Hicatee Awareness Month began in 2017 to draw attention to the status of Belize’s only critically endangered reptile, the Central American River Turtle locally called “Hicatee”. Eight years later, BFREE and our NGO international and local partners including Turtle Survival Alliance, Zoo New England, Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic, WCS Belize, Community Baboon Sanctuary and Savannah Field Station continue to champion the protection of this turtle and the rivers, lagoons and other freshwater systems it calls home.
This year’s theme, “Hicatee and Friends,” was selected by University of Belize student, Samih Young, and Independence Junior College student, Andrew Choco, during their summer jobs at the BFREE Field Station. As part of their Science and Education Fellowship Program, Young, Choco and their student colleague, Heston Castillo, were assigned to help develop themes and content for the 2024 Hicatee Awareness Month campaign. Because Belize is home to nine species of Freshwater turtles, the theme grew from the idea that the Hicatee isn’t the only turtle that has value or is suffering declining populations in the country.
Young and Choco learned about Belize’s turtles during their participation in an annual survey of freshwater turtle species on the BFREE Reserve. This survey is a collaboration between BFREE and the Turtle Survival Alliance and was designed to fill in knowledge gaps for as many Belizean inland and freshwater turtle species as possible. Long-term population demographics including population estimates, survivability over time, sex ratios, density, biomass, and growth are largely unknown for these species.
Young states, “I thought “Hicatee and Friends” was the best theme this year because, while in the past we have focused on the Hicatee due to its critically endangered population status, it is important to recognize and promote knowledge about all of Belize’s turtles. With knowledge comes power and through this theme, we aim to empower people by sharing information about all nine species of inland and freshwater turtles, encouraging a deeper understanding and connection to our entire ecosystem.”
Resources and Outreach
With the new theme and new materials, BFREE is collaborating with Independence Junior College, University of Belize’s Environmental Club, and Sacred Heart Junior College so that students, “Hicatee Ambassadors,” are the ones implementing the outreach events using materials created by the Hicatee Awareness Month planning committee and collaborators. This month, BFREE and its student collaborators have over 15 school and community presentations scheduled during October.
Jaren Serano, BFREE Dermatemys Program Coordinator states, ” This month-long event plays a vital role in fostering community participation and enhancing the effectiveness of conservation efforts for the critically endangered Dermatemys mawii (Hicatee turtle). By dedicating time to raising awareness of the species’ endangered status, the initiative helps inform local communities about the Hicatee’s cultural and ecological significance. Hicatee Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between conservation, cultural heritage, and community-driven action. This makes it an essential tool for promoting the long-term survival of this unique species as well as all freshwater turtles in Belize.”
The first event took place on Wednesday, October 2nd and was co-hosted by University of Belize Environmental Club and BFREE. This online presentation by Mr. Jaren Serano was entitled “Celebrating Ten Years of Conservation Work at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center (HCRC) in Belize,” and was made available to university students throughout Belize.
Visit Facebook or Instagram for details on events happening during this October’s month-long celebration. Resources for educators can be found here.
Belize is lucky to be home to both mud and musk turtles belonging to the Kinosternidae family. In science, a family is a group of related species that share similar traits. These traits can include their habitat or diet. The shared characteristics among these species indicate their close relationship, just like how family members at home often share common features and habits. Three (3) mud turtles can be found in the slow-moving waters of Belize.
They are relatively small turtles; the largest of the three is commonly known as the White-lipped mud turtle or scientifically known as Kinosternon leucostomum. They can grow up to seven (7) inches in length. The middle guy is commonly known as Red-cheeked mud turtle and scientifically known as Kinosternon scorpioides. They can grow up to six (6) inches. The smallest of the three is commonly known as the Tabasco mud turtle and scientifically known as Kinosternon acutum. They only grow up to five (5) inches.
Being mud turtles, they are similar in many ways. They are all omnivorous which means they eat both animal and plant material. Mud turtles can consume anything from fish to aquatic plants. They all possess hinges located on both ends of the plastron which allow them to close their shells tightly around their bodies. This unique feature helps them protect themselves from predators such as raccoons, herons, tapirs, and even other turtles. They don’t sit in the sun to bask like other turtles; instead they love to be buried under dead leaves or mud at the bottom of water bodies which is why they get the name “mud turtles”. Like many other turtles, mud turtles aestivate during the dry season when it is too hot; aestivation is similar to hibernation in cold climates. During this long period of rest they conserve energy and stay safe from extreme heat. They resurface when the temperatures become cooler.
Now let’s look at what makes each one unique and how one may identify them.
White-lipped mud turtle
Starting with the largest of them all, the White-lipped mud turtle is endemic to both Central America and South America. Endemic means that this turtle species is native to and exclusively found in these regions, meaning it does not naturally occur anywhere else They get their name simply because their lip appears white. The scientific name also relays this; Leukos translates to white, and stoma translates to the mouth. They also have a local name, many people in Belize know them as swanca. The males often grow larger than females from this species. Besides having a white lip, they have an oval shaped shell. The carapace which is the top portion of the shell is a brown color, and the plastron which is the bottom portion of the shell is a rust color. The head of a White-lipped mud turtle is a black color with two distinctive yellowish stripes going parallel behind both eyes. They prefer to be in shallow, clear water that does not exceed one meter in depth.
Red-cheeked mud turtle
Red-cheeked mud turtles are also known as Scorpion mud turtle. They got their name because their tail looks similar to a scorpion tail. These small turtles can be found in the Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Belize. They have a pale brown or olive to black carapace and their plastron can be yellow, orange, black or gray. The color of their heads also varies in different shades of red, orange and yellow. They prefer permanent and ephemeral water bodies such as small streams, marshes and ponds. Even though these mud turtles are omnivores, they eat more animal than plant material- their diet consists of 65% animal material. One of their main predators is another turtle Staurotypus triporcatus, Northern Giant Musk Turtle.
Tabasco mud turtle
The smallest of the three, the Tabasco mud turtle or Kinsoternon acutum gets its name from having a sharp plastron. The word acuta translates to sharp plastron. The female of this species normally grows larger than the male. These turtles are similar to the white-lipped mud turtle. They have a dark brown carapace and a yellow to pale brown plastron. The head and forelimbs are patterned with red, yellow and black colorations. They prefer semi-terrestrial habitats such as ponds. Their diet is mainly earthworms, insects and snails.
Please Respect All Turtles!
Mud turtles are cute but they don’t make good pets. Mud turtles are on the grouchy side and will bite with their curved beaks if they feel provoked or nervous. This is one of several reasons to avoid picking up or touching a mud turtle unless it’s absolutely necessary.
As part of Earth Day festivities, Heather Barrett, Deputy Director, and Jaren Serano, Dermatemys Program Coordinator with the support of Wildlife Education Fellow, Samih Young, delivered workshops at Sacred Heart Junior College and University of Belize. Over 60 students in Natural Resource Management and Biology as well as four educators participated in the workshops held on April 24th and 25th. The aim was to engage future conservationists and advocates by teaching current engagement methods, sharing existing resources and brainstorming additional opportunities. The workshop was centered around the critically endangered Hicatee turtle but also focused on the bigger picture of the conservation and protection of the watershed and its connected landscape.
SHJC student expressing her opinions about possible ways to play a role in positive changeSHJC posting suggestions on how they can play an active role as an advocate for Hicatee ConservationJaren, a graduate of SHJC, has returned many times to engage current studentsSHJC students discussing ways their school could take actionSHJC students reviewing BFREE educational outreach resources
The first part of the workshop provided background information and included a demonstration on conducting effective educational outreach presentations utilizing the Hicatee Awareness Month power point created as one of last year’s awareness materials. The second half of the session involved engaging students in independent thought and discussion during three breakout sessions.
Student’s answer to personal action she could take as an advocateStudents reviewing BFREE educational outreach resources UB students discussing the outreach materialsThe workshop at University of Belize was hosted in collaboration with the UB Environmental Club. The Club presented Jaren and Heather with t-shirts to show appreciation.
Questions in the breakout sessions aimed to identify strategies and resources for engaging various stakeholders in advocating for Hicatee conservation (as well as the conservation of Belize’s natural resources overall), fostering countrywide awareness and equipping advocates. This collaborative effort allowed for the sharing of ideas and perspectives. Both sessions proved to be highly interactive, with all participants contributing brilliant ideas and thoughtful activities. The workshop concluded with the BFREE staff presenting a poster highlighting the first ten years of work at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center to school leaderships as a token of appreciation for their partnership.
BFREE presenting UB Environmental Club’s Advisor, Dr. Pio Saqui, a token of appreciation for the collaboration BFREE presenting Sacred Heart Junior College’s Dean, Fermin Magaña and NRM Professory, Ingrid Rodriguez, a poster for their ongoing partnership in promoting Hicatee conservation in Belize.
Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations without whom this workshop would not have been possible:
Ingrid Rodriguez, NRM Professor at Sacred Heart Junior College, Dr. Pio Saqui, Samih Young and the UB Environmental Club for their coordination of these events; Disney Conservation Fund and Turtle Survival Alliance for their financial support that made these workshops a reality.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1726.jpg10661600Jaren Serano and Samih Younghttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngJaren Serano and Samih Young2024-04-28 00:07:252024-04-28 01:50:34Student Advocate Workshops for Earth Day
This month, Samih Young joined the team and is taking on a brand new role within the BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program. She joins as the Wildlife Education Fellow and will be collaborating on outreach programming and communications while also supporting work taking place at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center. She’ll be an important contributor to Hicatee Awareness Month as well as other educational programming taking place this year. Samih is currently completing the last semester in her associate’s degree at University of Belize and is an active member of the university’s Environmental Club.
Samih is jumping right in to work with BFREE. Currently, she is helping to organize an Earth Day event at University of Belize with Jaren Serano, Dermatemys Program Coordinator and Heather Barrett, Deputy Director. On April 25, the team will lead a workshop for students in the Environmental Club called, “Empowering Student Advocates: Turning Ideas into Conservation Action.”
Jacob Marlin teaches Samih and other guests about snakes in BelizeAbraham Alvarez and Samih were both selected from a pool of competitive applicants to participate in the health assessment.Samih quickly learned to weigh, measure and correctly handle Hicatee turtles of all sizesSamih spent four days at BFREE collaborating with staff, partners and volunteers to review the health of the captive turtles at the HCRC.
In her own words
Hi there! My name is Samih Young and I’m originally from Belize City, I spent my formative years soaking up the wonders of nature on the cayes, which ignited my passion for the environment. As a little girl, I dreamt of becoming a marine biologist, but my journey took a slight detour when I pursued my associate’s degree in Natural Resource Management. However, this decision opened my eyes to the beauty of terrestrial conservation, and I knew I had found my calling.
As someone deeply rooted in Belizean landscapes, I carry a profound appreciation for our country’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage. My upbringing in the coastal regions instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility towards protecting our environment for future generations. This connection to Belize’s ecosystems fuels my dedication to conservation efforts, and I am eager to channel this passion into meaningful action at BFREE.
Nature has always been my sanctuary, evoking a sense of belonging unlike anything else – well, except for music, which holds a special place in my heart. My recent experience assisting the team at BFREE with the annual Hicatee Health Assessment was truly inspiring. Surrounded by individuals from diverse backgrounds, we shared a common mission: ensuring the well-being of the remarkable hicatee. Witnessing such dedication reaffirmed my commitment to conservation. It was not only the hicatee turtles that made me fall in love with the place but the level of biodiversity the reserve has. My first morning at the reserve I was awakened by the calls of howler monkeys, a symphony of nature that stirred my soul. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I savored every moment, eagerly anticipating the dawn of the next day amidst such natural splendor.
Growing up in the city, I often felt like an outlier in my passion for the environment. But witnessing the global effort to safeguard the hicatee at BFREE filled me with hope and determination. I know BFREE is the right place for me because being there made me fall in love with a species that I was only seeing for the first time. I’m enthusiastic about potentially making a long lasting positive change and I am thrilled at the prospect of learning from and collaborating with this dynamic team at BFREE.
The February 2024 Hicatee Health Assessment brought together partners from Wildlife Conservation Society, Turtle Survival Alliance, Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic and Savannah Field Station to assess the health of the captive turtles at the HCRC.
Special Thanks
The BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program exists thanks to the support of partners and individuals who believe in the importance of providing work-training opportunities to young professionals aspiring to have a career in conservation. Thanks in particular to Zoo New England for providing funding for this new and critical position.
Pictures provided by Jaren Serano, Abraham Alvarez, and Heather Barrett.
BFREE and our international partner in turtle conservation, Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), are extremely proud to announce that Thomas Pop, manager of the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center was chosen as a Disney Conservation Hero. Tom has been recognized for over twelve years of tireless efforts to conserve the critically endangered Central American River Turtle, called Hicatee here in Belize.
Every year, the Disney Conservation Fund selects a handful of Conservation Heroes from around the world to highlight the conservation efforts of local citizens and their actions to save wildlife, protect habitats, and inspire communities to engage in conservation. Since 2004, Disney has honored more than 200 Conservation Heroes from more than 50 countries around the world.
About Tom Pop
Thomas “Tom” Pop began work with the HCRC in 2014 immediately after construction was completed. Located at BFREE, the HCRC was a brand-new project seeking to ensure the survival of the Central American River Turtle and it needed a manager who was trusted and had already proven their competency. Tom was hand-picked for the role by BFREE Executive Director, Jacob Marlin, who met him over 20 years before and had employed him consistently since then.
Tom is a Q’uechi’ Maya Belizean who was living in a small bush camp in an area called Chun Bank just across the river from the BFREE reserve. During the course of his youth, he worked as a logger who was excellent at his job. He was expertly skilled at felling massive trees throughout northern Belize.
When Jacob moved onto the BFREE reserve in 1995, his goal was to set up a field station and support the management of the neighboring Bladen Nature Reserve. He received a lease to live on and manage the 1,153-acre private property, which was covered in lowland tropical rainforest, but he couldn’t find the survey markers that define the edges of the property. After endless and unsuccessful searching, he asked his Mayan neighbors across the river if anyone knew about these small stone markers and if they could help him find them. The smiling, eager teenager who stepped forward to achieve the task, was a young Tom Pop.
Tom easily navigated through the forest and quickly found the first marker that Jacob needed to begin to establish the location of the property. Tom’s delightful nature, his remarkable skill in the jungle, and his constant curiosity about the world around him, made Jacob take note and remember him. A few years later, when Jacob needed to hire the first Park Rangers for the Bladen Nature Reserve, Tom applied to fill the role and was selected. By then, Tom had moved from Deep River Forest Reserve about 10 miles south to the village of Golden Stream.
Over the course of the next two decades, Tom served countless roles associated with BFREE’s conservation programs. Following his role as a ranger with the Bladen Nature Reserve, Tom filled jobs as they were offered and needed at the field station. The rainforest facility didn’t operate year-round in the beginning, so Tom’s work came in bits and pieces and often involved supporting visiting researchers. Each came to respect and value Tom’s skills and company so much that they requested to work with him above all other field technicians. Because of his skills and attitude, he has supported research on everything from birds to fish to turtles to sedges. To this day, Tom is beyond compare in the field – he is an excellent bush guide, has exceptional observation skills and is a quick study. Tom is always curious and always a bounty of energy and can move farther and faster than anyone else on the team.
When asked about where his love and understanding for wildlife and wild places came from, Tom simply replied, “It was born in me. From a young child, I followed the streams to learn where they would take me. I could look at that Ceiba tree in the distant forest and, in my mind, I could see the straight line that connected me to it, so I would go.”
Tom holding “Stubby” the Hicatee during a health assessmentTom helped out at the Turtle Survival Center while visiting in 2022
In 2010, Tom was selected as the lead field technician for Dr. Thomas Rainwater in the Turtle Survival Alliance’s country-wide aquatic survey to determine the status of the Critically Endangered Hicatee turtle. Tom worked tirelessly day and night for three months to survey river systems and lagoons across the country where Hicatee had been found during surveys 25 years before, and in several locations never surveyed.
Rainwater recounted, “Prior to the countrywide survey, it was suggested to me that Tom Pop would be a great field assistant because of his familiarity with the wetlands and forests of Belize and his diverse skillset, which ranged from capturing and handling wildlife to mechanical repair of vehicles and engines to cooking to swimming, climbing, and cutting trails to masterfully interacting with different groups of people (e.g., scientists, wildlife hunters/poachers, law enforcement officials, local villagers, students, etc.) in a variety of settings. That advice was the key to the success of our survey. Tom was hired, performed as advertised, and further, greatly exceeded expectations. We achieved our goal because of him. We are all fortunate Tom became involved with the hicatee survey and has since taken ownership of overseeing the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center at BFREE. It’s sobering to me to think of how much talent, passion, and conservation productivity might never have been realized if Tom had not been given that initial opportunity to assist with the survey. He has and continues to do amazing work, which he loves, and he is a strong and crucial example to others and Belize (and elsewhere) that anyone (and everyone) can make a significant difference in wildlife conservation”.
Tom views his work at the HCRC as part of his life’s journey. Although this has been his job, he has never treated his work like a job. This jungle is his home, his co-workers and researchers are his brothers and sisters, and these turtles are his children. There is never a question of “if” Tom will give 100% – he always does to those animals and plants who need him.
A few words from some who know and admire Tom
“Tom sees every turtle as one of his own and he aspires to re-populate the entire country of Belize with the turtles raised at the HCRC. Tom is also an educator. He has shown me different functions of animals within ecosystems, Hicatee behavior and most of all, he gave me an appreciation for the wildlife around. His is an inspiration and it’s a privilege to learn from him. I can’t think of a better person than Tom for this Disney Conservation Hero award. Congratulations, Tom!” Barney Hall, Wildlife Fellow at BFREE.
Steven Brewer, Plant Ecologist, Trees of Belize project, stated “I have worked and been friends with Tom for over twenty years. We have hiked and explored deep into Belizean rainforests, living and working among the tremendous challenges and wonders that accompany an unforgiving and remote tropical environment. Through it all, what stands out about Tom is his passion for learning about and connecting to Nature. Tom has a strong memory and keen eye for detail, discerning characteristics of plants and animals that would escape most scientists. For example, I have been impressed with Tom’s ability to look for and find plant species that I showed him only once or twice.”
Jacob Marlin of BFREE stated of Tom, “Broadly speaking, his wide breadth of knowledge of flora and fauna makes him a highly sought-after field biologist. He has supported the discovery of new species, long-term studies that have led toward all kinds of knowledge outputs including publications, books, presentations, documentaries.”
“Tom is not only a work colleague – he is a mentor and a dear friend. He encourages me to see the world around me for what it is – delightful and worthy of my attention. Tom’s smile makes me smile. His curiosity feeds my own. Together, we are explorers and anything is possible.” Heather Barrett, BFREE.
“For Tom, wildlife preservation and nurturing the next generation of conservationists aren’t merely tasks; they’re a way of life. His passion transcends mere profession, reflecting a deep-seated commitment ingrained in every aspect of his being. Today, we celebrate Tom Pop—an exemplar of conservation excellence, whose influence reverberates far beyond the boundaries of BFREE.” Jaren Serano, Dermatemys Program Coordinator, BFREE.
Jonathan Dubon, Jacob Marlin, Andy Denault, Thomas Pop, Heather Barrett and Rick Hudson celebrate Tom’s achievement at a private award’s ceremony during the 20th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles in Tucson, Arizona.
Interview with Tom about his work with the Hicatee
Upon receiving the award, I interviewed Tom about his conservation work.
What inspires you and keeps you motivated to study and conserve Hicatee turtles each day?
A lot of things inspire me here in Belize. Especially in the forest and at work. Everything around me motivates me: birds, wildlife, everything. I especially love and have taken responsibility for the Hicatee turtle because, I believe if I become the best at saving and protecting this turtle then I am saving a piece of the world.
You have played a crucial role in the recovery and protection of the Hicatee. Why is it so important that we conserve this species?
If we do not take the lead on saving species like the Hicatee that are going extinct, then who will? Someone just needs to stand up and try to do something to save the species. For me, I always think about the future. If we don’t do anything, then nobody will know about these turtles and the role they play in the environment, and they will just disappear. We don’t want that to happen for our species in Belize. When I say we, I mean all of us here at BFREE and all of us in Belize and all of us who care everywhere. If I just say “me,” then I have a very small power. If I say “we,” together, then we can really accomplish something.
What’s been the most challenging aspect of working with the species so far, and why?
The only challenging thing for me is keeping the water quality good for turtles in captivity. The water impacts the health of the turtles. If the water is stagnant or there is too much food left in the pond that degrades the quality and the turtles might get sick. Because the turtles live so long before they reproduce, then it is important for them to be healthy throughout their lives, so I spend a lot of time thinking about the water where they live.
What do you think are the biggest challenges to threatened turtles in Belize, and how do you think we best conserve them?
I think the turtles in Belize are getting threatened because the land around waterways like rivers and creeks are changing. More people are getting properties to live on and to farm close to the water, so the riparian forests are getting knocked down. This is removing vital habitat and food resources for wildlife. Also, more people are making access and paths to the rivers which is like an invitation to go and hunt turtles. These things impact the health of the rivers and creeks, and the health of the rivers and creeks impact the turtles and the other wildlife that live there.
What have you found to be the best way to engage Belizeans in turtle conservation?
You have to talk to people and educate them about the status of Belize’s wildlife and other natural resources. A lot of people still don’t know that there is a problem with the decline of species in Belize. People don’t want to hear that they shouldn’t eat something because you are taking food from their table. So, it is critical to educate people about the rapid decline of this turtle and to alert them that they are very near extinction.
Is there hope for the threatened turtle species in Belize?
Yes, there is! As long as you protect the rivers, creeks and lagoons where the turtles are functioning, then there is a chance. And if Belizeans understand how long turtles need to live before reproducing – at least 16 years – then maybe they wouldn’t eat them so quickly. The best way to protect the Hicatee is for the country to make a strong strategy with protocols on how to protect rivers and creeks. Then those strategies and protocols need to be enforced. There isn’t one thing or one person that will save the Hicatee but there is still hope if we all work together.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2c4e410a-23d4-48ab-8826-c362feb64a89.jpg7201280Heather Barretthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngHeather Barrett2024-02-28 23:22:552024-03-01 15:26:43Disney Conservation Hero – Thomas Pop
Thanks for the incredible interest in our 2024 survey. We are no longer accepting deposits for this program.
You can be added to the wait-list by emailing bnelson@bfreebz.org
Join the Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE) and the Turtle Survival Alliance’s North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (TSA-NAFTRG) to participate in a long-term population monitoring project for freshwater and terrestrial turtle species located within BFREE’s Privately Protected Area in southern Belize. The BFREE Privately Protected Area is a 1,153-acre reserve that adjoins the largest tract of rainforest north of the Amazon. It’s an incredible hotspot for biodiversity where tapirs, howler monkeys, jaguars, and harpy eagles are often spotted and is the last stronghold for many endangered species.
Participants will be supporting researchers in the fourth annual survey of a 10-year long-term monitoring project to provide basic demographic and population information. Turtles will be captured using various methods, including hand capture and baited traps, and will be given unique identification marks and injected with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags for future identification. You’ll be joined by herpetologists and experts in the field from both the US and Belize. From 2021-2023 the BFREE and TSA-NAFTRG team marked, measured and safely released 836 turtles. Turtles found included White-lipped Mud Turtle, Tabasco Mud Turtle, Scorpion Mud turtle,Narrow-bridged Musk Turtle, Mexican Giant Musk Turtle, Central American Snapping Turtle, Furrowed Wood Turtle, and the Meso-American Slider. These species represent eight of Belize’s nine known freshwater turtles.
We look forward to you joining us in Belize for the July 2024 BFREE and TSA-NAFTRG Turtle Survey in the jungle!
DATES
July 8th-18th, 2024 – OPEN
Spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Deposits will be accepted beginning January 30, 2023. Participants are required to book their own transportation to BFREE, including international airfare to the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) and domestic airfare to Savannah (INB).
REQUIREMENTS
Able to hike between 5 and 10 miles a day in 90-degree weather with 100% humidity.
Able to lift and carry 40 lbs. for periods of time.
Willingness to get dirty and to put long days in.
CONTACT
Questions, please contact Eric Munscher, Director of the Turtle Survival Alliance’s – North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (TSA-NAFTRG) at
Day One: Arrive at BZE by 1:30 PM, fly to INB at 3:30 PM (exact flight time to be updated in 2024). Transportation provided from INB to the BFREE Entrance road. Hike in to field station. Settle into rooms and unpack before dinner.
Day Two: Tour the BFREE Facility and familiarize yourself with the various trails and facilities. Free time to relax and swim in the crystal-clear water of the Bladen River or explore one of BFREE’s many conservation initiatives, including the Hicatee Conservation & Research Center (HCRC), a captive breeding facility for the critically endangered Central American River Turtle, Dermatemys mawii, locally known in Belize as the Hicatee.
Day Three – Nine: Turtle surveys throughout BFREE’s 1,153-acre private reserve. Turtle surveys will primarily take place on the ground. There will be one or two days of river surveys but most data is collected on land.
Day Ten – Breakfast. Hike out from field station, transportation to Hokey Pokey water taxi. Stay at Sea Spray in Placencia. Dinner on your own.
Day Eleven: Transportation to INB for a domestic flight back to BZE.
COSTS
The cost is $1,750 per participant.
Cost Includes:
Double occupancy in BFREE’s newest accommodation, the Hammock, which features an open-air veranda connecting six private rooms. Linens, pillows, and blankets provided.
Three chef-prepared meals per day.
Guided night hikes and tours of BFREE’s conservation programs
Transportation from Savannah Airport (INB) to the BFREE entrance road.
Ground and water taxi transportation to Sea Spray hotel in Placencia with one night stay included.
Fees paid to this program not only support your participation in critical turtle research for Belize but also have a direct impact on the country’s next generation of conservation leaders. Funding from this TSA-NAFTRG-BFREE research program helps to support Belizean participation in scientific research at BFREE.
REGISTER
Space is limited for this incredible opportunity; make your deposit today to secure your spot. Deposits are due by April 1, 2024. The final payment is due by June 7th, 2024. To register for this program, read the Booking Terms and Conditions on the next page.
Participants must agree to all terms and conditions of booking before registering for this program. This program is coordinated by the Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE).
Covered Costs.
Participation in the 2024 Turtle Survey at BFREE is $1,750 per person. These covered costs per person include accommodations, meals (while at BFREE), guided tours of BFREE and transportation to Placencia. Program Fees Do Not include the following: international airfare to BZE, roundtrip domestic airfare with Maya Island Air to Savannah (INB), meals in Placencia, soft drinks and beers, or travel insurance, gratuities/souvenirs – at your discretion.
Deposit and Final Payment.
A $500 USD Non-Refundable initial deposit will secure your spot on the trip, or you may choose to pay in full. The remaining balance is due 30-days before the retreat start date. Failure to make payment by the applicable due date may forfeit your booking on the trip and be treated as a cancellation. If a booking is made less than 30-days before the trip start date, the full amount must be paid at the time of booking.
Payment Schedule.
The $500 deposit is due for all participants by April 1, 2024. Final payment for Participants is due by June 7, 2024. Payments should be made at www.givebutter.com/turtle2024
Cancellations.
Cancellations made by participants should include a formal refund request sent by email to reservations@bfreebz.org. According to the outline below, approved refunds by BFREE will be returned to the participant.
Refund requests more than 60-days before the program start date will receive a full refund minus the $500 deposit.
Refund requests more than 30-days before the program start date will receive a 50% refund minus the $500 deposit.
Refund requests less than 30-days before the program start date are non-refundable.
Cancellations 30-days or less to the program start date due to events directly relating to international travel restrictions and border closings, will receive a 50% refund minus the deposit.
BFREE is not liable for additional costs incurred due to cancellation, including flights, lodgings, activities, meals, etc. BFREE strongly recommends that all participants purchase travel insurance (medical, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation) to protect you in case of any unforeseen emergencies. BFREE shall, in its sole discretion, have the right, upon written notice to the participant and without further liability, to terminate a program. Participants will be refunded following the Cancellation policy outlined above. BFREE is not liable for any loss or damage suffered by you, including but not limited to the loss of the Deposit and/or Full Payment, as a result of a Force Majeure Event and/or the cancellation of a Program due to a Force Majeure Event.
Travel to BFREE.
International flights should arrive at the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) no later than 1:30 PM on the first day of the program. On the program’s final day, international departure flights should not depart BZE before noon.
COVID-19 Policy.
All guests must adhere to the Government of Belize’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols at the time of their visit to Belize, as well as those from the departure destination. BFREE is not liable to cover or absorb losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancellations 30-days or prior to the departure date due to events directly relating to COVID-19, specifically international and university travel restrictions and border closings, will be refunded 50% of the program’s total cost minus the deposit. All visitors to BFREE are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Info Session.
Turtle Survival Alliance and Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education will host an informational virtual meeting in 2024 for all confirmed Participants prior to survey. Meeting Date: TBA
The start of this October marked the beginning of the 7th annual Hicatee Awareness Month campaign. Kicking off this initiative, Barney Hall and I embarked on a journey to the western part of Belize, focusing our efforts on regions notorious for the harvesting of Hicatee turtles for consumption. Our initial step involved seeking permission from these schools to conduct our classroom visits.
Our primary goal was to raise awareness through educational outreach, and we did so with the help of an interactive PowerPoint presentation. Throughout our visit, we emphasized key facets of Hicatee conservation. This included promoting the recognition of the Hicatee turtle and its status, highlighting the laws designed to safeguard this species, and showcasing the ongoing conservation efforts taking place in Belize. Most importantly, we aimed to leave a lasting impact on the students, with the hope of sparking a sense of motivation within them to become the next generation of dedicated conservationists.
Our educational journey spanned across several locations, encompassing schools in Belmopan City, Roaring Creek Village, Teakettle Village, Spanish Lookout Community, Valley of Peace Village, Blackman Eddy Village, Ontario Village, Georgeville Village, Santa Elena Town, and El Progresso Village. In the span of just five days, we had the privilege of visiting 14 schools and reaching a total of 581 students.
The response to our presentation was nothing short of heartwarming. Both students and teachers expressed their eagerness to learn more about this remarkable turtle and called for stronger enforcement of the laws established to protect and ensure the long-term survival of this critically endangered species. Here are some of the encouraging comments we received:
“The entire presentation was engaging and informative. I liked the interaction throughout the session.” – Valley of Peace Community School
“Enforce the laws that are set in place to protect the Hicatee turtles.” – St. Martin de Porres R.C School
“Excellent job! Come more often.” – Our Lady of Guadeloupe High School
“Very good job! Keep up the good work.” – Eden S.D.A High School
As we journey onward in our outreach campaign, we are firmly committed to fostering a nationwide recognition of this unique turtle that is literally being eaten to extinction. To contribute meaningfully to the preservation of the Hicatee turtles, we recognize the importance of engaging community members of all ages, backgrounds, and professions in our conservation and research initiatives. This collaborative approach holds the key to advancing the conservation efforts for the Hicatee and securing its future in Belize and throughout its geographic range.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we are waiting for. We are the change we seek.” Barack Obama
Hicatee Awareness Month was born out of a need – as are many things. The Hicatee turtle was on the brink of extinction. Belize was identified as the stronghold for the species throughout its small range. Yet, how do you get an entire country to care about saving one species of turtle? And even more challenging – a turtle that is entirely aquatic and seldom seen, so is most recognized as a delightful and celebratory meal?
With baby steps as well as trial and error.
In 2015, I designed a t-shirt with the Mountain Printing Company in the states. The shirt displayed a photo of the first Hicatee hatchling to the HCRC (Freckles) with #SaveTheHicatee written underneath. The turtle was perfectly adorable and a hit with kids. I was excited that this was the first significant material I had created for the purpose of conservation.
Soon after the shirts were delivered to Belize, Jacob Marlin wore his on the Hokey Pokey to travel from Mango Creek to Placencia. He ran into an old friend from the village, who said to him, “Your shirt is making me hungry!”
Jacob later told me the story and it stuck with me. Not as a failure but as a lesson and an opportunity. We had to do more and we had to think differently.
Richard and Carol Foster were finishing a documentary film that described the plight of the Hicatee in Belize. BFREE and Turtle Survival Alliance needed to share it with audiences in Belize who could care about the species and do something about it.
As a result, Hicatee Awareness Month was born in October 2017 as a national campaign to save the species. “Hope for Belize’s Hicatee” documentary was the centerpiece and schools and NGO partners throughout Belize partnered in ensuring that film viewings and events happened throughout the month. We featured a different #HicateeHero every day in October and shared knowledge about how cool it is to be a teacher or researcher or student or biologist and told stories about everyday heroes. We reached hundreds of students and community members in person throughout Belize and thousands online.
When October 31st rolled around in 2017, I was proud and relieved to have made it through. I also thought that would be the end of Hicatee Awareness Month, because I had only envisioned it as a one-time event. However, I started to get emails and requests about what next year’s celebration would look like. And so, it continued….
In 2018, we hosted a national poster contest and had wonderful entries from all over the country. We were thrilled when the Standard IV class at Hummingbird Elementary in Belize City formed their own Hicatee Committee and used materials we sent to teach kids throughout their entire school.
In 2019, we produced a calendar with the winning poster entries from 2018. Those calendars were included as one of the new materials in the 100 packets that were distributed that year.
Then, there was the 2020 pandemic. And the small BFREE team was running short on new ideas for the month, so we decided to form a committee and invite members from other districts in Belize to contribute a fresh perspective to the annual celebration. The results were beyond our expectations! Soon, the team created a new mascot, Mr. Hicatee, as well as activities including a new sing-a-long song and Hicatee Hero video. Packets were delivered by committee members to schools in the districts where they lived. This was incredibly important that year because teachers were required to send materials home with students.
In 2021, new materials included a poster and bumper sticker to target older audiences. These materials were distributed throughout Belize on buses and cars, in grocery stores and other locations.
In 2022, Committee membership expanded and so did our reach. This year, we continued to focus on adult audiences, creating tote bags and even a billboard asking Belizeans to Follow the laws of Belize to protect all wildlife including the Hicatee. We shifted our language to talk about the importance of protecting the watersheds that Hicatee inhabit.
This year, we continue our quest to see the Hicatee become the National Reptile and to ultimately save a species from extinction. I couldn’t be more excited and proud of what we (a growing community of people who care about Belize’s wildlife and wildlands) have accomplished. Our next steps will be to put a research team together who will go into the field to learn about Hicatee in the wild and to collaborate with the communities who share the waters with these special turtles.
The Hicatee is disappearing, but together we can save it.
Since 2017, Hicatee Awareness Month milestones include:
More than 2,000 pages of printed educational materials, including fact sheets, coloring pages, writing prompts, and more, have been delivered to educators across Belize.
Those same educational materials are made available for free online in our Online Toolkit and emailed to more than 500 principals and teachers each year.
We have distributed Hicatee-themed items including: 500 t-shirts, 5,000 stickers, 200 posters, 160 “Herbert the Hicatee” books, 100 tote bags, and 100 “Hope for Belize’s Hicatee” DVD’s.
Hicatee Hero volunteers hosted over 50 public events and classroom visits.
More than 25 features on radio, TV, and in printed magazines and newspapers.
Created “Mr. Hicatee,” a catchy sing-along video and song.
Featured two roadside billboards in strategic locations in Belize.
Over – local and international visitors to BFREE have taken the Hicatee pledge and signed the Save the Hicatee banner!
Thanks to 2023 Committee Members: Ornella Cadle (2023 Committee Chair), Colleen Joseph, Jessie Young, Claudia Matzdorf, Barney Hall, Abigail Parham-Garbutt, Jonathan Dubon, Ingrid Rodriguez, Jaren Serano, and Heather Barrett.
Thanks to past Committee members: Robynn Philips (2022 Committee Chair), Tyler Sanville, Marcia Itza, Belizario Gian Carballo, Monique Vernon, Celina Gongora, Gianni Martinez, Ed Boles, and Elvera Xi.
We are also grateful to our local and international partners who have supported Hicatee Awareness Month over the years: Turtle Survival Alliance, Independence Junior College, University of Belize, the Belize Zoo, Crocodile Research Coalition, Sacred Heart Junior College, Hummingbird Elementary, Zoo Miami, South Carolina Aquarium, Disney Conservation Fund, and Zoo New England.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/WhatsApp-Image-2021-10-18-at-8.50.20-AM-e1694616998670.jpeg8181200Heather Barretthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngHeather Barrett2023-09-13 14:52:052023-09-13 14:56:54Celebrating Seven Years of Hicatee Awareness Month
A memory that is deeply lodged inside my brain – me, at the age of ten, navigating a trail behind my house winding through the lush broadleaf forests to the purpose of my being, the Belize River. A river that is deep and wide, created by two rivers colliding into one another. My heart pounds like a piston on a super truck climbing up a hill as I reach the cliff’s edge and peer over because I’m able to see schools of fish that are not scared off by my human presence. This was a time when I felt most connected to nature because the animals I witnessed didn’t seem traumatised by their contact with people.
As a child, I was constantly fishing. I was also always observant – and when boats filled with fishermen were coming near – I quickly hid. I clearly remember one group of fishermen in a fancy John boat. They had an odd way of fishing by using ropes. Two men would shake the ropes as if they’ve hooked a giant fish and needed help from the others who would then jump in the water. When those who jumped in returned to the boat, all I would hear was a loud “bang” as if a rock fell into the hull. When I looked more closely, I could see a large turtle. I winced as the boat full of men celebrated in triumph.
I was a witness to the poaching that has led to the decline and critically endangered status of the Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) or Hicatee as we call it in Belize. It was very difficult for me to understand what was happening at that age. Now, I see things a bit more clearly.
Another memory that is crystal clear to me, is sitting on a cliff watching a dark brown, huge shell surfacing. I would hear a sharp sound as it released air for a couple of seconds and then torpedoed back down. The Hicatee is a unique species with a complicated physiology. I could never understand why I didn’t see them on land and always thought they were a mysterious animal.
Animals in the wild don’t behave in the same way as they did when I was ten. In the past I could watch fish closely as I’ve trained my eyes from a young age to spot an Iguana through dense trees or a toucan up on a high tree, but now as soon as a fish sees a glimpse of you it’s racing a bullet to hide. Could it be because of these aghast methods of fishing? From a cliff, on a clear day, if I see a Hicatee, I must be very still when it comes up to breathe, because any sign of movement causes it to disappear.
The trail that I once walked as a kid is no longer in existence. Now, I walk through an anthropogenic field of corn with no trees present until I reach the riverbank, which barely has twenty feet of riparian forest. What I see now are large pipes releasing effluents in the rivers, banks degrading, garbage accumulating, herons and cormorants caught in nets and fishing line, water colour not as vibrant green, and animals missing on the trails I once enjoyed. Observing all these losses breaks my heart. I wonder, when will there be sustainable efforts to restore these ecosystems and the animals that depend on them?
Working with the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) has allowed me to develop a mindset aimed towards conserving Belize for future generations. My work at BFREE is focused on the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center which was created in conjunction with Turtle Survival Alliance as a response to catastrophic declines of Hicatee populations due to elevated levels of harvesting for human consumption.
This June, BFREE staff and volunteers released 100 one-year-old Hicatee turtles into the Belize River. Since I began work with BFREE in 2022, I’ve helped release over 300 Hicatee turtles into the wild. (Pictured left to right – Joe Franke, Heather Barrett, Jacob Marlin and me)
The facility strives to accumulate information on the species in captivity. We facilitate and promote research on the biology and ecology of Hicatee focusing on areas like breeding and nesting behaviours, temperature sex determination, dietary needs, growth rates, as well as pathogens and parasites. Through breeding efforts, we have been able to hatch and raise over 1,000 turtles and, to date, we have released over 500 of these captive-bred animals into the wild. We offer volunteer opportunities and training associated with our bi-annual Health assessments. We also host meetings and symposia to help further collective knowledge on the species.
On a national level BFREE has established the largest outreach campaign on the species – Hicatee Awareness Month. Through this campaign, we engage young minds, teachers, and the general public via events, media, and school programs to create awareness and enhance community involvement.
Last year during Hicatee Awareness Month, I gave my first presentations on the Hicatee turtle to schools in the Cayo District where I live. This image is of students at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School
We are also gearing up and planning for the launch of our field research team. Our initial research team members will consist of HCRC Manager – Thomas Pop, Dermatemys Program Coordinator – Jaren Serano and myself. There will also be opportunities for others to collaborate and assist in the field work once we get started. Together, we will gather the data needed to better understand the species and its current distribution in the wild. My team’s ultimate goal and hope is for the Hicatee to become sustainable once again in its native habitat. As for me, I won’t stop dreaming of the day when I return to the cliff of my youth and see my beautiful Belize as it once was and can be again – rich and lush in all its natural glory.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Belize-Hicatee-101-lateral-headshot-scaled.jpg17072560Barney Hallhttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngBarney Hall2023-09-12 18:27:422023-09-12 18:44:20Finding Hope Amidst the Loss