Every Turtle Has a Story: My Volunteer Experience with NAFTRG at BFREE

By Ashira Rancharan

Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the North American Freshwater Turtle and Tortoise Research Group (NAFTRG) during their freshwater turtle survey at BFREE. I participated in the first five days of the survey, an incredible experience that deepened my appreciation for the different native turtles in Belize, and taught me about the multi faceted process that is turtle conservation. Not only does it involve finding turtles, but also patience and teamwork, thorough data collection and knowledge of the species and their habitats.

NAFTRG's work focuses on understanding turtle population habitat use, species diversity, and the threats these animals face. By collecting scientific data over time, researchers monitor population trends and provide information that supports conservation efforts. During my short volunteer time, I came to understand how much preparation and patience are needed for wildlife research. Every day is different; at times, early morning, we packed our field equipment before heading to different habitats across the BFREE property. Sometimes we snorkeled in rivers, searched for seasonal pools by hand, and checked baited traps set the previous day. The traps were baited with sardines and carefully placed in areas where turtles were likely to occur. Some days we captured several turtles, while other days the traps were empty. And I learned that even if days go by without adding any new data, all follow-up activities are essential.

Once the turtles were captured, they were transported to the process station. This quickly became my favorite part of the survey because I could see how every turtle told a different story. Researchers identified the species through measurements, every one serving a different purpose. Measuring shell length and width helps researchers estimate growth rate, determine age class, understand body condition, and compare turtle populations over time. Each turtle has an ID, marked in two ways: shell notching acts as a permanent identification number, and a PIT tag allows researchers to identify larger turtles if they are recaptured during future surveys.

The first species I noticed was between the white-lipped mud turtle, which is often the most common. It has a smooth brown shell and a distinctive pale lip that gives it its name. Compared to the other species, it is calmer to handle, although it still becomes defensive when disturbed. The tabasco mud turtle looked quite different, with a more domed shell and noticeable ridges running along the top.  But more than that was its personality, as it seemed more energetic and determined to escape, constantly moving around whenever it was handled. We even found some of the turtles in a temporary pool, where they had run to— it made me appreciate how specialized its habitat preferences are.

 The Mesoamerican slider was one of my favorites, identifiable by the bright yellow stripes on its head and neck. Its larger, flatter shell also made it stand out immediately. Unlike mud turtles, sliders are excellent swimmers and much quicker to retreat into the water. Watching them swim made clear to me how perfectly adapted they are to the river and lagoon.

The northern giant musk turtle caught my attention because of its size and powerful appearance. It has a large head and a dark shell with strong ridges and jaws.  Handling this species required extra caution, and reminded me of how important experience and proper handling techniques are in wildlife research. Even though it had an intimidating appearance, it was fascinating to observe such a unique species up close while learning about its role in Belize's freshwater ecosystems.

  But the most impressive turtle I encountered was the Central American Snapping turtle. The first one I saw was juvenile, but we soon got an adult, which had a long, saw-toothed tail, a large head, and a powerful, hooked beak, giving it an almost prehistoric appearance. Unlike many turtles that retreat into their shell, snapping turtles rely on their strength and defensive behavior to protect themselves.  Seeing both a juvenile and an adult helped me appreciate how much these turtles change as they grow and why they are such interesting species to study.

By the end of the survey, I no longer saw turtles as simply different. Instead, I began to consider individual turtles based on their appearance, behavior, habitat, and contribution to Belize's ecosystem. I enjoyed watching these differences firsthand. It was one of the most rewarding parts of my volunteer experience and completely changed the way I think about freshwater turtles. Overall, these experiences gave me a much greater appreciation for the freshwater turtle in Belize. Volunteering with NAFTRG was more than learning about turtles: it was an opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation research work alongside experienced scientists and gain practical filed skills that I will carry with me throughout my career. It was a good reminder that effective conservation begins with good science. I am grateful to have played a small role in helping protect Belize's incredible freshwater biodiversity.