Join us this October as we raise awareness of the endangered turtles of Belize, and ways you can help them this Hicatee Awareness Month!
Hicatee Awareness Month began in 2017 to draw attention to the status of Belize’s only Critically Endangered reptile, the Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii), known locally as the “Hicatee”. Eight years later, the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) and their NGO international and local partners including Turtle Survival Alliance, Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic, WCS Belize, Community Baboon Sanctuary and Savannah Field Station continue to champion the protection of this turtle and the rivers, lagoons and other freshwater systems it calls home.
This year’s theme, “Hicatee and Friends,” was selected by UB student, Samih Young, and IJC student, Andrew Choco, during their summer jobs at the BFREE Field Station in the Toledo District. As part of their Science and Education Fellowship Program, Young, Choco and their student colleague, Heston Castillo, were assigned to help develop themes and content for the 2024 Hicatee Awareness Month campaign. Because Belize is home to nine species of Freshwater turtles, the theme grew from the idea that the Hicatee isn’t the only turtle that has value or is suffering declining populations in the country.
Young and Choco learned about Belize’s turtles during their participation in an annual survey of freshwater turtle species on the BFREE Reserve. This survey is a collaboration with Turtle Survival Alliance and was designed to fill in knowledge gaps for as many Belizean freshwater turtle species as possible. Long-term population demographics including population estimates, survivability over time, sex ratios, density, biomass, and growth are largely unknown for these species.
Young states, “I thought ‘Hicatee and Friends’ was the best theme this year because, while in the past we have focused on the Hicatee due to its Critically Endangered population status, it is important to recognize and promote knowledge about all of Belize’s turtles. With knowledge comes power and through this theme, we aim to empower people by sharing information about all nine species of freshwater turtles, encouraging a deeper understanding and connection to our entire ecosystem.”
With the new theme and new materials, BFREE is collaborating with Independence Junior College, University of Belize’s Environmental Club, and Sacred Heart Junior College so that students, “Hicatee Ambassadors,” are the ones implementing the outreach events using materials created by the Hicatee Awareness Month planning committee and collaborators. This month, BFREE and its student collaborators have over 15 school and community presentations scheduled during October.
Jaren Serano, BFREE Dermatemys Program Coordinator states, “This month-long event plays a vital role in fostering community participation and enhancing the effectiveness of conservation efforts for the critically endangered Central American River Turtle. By dedicating time to raising awareness of the species’ status, the initiative helps inform local communities about the Hicatee’s cultural and ecological significance. Hicatee Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between conservation, cultural heritage, and community-driven action. This makes it an essential tool for promoting the long-term survival of this unique species as well as all freshwater turtles in Belize.”
The first event will take place on Wednesday, October 2nd at 3:00 PM EST, and will be hosted by the University of Belize. This presentation by Mr. Jaren Serano is entitled “Ten Years of Conservation Work Originating from the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center (HCRC)” and will be accessible virtually. Get the full details here!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for information on more events happening during this October’s month-long celebration, and how you can help Belize’s turtles.
Header image: A Juvenile Hicatee at the Hicatee Conservation & Research Center.
All Photos Courtesy of Heather Barrett, BFREE.
