Hicatee Research & Conservation
Zoo New England's Grassroots Wildlife Conservation team plays an active role in turtle conservation here in New England, and through this partnership, we’re now bringing that expertise and commitment to Belize.
The critically endangered hicatee, or Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii), is among the world’s 25 most endangered turtle species. They are found in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, but recent status assessments suggest that their numbers have plummeted. Overexploitation appears to be the primary cause for the decline of this species throughout their native range. Hicatees are a traditional food item in Central America, and despite laws protecting them, they are still being captured at unsustainable rates.
In an effort to bolster this diminishing species’ numbers, the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) established the Hicatee Research and Conservation Center at their field station in Belize. To date, the center is the world’s only ex-situ captive breeding facility for this endangered species, and it has fostered a now rapidly growing population.
Zoo New England has selected BFREE’s Hicatee Conservation Project as one of our Conservation Partnerships. ZNE's Grassroots Wildlife Conservation team plays an active role in turtle conservation here in New England, and through this partnership, we’re now bringing that expertise and commitment to Belize. We will be supporting BFREE with expertise in turtle veterinary medicine and captive husbandry, as well as in establishing and monitoring turtle reintroduction and population augmentation programs in the field.
Related read: "Turtles in Trouble: The World's 25+ Most Endangered Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles," Turtle Conservation Coalition