https://honduras.wcs.org RSS feeds for WCS Honduras 60 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/24654/New-Record-for-Honduran-Avifauna-The-Black-capped-Pygmy-Tyrant.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=24654 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24654&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/24654/New-Record-for-Honduran-Avifauna-The-Black-capped-Pygmy-Tyrant.aspx The Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant (Myiornis atricapillus), one of the smallest songbirds in the world, was recently identified by a group of researchers conducting a biodiversity survey in the forested region of Warunta, in the Honduran Moskitia. Fri, 13 Jun 2025 20:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24654 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/24494/World-Tapir-Day-The-Forest-Giant.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=24494 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24494&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/24494/World-Tapir-Day-The-Forest-Giant.aspx In the most remote and untamed corners of the Mesoamerican forests, one of the oldest and most enigmatic mammals still walks the land: the Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), also known as “danta” or “danto” in Spanish.  Sun, 27 Apr 2025 08:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24494 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/24108/The-Cukra-Mushroom-Tongue-Salamander-reappears-in-Honduras-after-years-without-official-records.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=24108 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24108&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/24108/The-Cukra-Mushroom-Tongue-Salamander-reappears-in-Honduras-after-years-without-official-records.aspx In a discovery that has sparked hope for the conservation of endangered species, the Bolitoglossa striatula, commonly known as the Cukra Mushroom Tongue Salamander, has been documented once again in southern Moskitia, Honduras, after nine years without official records. Sun, 26 Jan 2025 15:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24108 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23623/The-Jaguar-King-of-the-Forest-in-La-Moskitia-Honduras.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=23623 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23623&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23623/The-Jaguar-King-of-the-Forest-in-La-Moskitia-Honduras.aspx The Limi Tara (great jaguar in the Miskito language) sees its territory increasingly reduced, along with the populations of its natural prey. Human greed is leaving no space for nature, and it is our duty to conserve these natural riches for future generations. Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23623 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23447/Meet-the-Winku-Tara-The-ghost-that-inhabits-Moskitia-Honduras.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=23447 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23447&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23447/Meet-the-Winku-Tara-The-ghost-that-inhabits-Moskitia-Honduras.aspx by Edgard Herrera Scott and Jeremy Radachowsky This specimen was recently recorded by the binational team from WCS Guatemala and Honduras in the flooded forests surrounding Brus Lagoon, in the Cultural Zone of the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve. The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), also called Winku Tara in the Miskito language, is a mammal native to Central and South America, mainly living in tropical forests, savannas, and swampy areas. This solitary animal can reach up to 2 meters in length and is a specialized insectivore, primarily feeding on ants and termites. It can consume up to 30,000 insects in a day, using its sticky tongue to capture them. It walks on its knuckles to protect its large claws, which it uses to dig into termite mounds and ant nests, as well as to defend itself from predators. Honduras represents the northernmost range of this species, which is threatened by habitat destruction, primarily due to illegal cattle ranching. The studies currently being conducted by WCS are providing valuable data that will help design better conservation strategies for this iconic species, through efforts like the "#Zero Deforestation 2029" strategy implemented by the Government of Honduras. Registration made through the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund. We Stand for Wildlife Juntos por la Vida Silvestre Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23447 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23411/Biodiverse-Landscapes-Fund-starts-activities-in-Moskitia-Honduras.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=23411 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23411&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23411/Biodiverse-Landscapes-Fund-starts-activities-in-Moskitia-Honduras.aspx The British Embassy in partnership with the Honduran Institute for Forest Conservation (ICF), Indigenous Territorial Councils, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Bosques del Mundo and Fundación para la Investigación y Conservación de los Ecosistemas y la Biodiversidad (INCEBIO) celebrated the recent start of activities of the project «Resilient and Biodiverse Landscapes of Northern Mesoamerica» in Moskitia which is funded through the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund.  Ambassador Whittingham met with representatives from ICF, WCS, and the Indigenous Territorial Councils of Rayaka, Barauda, Bakinasta and Diunat to discuss the scope of the Fund´s activities. La Moskitia. The second largest forest in Mesoamerica. La Moskitia is the forest shared between Nicaragua and Honduras, covers around 22,568 km2. The binational “Heart of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor” of Nicaragua and Honduras is the second-largest wilderness in Central America. This remote area of mountains and plains, known as Moskitia, harbors natural forests, high biological diversity, and protects wildlife extirpated or at risk in smaller forest patches, including jaguar (Panthera onca), giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), harpy eagle, (Harpia harpyja), scarlet macaw (Ara macao), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), and migratory birds. It also hosts over 100,000 inhabitants, including Miskito, Mayangna, Garifuna, Pech, and Tawakha indigenous groups. The Ambassador verified the plans for the project to provide communities with sustainable livelihoods, such as the establishment of a pilot programme for the growth of vetiver at Rayaka and Barauda. Production of allspice will be introduced in the territory of Bakinasta; and in Diunat the project will work to establish high quality cacao plots. During his visit to Brus Laguna, Ambassador Whittingham inaugurated a mangrove nursery and participated in mangrove reforestation and seed collecting activities. In addition, Ambassador Whittingham delivered equipment to prevent and tackle forest fires, in line with the support that the Brus Laguna area will receive to reinforce forest control. The activities in Moskitia are carried out by WCS, Bosques del Mundo and INCEBIO. The project is based on four components: ·  Prosperous and resilient communities: activities to develop sustainable income streams and implement climate-adapted rural development with proper social safeguards. ·  Protected areas and species protection: ensuring well-governed conservation areas and targeted protection activities for endangered species. ·  Enabling policy and financing mechanisms: building consensus, multisector collaboration, and policy reforms to incentivize forest protection. ·  Learning and adaptive management: implementing a monitoring and evaluation framework as a core component to evaluate impact and guide decision-making. The Biodiverse Landscapes Fund is a UK Official Development Assistance programme which aims to support developing countries to reduce poverty, tackle and adapt to climate change, through protecting and restoring nature. The BLF is funding activities until 2030 in six of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots to help a create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet. Tue, 27 Aug 2024 22:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23411 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23410/Indigenous-communities-in-Moskitia-give-their-consent-to-advance-the-declaration-of-Warunta-as-an-Indigenous-protected-area.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=23410 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23410&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23410/Indigenous-communities-in-Moskitia-give-their-consent-to-advance-the-declaration-of-Warunta-as-an-Indigenous-protected-area.aspx WCS, in alliance with the Institute of Forest Conservation, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF), with the support and supervision of MASTA (Moskitia Asla Takanka - "Unity of La Moskitia"), and at the request of the Indigenous communities, has carried out the process of Prior, Free and Informed Consent, a fundamental step to advance the declaration of Warunta as an Indigenous protected area. Faced with the serious situation of invasion of their lands and destruction of their forests, the Indigenous peoples in Moskitia and their allies are looking for new mechanisms to conserve their territories that align with their worldview. Warunta, an area that has been proposed for several decades as a potential protected area, can now advance in the process of being declared an Indigenous protected area, thanks to the consent granted by the Miskito people. This territory, legally titled in the name of the Miskito Indigenous peoples, will have a special protection status in the future, with the support of the Government of Honduras, which recently launched the “Zero Deforestation” campaign to combat the serious situation of open access and ungovernability that has affected the main protected areas of the country, especially in the isolated regions of Moskitia. Tue, 27 Aug 2024 22:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23410 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23370/Biodiverse-Landscapes-Fund-Launches-in-El-Salvador.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=23370 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23370&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/23370/Biodiverse-Landscapes-Fund-Launches-in-El-Salvador.aspx The British Embassy in El Salvador in partnership with the Government of El Salvador celebrated the in-country launch of the project «Resilient and Biodiverse Landscapes of Northern Mesoamerica», funded through the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF).   Tue, 13 Aug 2024 01:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23370 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/22327/Biodiverse-Landscapes-Fund-starts-activities-in-Trifinio.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=22327 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22327&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/22327/Biodiverse-Landscapes-Fund-starts-activities-in-Trifinio.aspx The UK Biodiverse Landscapes Fund is a global initiative covering six valuable biodiversity hotspots around the world. In Mesoamerica it will invest up to approximately US$19 million over the next six years. In Guatemala and Honduras, the fund will cover the areas of the Mayan Jungle, Trifinio and Mosquitia. Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22327 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/21596/Honduras-launches-new-initiative-to-rescue-the-Moskitia-Forest-at-COP28.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=21596 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21596&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/21596/Honduras-launches-new-initiative-to-rescue-the-Moskitia-Forest-at-COP28.aspx The Honduran government has unveiled a transformative initiative this week at COP28 in Dubai to rescue and conserve the country’s largest forest, the Moskitia, which is one of Mesoamerica’s Five Great Forests and Central America’s second largest rainforest. The new initiative aims, in part, to put an end to deforestation and illegal cattle ranching in the Moskitia forest. Thu, 07 Dec 2023 22:55:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21596 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/21646/The-Jaguar-in-the-biological-corridor-of-the-Forests-of-Mesoamerica-International-Jaguar-Day.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=21646 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21646&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/21646/The-Jaguar-in-the-biological-corridor-of-the-Forests-of-Mesoamerica-International-Jaguar-Day.aspx  Jaguar populations in Mesoamerica face critical threats. The destruction of their natural habitat, driven by illegal ranching and the trafficking of jaguar parts, endangers the survival of these majestic felines. Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21646 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/21178/Major-Conservation-Alliance-Launches-More-Trees-Fewer-Cows-Initiative-to-safeguard-the-biological-and-cultural-diversity-of-Mesoamerica.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=21178 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21178&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/21178/Major-Conservation-Alliance-Launches-More-Trees-Fewer-Cows-Initiative-to-safeguard-the-biological-and-cultural-diversity-of-Mesoamerica.aspx New York, September 20, 2023 — In a joint effort to safeguard the biological and cultural diversity of the Mesoamerican region, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Re:wild, and the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests (AMPB) announced the "More Trees, Fewer Cows" initiative during Climate Week New York. This unprecedented alliance aims to raise awareness and take strong action against illegal cattle ranching activities in Indigenous territories and protected areas. Illegal cattle ranching in protected areas and Indigenous territories in Mesoamerica, a region that covers southern Mexico and extends across most of Central America, is often linked to organized crime and drug trafficking, has driven the loss of more than 20% of three of the largest forests in the region in the last 20 years. It is estimated that between 1 and 2 million head of cattle are illegally trafficked as contraband each year from Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala to Mexico. Cattle ranching is the main threat to the physical, food and water security of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Illegal cattle ranching in Moskitia. Photo @WCS Mesoamérica and Western Caribbean The "More Trees, Fewer Cows" strategy includes removing cattle from forest-damaging areas where they aren’t permitted, restoring degraded areas, and substituting illegal cattle with sustainable, equitable and profitable alternatives. Active participation from governments, businesses, and most importantly, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, is crucial for the success of this transformative strategy.  The initiative seeks to increase visibility and funding for territorial protection, secure policies and practices to ensure that beef production is deforestation-free, and support forest-compatible food and economic systems.  "OUR ANCESTRAL LEADERS AND ELDERS HAVE BEQUEATHED US A TERRITORY FILLED WITH GREATNESS AND WEALTH, AND WE WANT TO CONTINUE PRESERVING IT” SAID ELVIS ANTONIO GREHAM, MOSKITIA ASLA TAKANKA (MASTA) LEADER DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE INITIATIVE.   Beef production has emerged as the leading cause of deforestation in Latin America, carrying devastating consequences for the security, biodiversity, and well-being of Indigenous and local communities. In the struggle for land use, Indigenous leaders often face acts of violence and forced eviction. Globally, livestock are responsible for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, with 65% of these emissions coming from cattle.  Map. Forest loss between 2013 and 2022 in the 5 Great Forests of Mesoamerica. “AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, WE ARE AGAINST ILLEGAL CATTLE RANCHING. WE ADVOCATE FOR MORE TREES, FEWER COWS”, CONCLUDED ELVIS ANTONIO GREHAM. Preserving Mesoamerica’s 5 Great Forests, which span from Mexico to Colombia, is increasingly being seen as a bulwark against climate change and biodiversity loss. Forests, particularly high-integrity ones, absorb and store carbon, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, regulate local climate, protect watersheds, and support biodiversity and local communities. More Trees, Fewer Cows "More Trees, Fewer Cows" is a call to action for all sectors of society: governments, businesses, communities, and citizens. Together, we can preserve the forests and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on them, ensuring a sustainable future for Mesoamerica and beyond. For more information about the campaign and its activities during New York Climate Week, visit: https://programs.wcs.org/5greatforests/en-us/More-Trees-Fewer-Cows-US  Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) WCS combines the power of its zoos and an aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its mission to save wildlife and wild places. WCS runs the world’s largest conservation field program, protecting more than 50 percent of Earth’s known biodiversity; in partnership with governments, Indigenous People, Local Communities, and the private sector. It’s four zoos and aquarium (the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium ) welcomes more than 3.5 million visitors each year, inspiring generations to care for nature. Founded in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society, the organization is led (as of June 1, 2023) by President and CEO Monica P. Medina. Visit: newsroom.wcs.org. Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: +1 (347) 840-1242.  Re:wild Re:wild protects and restores the wild. We have a singular and powerful focus: the wild as the most effective solution to the interconnected climate, biodiversity and human wellbeing crises. Founded by a group of renowned conservation scientists together with Leonardo DiCaprio, Re:wild is a force multiplier that brings together Indigenous peoples, local communities, influential leaders, nongovernmental organizations, governments, companies and the public to protect and rewild at the scale and speed we need. Learn more at rewild.org. Alianza Mesoamericana de Pueblos y Bosques (AMPB) The AMPB is a space for coordination and exchange of territorial authorities that administer or influence the main forest masses of Mesoamerica. Indigenous governments and community forestry organizations that in the Alliance seek to strengthen their own dialogue, focused on community management of their natural resources, jointly seeking to influence governments and international cooperation so that biodiversity conservation strategies and for the climate balance, appropriately integrate the rights and benefits of Indigenous Peoples and Forest Communities.                                                     Novelo, Claudia Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21178 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/21026/Indigenous-Women-in-the-Moskitia-lead-conservation-of-nature-and-ancestral-culture.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=21026 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21026&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/21026/Indigenous-Women-in-the-Moskitia-lead-conservation-of-nature-and-ancestral-culture.aspx On International Day of Indigenous Women, we emphasize the essential role of women in preserving nature and cultural heritage. Caren Lacoth, from the Mabita community in Honduras, shares her perspective on the importance of indigenous women in building homes and passing down traditions. As Moskitia confronts multiple challenges, indigenous communities are leading conservation efforts through collaborative projects. Novelo, Claudia Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21026 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/20910/Youth-must-ensure-our-future-International-Youth-Day.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=20910 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=20910&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/20910/Youth-must-ensure-our-future-International-Youth-Day.aspx "The land is our heritage, and just as our ancestors have always conserved the land, young people must follow those steps to ensure our future." This is the message shared by Alonso Joseph, Secretary of the Regional Government of Indigenous Territories of Alto Wangky and Bocay, part of the Nicaraguan Moskitia, on International Youth Day. Novelo, Claudia Sat, 12 Aug 2023 17:16:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:20910 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18700/Record-breaking-hawksbill-nesting-season-in-2015.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=18700 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18700&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18700/Record-breaking-hawksbill-nesting-season-in-2015.aspx As of January 2016, all of the nests from the 2015 season have hatched out and been excavated. We are happy to have completed another record-breaking season with 546 nests and an estimated 51,735 hatchings gone to sea. For clutches where at least one egg hatched, the hatching success (number of hatchlings to have exited their eggs) was 75.1% and the emerging success (the number of hatchlings that left the nest and presumably went to sea) was 74.6%. A detailed annual report will be published in the coming months, so please stay tuned! WCS would like to thank the following people and groups for providing the dedication and support that enabled us to do our jobs protecting hawksbill turtles in the Pearl Cays Wildlife Refuge in 2015: -          WCS staff members Pamela Fletcher, Laura Irvine, Rodolfo Chang, William McCoy, Keffrey McCoy, Byron “Coco” Blandon, Antony Sambola, Kessey Johnson, Nardica Simeon, Keith Bennett, Roberto Rigby, Mayesda Matamoros, and Harvey Antonio. -          All local community members of the Pearl Lagoon basin and out in the Pearl Cays, especially the watchmen and their families, and local fishermen who cooperated with the project by donating turtles or helping protect nests. -          The Territorial Authority of the Indigenous and Ethnic Communities of the Pearl Lagoon Basin, the Municipal Council of the Pearl Lagoon Municipality, the South Atlantic Autonomous Regional Council (CRAAS), the Secretariat of Natural Resources (SERENA), and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MARENA). Fri, 05 Feb 2016 17:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18700 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18701/Record-Breaking-Turtles.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=18701 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18701&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18701/Record-Breaking-Turtles.aspx We are happy to report that our hawksbill turtles broke the record for the most nests laid in a single season in the last 16 years of the project! The previous record from 2014 of 475 nests was topped on September 24th, and as of October 6th we already have 506 nests! This is a significant increase since the first year of the project in 2000 where we recorded 154 nests. We are delighted to see the population bounce back, although there are many factors at play here (i.e. conditions 25-30 years ago when some of these nesting females were born on the beaches of the Pearl Cays, regional protection laws, critically endangered classification of the species, etc.). In any case, this is a win not only for WCS Nicaragua but also for local communities, and all communities in regional countries that host these turtles during various life phases. Other project updates: over 22,000 hatchlings are estimated to have gone to sea from the 160 odd nests that we have excavated so far in 2015. We are also experiencing an increase in donations of turtles for the tag and release program in comparison to last year (total: 17), with 32 individuals. We still struggle with poaching in the cays, especially on Buttonwood, Columbilla and Wild Cane where there are no watchmen and groups of turtle fishermen spend a number of nights on the cays. Thu, 08 Oct 2015 16:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18701 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18702/Hatchlings-hatchlings-hatchlings.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=18702 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18702&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18702/Hatchlings-hatchlings-hatchlings.aspx We have recently seen the start of the 2015 hawksbill hatchout season in the Pearl Cays! That means hundreds of little hatchlings have been working hard to climb out of their nests and start their long journey to the great big sea! We have so far excavated over 20 nests, with nest success rates between 46-93%. We expect tens of thousands more hatchlings to make their way to sea this season (~43,000 went in 2014), especially since the nest count continues to approach what we hope will be a new project record again this year! Go hatchlings go! Thu, 20 Aug 2015 10:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18702 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18703/WCS-in-the-classroom-leading-sea-turtle-conservation-education.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=18703 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18703&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18703/WCS-in-the-classroom-leading-sea-turtle-conservation-education.aspx WCS has been active in the classroom! The Hawksbill Project Coordinator Laura Irvine and Hawksbill Project Field Supervisor William McCoy, in cooperation with Geri Mezzoni and Ryan Mintz from Peace Corps Nicaragua, visited classrooms of grades 3-9 at Bula Lightburn School Primary School (Pearl Lagoon), Pearl Lagoon Academy of Excellence, and Andreas Carlos Primary School (Haulover), in order to talk to children about the importance of sea turtle conservation. Over 300 local school children were shown photos and videos of sea turtles during the nesting process and of hatchlings going to sea, and all enthusiastically participated in a written activity with sea turtle-related puzzels and diagrams. Each class was taught about sea turtle biology and the importance of sea turtles in the greater marine ecosystem in the Pearl Cays, and given useful ways for how they can help protect hawksbills and their local natural resources. The energy was electric as these future conservationists actively listened and participated in a fun and educational experience that was enjoyed by all! Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18703 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18704/2015-Nesting-Season-Begins.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=18704 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18704&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18704/2015-Nesting-Season-Begins.aspx The 2015 season has already begun! We had our first hawksbill nest reported in the Pearl Cays on April 15th, almost a month earlier than the first nest reported last year. Our intensive monitoring season will start in June, but we will be making trips out to the cays to collect data on these early nesters. Wed, 15 Apr 2015 10:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18704 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18705/WCS-in-the-classroom.aspx#Comments 0 https://honduras.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=23595&ModuleID=50831&ArticleID=18705 https://honduras.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18705&PortalID=138&TabID=23595 https://honduras.wcs.org/News/ID/18705/WCS-in-the-classroom.aspx In 2014, the WCS hawksbill conservation team was able to deploy three satellite tags on nesting females. We continue to track their movements after several months as the move around Nicaraguan and into Honduran waters. Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18705