Marine turtles have lived in the oceans for over 100 million years. They are an integral part of the traditional culture of many coastal indigenous peoples throughout the world, including those in Guyana.

Marine turtles have a large shell called a carapace, four strong, paddle-like flippers and like all reptiles, lungs for breathing air. The characteristic beak-like mouth is used to rip or crush food.

All marine turtle species are experiencing serious threats to their survival. The main threats are pollution and changes to important turtle habitats, especially coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests and nesting beaches. Other threats include accidental drowning in fishing gear, over-harvesting of turtles and eggs, and predation of eggs and hatchlings by stray and wild animals on the nesting beaches. Because turtles are endangered, it is important that where possible, action be taken to reduce threats to the survival of turtles. Everyone needs to play their part.

Question: What can people from coastal communities, who live close to nesting sites of marine turtles, do to protect these reptiles which are part of their heritage?

Please send answers to:

TURTLES

WWF Guianas

87A Ituni Street

Bel Air Park,

Georgetown.

WWF Guianas is a non-profit environmental organization based in Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. We are a sub-office of the World Wildlife Fund International network whose primary function is the protection of the world’s wildlife and ecosystems. WWF Guianas currently works on forest, species and freshwater conservation. Its species programme is designed to help protect many of the region’s endangered and rapidly disappearing fauna and flora. One species of very special concern are marine turtles. As part of a conservation effort, WWF Guianas is pleased to share this important information.