Park rangers from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE), along with NGOs, foundations, and specialist groups, have relocated 438 leatherback turtle eggs in Manabí province as part of ongoing conservation efforts. The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest sea turtle species and is classified as Critically Endangered in the eastern Pacific.
The eggs were moved following official conservation and biosecurity protocols. Relocations took place at Crucita beach (48 eggs), San Clemente (90 eggs), San Lorenzo (120 eggs), and Puerto Cabuyal, where five nests were identified and three were relocated, totaling approximately 180 eggs. The nests had been found in unsuitable areas exposed to high tides, coastal erosion, or human activity.
Major threats to the species include predation by feral dogs, vehicle traffic on beaches, nighttime tourism activities, light pollution, and extreme weather events.
During this nesting season—spanning September to March—the MAE has recorded eight nests along the coast of Manabí province and noted two reproductive females. This marks an increase compared to previous years. In Ecuador, peak nesting occurs between December and February.
Since 2015, the MAE has conducted permanent monitoring through its Subsecretariat for Natural Heritage, Subsecretariat for Coastal Marine Affairs, Oceanic Directorate Zone 4. Measures include signage for nest protection, response to biological emergencies such as strandings or flooding, public outreach with tourism operators and artisanal fishers, as well as coordination with local governments, NGOs, and coastal communities.
“The Ministry of Environment and Energy reaffirms its commitment to protecting these migratory marine species and conserving natural heritage under technical, scientific criteria and social responsibility principles together with strong support from WildAid and Fundación Contamos Contigo,” according to a ministry statement. “It also urges citizens to report sightings of turtles or nests by contacting ECU 911 or environmental authorities.”
