The Alligator Head Foundation acknowledges the devastating decline in sea turtle population, not only in Jamaica, but throughout the wider Caribbean region, and addresses the need for the implementation of conservation strategies. These strategies include protecting nesting sea turtles (female adults), protecting nests, and assisting baby sea turtles through hatching and re-entry to the ocean.
This year in 2018, the Foundation has safely released 1500 live hatchlings, protected 16 nests, monitored 5 returning adult females, and has held successful outreach and awareness programmes to over 400 members of the public, students, and fellow researchers.
Sea turtles are currently listed as endangered or critically endangered according to the IUCN Red list of endangered species, this is due to an increase in poaching of adult turtles, their hatchlings, and even their eggs. There are four (4) species of sea types found in Jamaica – Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead, and Leatherbacks, all of which are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The most common species found nesting on Jamaica’s beaches is theHawksbill turtle, however their decline results from an increase in the disturbance of nesting habitats due to unregulated, and improper planning and development on beaches, as well as poaching, and natural predation of hatchlings and eggs by dogs, ants,and mongooses.
