Tagged least tern returns
after 15 years for nesting season…
The tiny least tern was originally
tagged at birth 15 years ago, as part of a conservation project ran by CIBNOR,
at the Don Manuel Orantes Turtle Camp.
The turtle camp was set up to protect
the nests of sea turtles that come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the
sand. But least terns also lay their eggs in the sand. And the eggs often get crushed as people step on them. So it made perfect sense for the conservation camp to protect both species of nests – turtles and terns.
And much to the delight of
everyone, the little bird has returned home to nest after 15 years. The tag
identified the bird as being born in the areas protected by Hotel Paradissus, and
it even had the name of the scientist who tagged it - Edgar
Amador.
“Just imagining that that chick was protected 15 years ago by the Campo Tortuguero Manuel Orantes fills us with emotion, and a desire to continue working together.”
The Campo de Tortugero Don
Manuel Orantes began protecting least terns, or "gallito marinos" as they are
called locally – way back in 2000.
Over the years, the project has
really grown. Lots of resorts have got involved, and lots of local organisations
and volunteers. Due to their combined efforts, 9 nesting colonies with a total
of 187 nests have been protected this year. And so far, 192 chicks have been
born!
The Director of Natural
Resources and Wildlife, Graciela Tiburcio Pintos thanked all those involved.
Another great achievement in conservation of the natural resources of Los Cabos.
ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED
Marina Costa Palmas, Hotel Paradisus, Hilton Hotel, Hotel
Pueblo Bonito, Diamante, Villas del Mar, SyCOMA Organization, and the
Technological Institute of Higher Studies of Los Cabos.