Reintroduction of the Loggerhead turtles to Fuerteventura

The turtles eggs that were hatched around November 2006 have produced many healthy young turtles which will be released soon, and a new clutch of eggs will be hatched on to replace them. As loggerhead turtiles reach maturity between 16-40 years this process will have to be repeated for quite a while yet.The turtles are kept in individual buckets at the moment, as they have a tendancy to eat each other. I guess it will be a bit of a shock to them when they are released into the open ocean after swimming round in these buckets!

Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) numbers are low and they are an endangered species, being affected by fishing, coastal development, increased human use of nesting beaches etc. They can travel up to 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers) to return to their breeding grounds.

The Cabildo of Fuerteventura is very keen on conservation issues and are involved in several projects to improve the environment. The turtles can be found by the harbour in Morro Jable, and if you ask you may be able to go in to take a look.

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