Belize Celebrates 74th Hicatee Awareness Month to Protect Endangered Turtles

October 9, 2023
by Larry Waight +

Belize is once again bringing the plight of the Hicatee turtle to the forefront with its 74th annual Hicatee Awareness Month. A series of events and campaigns will shine a spotlight on the Central American River Turtle, affectionately known in Belize as the Hicatee.

Under the theme “PROTECT the HICATEE, for YOU, ME, and all a WE!”, the nation will spend the month of October emphasizing the need to shield this critically endangered species from further harm.

Designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered, the Hicatee has seen its numbers plummet, primarily due to overhunting. Further threats, such as water pollution and deforestation, exacerbate the situation.

What makes the Hicatee unique is its regional exclusivity. “It is fully aquatic and can only be found in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Belize boasts the largest known population,” remarked Yamira Fuentes, the Technical Coordinator for Counter Wildlife Trafficking at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Belize. Notably, the gender color distinction in these turtles is striking, with males boasting a yellow-orange head, in contrast to the olive-tinted females.

Over the years, Hicatee Awareness Month has been instrumental in mobilizing Belizeans towards conservation action. Activities include a wide range of educational campaigns, community outreaches, and strategic collaborations with international conservation bodies.

This year’s lineup, as outlined by Fuentes, features a trivia contest for adults, a recycling art challenge for children aged 7-12, and media appearances in partnership with BFREE and Savannah field station to highlight the Hicatee’s status and ongoing conservation projects.

Traditional hunting practices and habitat preservation are pivotal in Belize’s strategy. The nation has reinforced its commitment to the Hicatee by implementing stringent laws. Regulations include a ban on buying or selling Hicatees, limiting possession to three per person, enforcing a closed hunting season during May, and strict size restrictions, especially for female turtles.

Advertisment

As of now, exact population numbers remain elusive due to the Hicatee’s aquatic nature. Fuentes shared, “Studying them is challenging, but we’re collaborating with various organizations to monitor the species in central Belize.”

Belize’s collaborative approach, combining governmental, non-profit, and community efforts, has made waves. The nation sees a growing number of its citizens informed about and engaged in Hicatee conservation.

The month-long dedication serves as a reminder of Belize’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and the importance of collective effort in the fight to save endangered species.