PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – The National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (Conabio) has issued an urgent alert regarding the risk of extinction faced by the cap tortoise, also known as “Puerto Vallarta Chacuanita” or Kinosternon vogti. This diminutive species, measuring just 10 centimeters and distinguished by a yellow spot on its head, is native to Mexico and lives in the remnants of wetlands in the Ameca River Valley.
The valley, which separates the states of Nayarit and Jalisco, extends from Puerto Vallarta to Nuevo Vallarta, both popular tourist destinations. However, most of the turtle’s habitat has been destroyed or degraded due to real estate developments in the area, according to specialists.
The alert was raised by the civil association “Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza,” an organization focused on the conservation of freshwater and land turtles in Mexico. They presented Conabio with information on the imminent threats facing the species and potential conservation opportunities.
The cap tortoise belongs to the group of freshwater turtles, also known as “casquitos” or “pecho quebrado,” which includes 18 species in Mexico, half of which are at risk of extinction or are subject to special protection measures. Mexico is the second country with the greatest diversity of turtles in the world, after the United States, with one in three species being endemic, according to Conabio.
The directors of the civil association stressed the importance of establishing a collaborative network involving authorities, local universities, civil organizations, environmental agencies, and citizens to ensure the preservation of the cap tortoise and other marine species.
In a call to action, Conabio is encouraging the residents of Puerto Vallarta and tourists to support conservation efforts by refraining from dumping garbage or debris into bodies of water, avoiding burning garbage near water bodies, supporting local initiatives for creating green areas, and helping turtles safely cross roads when encountered.
Conabio has also proposed long-term approaches to safeguard the species, including conserving the remaining turtle habitats, restoring potential areas, incorporating the species into Environmental Management Units both in and outside the region, and promoting knowledge and appreciation of the species. The Commission hopes that the cap tortoise can become a symbol of the environmental commitment of authorities, citizens, and tourists in Puerto Vallarta.
With the combined efforts of the community, government agencies, and organizations, there is hope that this endangered species can be saved from the brink of extinction.
