Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline

For some Belizeans eating wild meat is a common practice, and the tradition holds cultural significance for many. With a growing awareness of wildlife conservation within the country we are now learning that some wild animal populations native to the area are declining in alarming numbers and are losing their stronghold in their wild habitat. One such animal is the Hickatee or Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawi). Eating Hickatee is a widespread practice, and collecting pressures are especially heavy leading up to Easter.

One way to determine the viability of a wild animal is by extensive research led by biologists who are experts in their fields. Over a series of time, with thorough population surveys that include locating, capturing, assessing the animals' health and sex, tagging and releasing, the researcher can determine population levels, location concentrations and overall health of the animal in question. These findings are then compared to previous studies (if available) and a new understanding of the animal's status in its environment can be determined. In April and May 2010 a countrywide river survey in search of Hickatee turtles was sponsored by The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and conducted by biologist Thomas Rainwater, Ph.D.

Hickatee turtles are found in three countries including Mexico, where it has experienced catastrophic declines; Guatemala, where the status is poorly known (though heavily hunted); and Belize, where populations are steadily declining but still likely represent the species' stronghold. However, Rainwater's findings indicate a continued downward spiral of population numbers when compared against survey results from the 1980s and 1990s. When large-scale commercial harvesting occurs, populations can crash rapidly and there are several examples of local extinctions in Belize. Regulations and enforcement are currently inadequate to protect the species, not only in Belize but throughout their range.

Hickatee's are ranked Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. To be classified as Critically Endangered, the species must face an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future. In terms of biological diversity, the Hickatee is of very high importance; it is the single living genus and species in this family, which dates back some 56 to 34 million years ago.

In December 2010, the first ever Hickatee Conservation Forum and Workshop was held at the University of Belize (UB), Belmopan Campus. The event was organized by the Turtle Survival Alliance, in collaboration with the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at UB and the Belize Fisheries Department. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together members of the scientific community, government officials, and Belize's extensive NGO community to share information regarding the Hickatee. As a result, the Hickatee Conservation and Monitoring Network was formed. The network is intended to provide a framework for the sharing of information and the development of conservation actions designed to reverse the downward trend that Hickatee populations are undergoing. TSA is in the process of acquiring funding to train, equip and empower various members of the Network. The plan is for Dr. Rainwater to return to Belize in 2011 to conduct a series of training workshops to continue building capacity within Belize to conduct science-based and standardized monitoring of Hickatee populations. The TSA also wants to conduct basic husbandry research into the reproductive biology of the Hickatee, and to set up a series of ponds to test the feasibility of breeding this species under captive but semi-natural conditions in Belize.

The main threat to the Hickatee is over hunting. Hunting regulations do apply in Belize, and include a closed season during the month of May, a take limit (maximum three per individual and five per vehicle), and limits on the size of females that can be killed. In addition, Belize Fisheries regulations state that no person shall buy or sell Hickatee turtle. Recently Hickatee conservationists and stakeholders were outraged when the ban on the sale of game meat without proper permits had been shelved during the annual Ruta Maya canoe race last week. According to a release from the Ministry of Natural Resources, it approved a waiver of all game meal dealer license fees between March 4th and 7th. The Forestry Department later pointed out that the waiver was for the game species that are regulated by the Forest Department, not for Hickatee. The Fisheries Department did, however, issue permits to sell Hickatee at the event in an effort on the part of the department to show their desire to work along with the public and to acknowledge the cultural importance of the event.

The San Pedro Sun


Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 242
M
Offline
M
I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the cultural importance of eating some animal to extinction.

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,461
K
Offline
K
If the Min of NR and Forest dept were serious about the issue, they would have gone into the villages weeks before the race, before the animals were hunted, killed and bought by food vendors to serve at the race. Not after the fact, when vendors looking forward to this small economic windfall, had already bought and paid for the game meat, that are in critical decline. Cultural, yes. Feasible, no.


Belize based travel specialist
www.belize-trips.com
[email protected]
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline

Help Save The Hicatee Turtle

Daniel Velasquez Films
Additional footage by Carol and Richard Foster.


'Hope for Belize's Hicatee: Central American River Turtle'

The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) along with Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE) and Emmy-award winning filmmakers, Richard and Carol Foster, have teamed up to create a 16-minute natural history film. 'Hope for Belize's Hicatee: Central American River Turtle,' features a critically endangered turtle species being intensely harvested for its meat. This film highlights the cultural significance of the hicatee in Belize, the environmental pressures propelling it toward extinction as well as the current work being done in Belize to save the species.

The hicatee is disappearing, but together we can save it.


Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline

Hope for Belize's Hicatee Trailer
BFREE has teamed up with the Turtle Survival Alliance and Carol and Richard Foster to make everyone more aware of the need to protect the few HIcatee turtles that are left. The documentary will be out on October 2nd.

"This trailer shares a brief introduction to the film, 'Hope for Belize's Hicatee: Central American River Turtle' a 16-minute natural history film that will be released on October 2, 2017. The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) along with Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE) and Emmy-award winning filmmakers, Richard and Carol Foster, have teamed up to create this film. 'Hope for Belize's Hicatee: Central American River Turtle,' features a critically endangered turtle species being intensely harvested for its meat. The film highlights the cultural significance of the hicatee in Belize, the environmental pressures propelling it toward extinction as well as the current work being done in Belize to save the species. The hicatee is disappearing, but together we can save it."

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline

'Hope for Belize's Hicatee: Central American River Turtle'
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) along with Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE) and Emmy-award winning filmmakers, Richard and Carol Foster, have teamed up to create a 16-minute natural history film. 'Hope for Belize's Hicatee: Central American River Turtle,' features a critically endangered turtle species being intensely harvested for its meat. This film highlights the cultural significance of the hicatee in Belize, the environmental pressures propelling it toward extinction as well as the current work being done in Belize to save the species.

The hicatee is disappearing, but together we can save it.

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline
Re-Wilding Hicatee Turtles

The fresh water turtle Hicatee faces two problems. One, it is critically endangered in Belize and two, it is considered a delicacy especially in the River Valley communities of Belize.

Today Bfree, an NGO, is re-wilding over 55 Hicatees with the hope to bring up the population and educate the future generation about this endangered species.

The rewinding project happens throughout the year.

[Linked Image]
Click photos for more pictures!


Link Copied to Clipboard
March
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Cayo Espanto
Click for Cayo Espanto, and have your own private island
More Links
Click for exciting and adventurous tours of Belize with Katie Valk!
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 282 guests, and 0 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums44
Topics79,199
Posts500,011
Members20,460
Most Online7,413
Nov 7th, 2021



AmbergrisCaye.com CayeCaulker.org HELP! Visitor Center Goods & Services San Pedro Town
BelizeSearch.com Message Board Lodging Diving Fishing Things to Do History
BelizeNews.com Maps Phonebook Belize Business Directory
BelizeCards.com Picture of the Day

The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members
and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5