Residents near Monagre Beach in Panama’s Los Santos Province discovered a deceased leatherback sea turtle last week. Officials from the Ministry of Environment (Panama) confirmed the incident after responding to a community report on January 17, 2026.
The massive turtle, a species classified as vulnerable, was found stranded with no signs of life. A technical team from the ministry’s Coasts and Seas section and the Protected Areas and Biodiversity unit traveled to the remote location in the Santa Ana district to investigate.
Officials Document and Safely Bury Specimen
Upon arrival, the team found the reptile in an advanced state of decomposition. They still performed a standard biometric evaluation. The measurements revealed the Leatherback sea turtle had a total length of 2.16 meters, approximately seven feet.
Following data collection, officials activated the corresponding environmental protocols for disposal. They decided on a burial to mitigate any public health risks from the decomposing carcass.
“The burial was carried out in the upper part of the beach, in the vegetation zone,” a MiAMBIENTE official stated. [Translated from Spanish] “This action prevents contamination risks in the recreational area of the shoreline.”
The Ministry of Environment (Panama) emphasized that proper handling of dead marine megafauna is a standard ecological and sanitary practice. The procedure ensures nutrients return to the coastal ecosystem without endangering beachgoers.
Local Government Provides Crucial Support
Completing the burial required heavy machinery due to the turtle’s size and the need for a deep grave. The municipality of La Villa de Los Santos provided essential support for the operation.
Municipal authorities supplied an excavator to facilitate the burial process. This inter-agency cooperation allowed environmental workers to inter the remains efficiently and securely on the same day of the discovery.
The incident highlights ongoing threats to marine life in Panamanian waters, even in less developed coastal regions. The province of Los Santos Province is known for its important Pacific coastlines which serve as habitats for several endangered species.
While the cause of this particular turtle’s death remains undetermined due to its decomposed state, the ministry routinely investigates such strandings. Officials record all data into national wildlife monitoring systems. They use the information to track population health trends and identify potential hazards for conservation management.
Environmental authorities encourage the public to continue reporting stranded or deceased marine animals. They ask residents and tourists to contact their nearest regional MiAMBIENTE office immediately. Quick reporting allows for faster response and better data collection, which aids in broader protection efforts for Panama’s vulnerable marine biodiversity.