Puerto Vallarta, renowned for its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes, is now home to an important exhibition aimed at protecting a newly discovered and endangered species of freshwater land turtle, known for its distinctive yellow spot on its nose. The exhibition, titled “La Casquito de Vallarta,” not only showcases artistic renditions of this unique turtle but also emphasizes the critical need for its conservation.
The project is spearheaded by the civil association “Conserving Nature,” led by engineer Alejandra Monsiváis Molina. This organization is dedicated to the conservation of freshwater land turtles across Mexico, with active projects in Sonora, Yucatán, and most recently, Puerto Vallarta.
The Casquito de Vallarta, scientifically discovered only in 2018, was previously known only to local inhabitants of the port area. The species’ plight came to light through a meticulous study that began with sampling the Ameca River to determine the turtle’s preferred habitats, whether riverine or lagoon environments. The findings revealed a dire situation: urbanization had severely degraded the turtle’s natural habitats, pushing the species to the brink of survival.
In its natural behavior, the Casquito de Vallarta thrives during the rainy season, migrating to bodies of water for feeding. However, with the disappearance of these habitats, the turtles are forced to seek refuge on land during dry periods, subsisting on scarce resources. This alarming situation underscored the need for urgent conservation efforts.
To raise awareness and engage the community, “Conserving Nature” organized a drawing contest open to the public. The initiative gained traction on social media and culminated in an environmental fair held on May 23, coinciding with World Turtle Day. The Casquito de Vallarta was the star of the event, which featured an award ceremony for the drawing contest.
The contest received an impressive 200 entries, from which a selection of outstanding works was made. The top three pieces, along with other notable entries, were chosen for display in the “La Casquito de Vallarta” exhibition.
The exhibition opened on Tuesday, July 25, at the Isela Mariscal Gallery, located at 260 5 de Febrero Street, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata. Visitors to the gallery can admire the creative depictions of the Casquito de Vallarta and learn more about the efforts to save this endangered species. The exhibition will run through Friday, July 28.
Through art and community engagement, “La Casquito de Vallarta” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation and the role each individual can play in protecting vulnerable species. The exhibition is not just a display of artistic talent but a call to action for the preservation of Puerto Vallarta’s unique natural heritage.
Urgent Conservation Efforts for the Puerto Vallarta Turtle
The recently discovered Puerto Vallarta turtle, the world’s smallest turtle species, faces the imminent threat of extinction. The civil association Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza has presented a report to the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) detailing the threats and conservation opportunities for this vulnerable species. The association is dedicated to the conservation of freshwater and land turtles in Mexico and to providing academic opportunities for low-income youth.
This tiny turtle, also known as the “Puerto Vallarta Chacuanita” (Kinosternon vogti), was first described in 2018. It is characterized by a distinctive yellow spot on its head and is endemic to Mexico, with a highly restricted distribution area.
The Puerto Vallarta cap turtle inhabits the remnants of wetlands in the Ameca River valley, which separates the states of Nayarit and Jalisco. This region includes Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, two of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations. Unfortunately, urban development and real estate expansion in Puerto Vallarta have led to significant habitat loss and degradation for this unique species.
To ensure the survival of the Puerto Vallarta cap turtle, several conservation strategies must be implemented:
- Conserve Remaining Habitats: Protecting the existing natural environments where the turtle currently lives is crucial.
- Restore Potential Areas: Efforts should be made to rehabilitate and restore areas that could serve as suitable habitats for the turtle.
- Include the Species in Environmental Management Units: The turtle should be incorporated into Environmental Management Units both within and outside the region to ensure its protection and management.
- Promote Knowledge and Appreciation: Raising awareness and fostering appreciation for the species can help make it a symbol of environmental commitment for the authorities, citizens, and tourists of Puerto Vallarta.
By employing these approaches, it is possible to create a sustainable future for the Puerto Vallarta cap turtle, ensuring that this remarkable species continues to thrive in its natural habitat. The combined efforts of conservationists, local authorities, and the community will be essential in safeguarding this unique turtle for future generations.
Puerto Vallarta, renowned for its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes, is now home to an important exhibition aimed at protecting a newly discovered and endangered species of freshwater land turtle, known for its distinctive yellow spot on its nose. The exhibition, titled "La Casquito de Vallarta," not only showcases artistic renditions of this unique turtle but also emphasizes the critical need for its conservation.
