Sea Turtles of the Guianas

Abstract

Summarizes investigations of turtle nesting beaches in Guyana during August 1964, August 1965, and April 1967, in Surinam during May to July 1966, May to July 1967, and June-July 1968, and in French Guiana in June and July 1967. Four species of sea turtles nest on beaches in Guyana, particularly Shell Beach: Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Dermochelys coriacea and Lepidochelys olivacea. The same four species nest in Surinam, although Eretmochelys does so only rarely. Lepidochelys sometimes forms huge nesting aggregations at Eilanti, Surinam, and individuals have been shown to nest at the same place in successive years. Dermochelys, Chelonia, and probably Eretmochelys all nest in large numbers in French Guiana, particularly at Silébache Beach. Survival and conservation of sea turtles in northern South America are discussed.