{"id":14060,"date":"2026-06-17T09:10:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=14060"},"modified":"2026-06-16T20:37:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T01:37:43","slug":"five-endangered-sea-turtles-nest-on-panama-shores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/environment\/five-endangered-sea-turtles-nest-on-panama-shores\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Endangered Sea Turtles Nest on Panama Shores"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sea turtles possess a remarkable biological memory that drives them back to the beaches where they were born. In Panama, this natural phenomenon has repeated for millions of years, making the isthmus a critical territory for marine biodiversity protection. The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) confirmed these nesting patterns are active across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A strategic nesting map has been identified for sea turtles in Panama. Key locations include Isla Ca\u00f1as in Los Santos province, La Marinera in Los Santos, Armila in the Guna Yala region, Punta Chame in West Panama, La Barqueta in Chiriqu\u00ed, and Lajas in Chiriqu\u00ed. Between July and December, thousands of females emerge from the sea at night to deposit over one hundred eggs per nest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2019496.5116978546!2d-79.41747702757998!3d8.660215379512886!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8e53033b837d79e1%3A0xcdcbc53fae71d3d2!2sCa%C3%B1as%20Island!5e0!3m2!1sen!2spa!4v1781660081376!5m2!1sen!2spa\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Five Endangered Species Visit Panama Shores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This silent process is essential for population survival. Massive arribadas or mass nesting events occur especially at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oas.org\/en\/sedi\/dsd\/Biodiversity\/Sustainable_Use\/Isla_Canas.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isla Ca\u00f1as Wildlife Refuge<\/a> and Playa La Marinera. Panama receives visits from five sea turtle species: the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and green turtle (Chelonia mydas).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All these species fall under threatened categories according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They receive protection through international agreements such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olive_ridley_sea_turtle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/CITES\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora<\/a>. Panama is a signatory to both treaties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leatherback-sea-turtle-compared-to-human-size-1200x800-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"leatherback sea turtle compared to human size\" class=\"wp-image-14062\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leatherback-sea-turtle-compared-to-human-size-1200x800-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leatherback-sea-turtle-compared-to-human-size-1200x800-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leatherback-sea-turtle-compared-to-human-size-1200x800-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leatherback-sea-turtle-compared-to-human-size-1200x800-1-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leatherback-sea-turtle-compared-to-human-size-1200x800-1-450x300.webp 450w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leatherback-sea-turtle-compared-to-human-size-1200x800-1.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Size of leatherback compared to human By Steve Garvie from Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland &#8211; LEVIATHAN, CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=11947324<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Official Highlights National Conservation Responsibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Digna Barsallo, national director of Coasts and Seas at MiAmbiente, emphasized the importance of Panamanian coastal ecosystems. She made the statements during a recent conservation awareness campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPanama has an enormous responsibility for the conservation of these reptiles, since our beaches contain key nesting routes and sites. Protecting these spaces means caring for the health of our oceans,\u201d Barsallo said. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The survival of these species faces major challenges. Experts estimate that only one in every thousand hatchlings reaches adulthood. Threats include natural predators, marine pollution, habitat loss, and artificial lighting that can disorient them when trying to reach the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-sede-admin-724x960-1.webp\" alt=\"turtles miambiente sede admin\" class=\"wp-image-9270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-sede-admin-724x960-1.webp 724w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-sede-admin-724x960-1-226x300.webp 226w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-sede-admin-724x960-1-150x199.webp 150w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-sede-admin-724x960-1-450x597.webp 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">turtles miambiente sede admin by MiAmbiente PA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ecological Roles and Legal Protections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond their value as natural heritage, turtles perform essential ecological functions. They help balance seagrass beds, control jellyfish populations, and support coral reef stability. These ecosystems relate directly to activities such as artisanal fishing, which sustains coastal communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barsallo reminded the public that Panama has Law 371 from March 1, 2023. This law establishes penalties against the illegal trade and trafficking of sea turtles, their eggs, or derived products. The legislation represents a significant step forward for enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cConservation also depends on citizen participation. Avoiding consumption, respecting the beaches, and reporting environmental crimes makes a real difference,\u201d Barsallo stated. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MiAmbiente reiterated its call for the population to avoid consuming turtle meat and eggs. Officials also warned against purchasing handicrafts made from hawksbill shell, known as carey. These practices put the survival of these ancient species at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nesting season runs through December. Conservation groups and park rangers monitor beaches daily to protect nests from poachers and predators. Volunteers from local communities also participate in patrols and educational programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-1030x687-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"turtles miambiente\" class=\"wp-image-9269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-1030x687-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-1030x687-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-1030x687-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-1030x687-1-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-1030x687-1-450x300.webp 450w, https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turtles-miambiente-1030x687-1.webp 1030w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">turtles realease by MiAmbiente PA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Climate change presents an additional threat to sea turtle populations. Sand temperature determines the sex of hatchlings, with warmer temperatures producing more females. This imbalance could affect long-term reproductive success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Panama&#8217;s Pacific and Caribbean coasts provide diverse nesting habitats. The country&#8217;s position as a biological bridge between North and South America adds to its conservation importance. Protecting these nesting sites helps fulfill international commitments under both the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olive_ridley_sea_turtle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/CITES\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marine biologists continue studying migration patterns using satellite tracking. The data helps identify critical feeding grounds and migration corridors. This research supports the development of marine protected areas and fishing regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oas.org\/en\/sedi\/dsd\/Biodiversity\/Sustainable_Use\/Isla_Canas.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isla Ca\u00f1as Wildlife Refuge<\/a> serves as a model for community-based conservation. Local residents receive training as tour guides and nest monitors. Ecotourism provides economic alternatives to poaching and illegal egg collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MiAmbiente plans to expand monitoring programs to additional beaches next season. The agency also works with coastal municipalities to reduce light pollution near nesting sites. These measures aim to increase hatchling survival rates across the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sea turtles possess a remarkable biological memory that drives them back to the beaches where they were born. In Panama, this natural phenomenon has repeated for millions of years, making the isthmus a critical territory for marine biodiversity protection. The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) confirmed these nesting patterns are active across the country. A strategic<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14061,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[4855,4854,537,4856],"class_list":["post-14060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-environment","tag-panama-beaches","tag-panama-turtles-return-nesting","tag-sea-turtle-conservation","tag-sea-turtle-nesting-panama"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14060","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14060"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14060\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14063,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14060\/revisions\/14063"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14060"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14060"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}