The Importance of Isla Clarión, archipelago revillagigedo, Mexico, for green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting

Abstract

During the last two weeks of November 2008, we recorded 115 tracks of nesting females and 219 hatching events by green turtles (Chelonia mydas) on one of three beaches on Isla Clarión, Archipelago Revillagigedo, Mexico. Combined with single surveys of the other two suitable beaches, we estimated as many as 500 green turtle nests were laid on Isla Clarión in two 2-week periods, thus signaling the importance of Isla Clarión as an important nesting site for this endangered species in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Further study and guaranteed protection to ensure the conservation of this population are recommended. © 2010 Chelonian Research Foundation.