Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - At least six endangered Vallarta turtles (Kinosternon vogti), known for their distinctive yellow head spots, were stolen from a protective conservation container at the Centro Universitario de la Costa, part of the University of Guadalajara in Puerto Vallarta. This species, endemic to Mexico, was first described in 2018 and is commonly called the Puerto Vallarta Chacuanita.
The theft was discovered on Monday morning, January 13, when university staff returned to the site and found the container had been forced open. Local authorities believe the suspects entered the facility by breaking a cyclone fence on the south side of the university, adjacent to a residential subdivision. The Municipal Police received the report at 10:03 a.m., and officers Fermín Fregoso and Jimena García responded, meeting with scientists who confirmed the theft.
Officials from the State Prosecutor’s Office and the Jalisco Institute of Forensic Sciences arrived to investigate the incident. The turtles, which are under the protection of Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), are part of an effort to conserve this critically endangered species.
A Species on the Brink
The Vallarta turtle is native to the Ameca River Valley, a unique ecosystem that separates the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. Habitat loss due to urbanization and environmental degradation has placed the species in grave danger of extinction. The wetlands where the turtles reside are among the last remaining refuges for this 10 cm freshwater turtle, making conservation efforts vital.
Biologically, the Vallarta turtle is part of the snapping turtle group (Kinosternon), of which Mexico is home to 18 species. Half of these are listed in risk categories due to declining habitats. The Vallarta turtle, also known as “Casquito de Vallarta,” feeds on seeds and insect remains and plays a critical ecological role. By stirring up sediment in water bodies, the turtles prevent siltation, allowing plants and animals to access nutrients.
Details of the Heist
Investigators suspect the theft occurred early Monday morning. The container housing the turtles was specially designed for their conservation, underscoring the boldness and preparation of the perpetrators.
Local scientists emphasized the importance of these turtles for the region’s biodiversity. “The loss of these turtles not only endangers the species further but also disrupts ongoing research and conservation efforts,” one researcher noted.
Conservation and Risks
The Puerto Vallarta snapping turtle exhibits unique characteristics, including a yellow patch on the males’ noses and longer tails compared to females. Conservationists have highlighted the importance of protecting this species, both for its ecological role and its restricted distribution.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the theft to come forward, as the loss of these turtles could have devastating consequences for the species and ongoing conservation projects.
This incident highlights the challenges of protecting vulnerable species in regions where human activity increasingly threatens natural habitats. Local law enforcement and conservation agencies are working together to recover the turtles and prevent further incidents.
