Sea Turtle Protection Report Released
For nearly 20 years, Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts and now Quivira Los Cabos have participated in crucial ecological efforts, notably its turtle protection and release program. The resort community believes in educating residents and visitors alike about the importance of active conservation, in this case releasing turtle hatchlings from protected nests. Why carry these critters to the sea? Because turtles offer a meaningful lesson in ecology: Everything is connected.
Sea turtles are part of two vital ecosystems: beaches and marine systems. If sea turtles become extinct, both the marine and beach ecosystems in Los Cabos will weaken. Sea turtles use beaches and the lower dunes to nest and lay approximately 100 eggs per nest. Dune plants use the nutrients from turtle eggs to grow and become stronger. Without the turtles, dune vegetation would lose a major source of nutrients and would not be healthy or strong enough to maintain and anchor the dunes. In time, the beaches would erode and wash away.
With its prime oceanfront setting, Quivira Los Cabos offer guests and residents the opportunity to assist conservation team members as they carry the hatchlings of four endangered species of sea turtles (Loggerhead, Black, Leatherback and Olive Ridley) to the ocean, greatly enhancing their chances of survival.
The 2019-20 Sea Turtle Protection Program report, created in conjunction with the municipality of Los Cabos, assessed the prime turtle nesting period, from mid-July through mid-December. Cabo becomes a sea turtle sanctuary during these months as adult female turtles complete their annual migration to the region. Because the turtle hatchlings are easy prey for natural predators, these gentle reptiles need all the assistance they can get to reach maturity and increase their numbers.
Combining results from two on-site turtle nurseries at Pueblo Bonito Resorts and Quivira Los Cabos the report accounted for a total of 2,222 protected nests, more than 232,000 total eggs collected, and nearly 90,000 total offspring released. A remarkable 88% of the turtle hatchlings were successfully released to the sea.
Onsite biologist Carlos Villalobos extended a heartfelt thank you to “everyone involved who made this possible to achieve this success, which has been an arduous task with excellent results.”
The 2020-21 season is now upon us, and we look forward to sharing our conservation efforts with you once again. By allowing a maximum of only 20 guests per release, and with the implementation of social distancing guidelines and mask requirements, we are able to safely continue guest participation in this wonderful activity.