4 species of sea turtles live in the waters of Cuba:
1 - The leatherback sea turtle is the largest one and can weigh 300 to 700 kg.
2 - The loggerhead turtle is the second largest one, weighing about 90 to 160 pounds and about one meter long.
3 – The green sea turtle, can reach one meter in lenth.
4 – The hawksbill sea turtle is one of the smallest one, not more than 90 cm. Long.
To protect the turtles in Cuba, a management plan has been developed for the regions of the Isle of Youth and Canarreos archipelago in Cayo Largo del Sur. This plan limits the number of turtles that can be caught, and prohibits the capture of turtles below a minimum size set. And prohibits totally their capture during the breeding seasons.
These projects are necessary, effective and urgent worldwide to ensure the survival of this reptile.
We should all help these animals have their natural environment and we can help to:
- Do not disturb them, especially during their mating months from June to August.
- Do not eat turtle eggs, turtle soup or any meal with turtle.
- Do not purchase or use any product made with turtle.
- Support the efforts of nature reserves for turtle nesting. |