the most threatened populations in the world. In 2007 Equilibrio Azul confirmed hawksbill nesting in Ecuador, a “rebirth” for the species, which was then considered to be functionally extinct in the EPO. Machalilla National Park and its surroundings are now the most important nesting grounds for sea turtles in continental Ecuador and they hold the main index nesting beaches for this species in South America.
PROJECT LEADER
Felipe Vallejo
Felipe Vallejo is one of the founders of Equilibrio Azul and has been working on conservation projects for more than 25 years. He is also a founder and member of regional scientific networks like Migramar, ICAPO and LaudOPO and is part of the IUCN-SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group representing Ecuador. The Equilibrio Azul team is formed by local scientists and community members that work year-round to research and protect the natural environment of Ecuador.
Studying Every Stage of Their Life Cycle and Conservation in Ecuador
In this project we are learning about all their life stages: nesting behavior, their “lost years”, juvenile and pre-adult aggregation areas and identifying habitat use and movements of neonates, juveniles, nesting females and males using top of the line technologies.
We do science for conservation with scientific research and year-round in-the-field conservation work (nest protection, relocation, rehabilitation) as well as working with local communities and with artisanal fishers to develop by-catch reduction strategies and engaging with local authorities to use the information obtained in favor of the conservation of this iconic species. We are also building local capacity with training for students and sea turtle conservation groups form all around the country and work in nesting beach native vegetation restoration.
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