A Current Survey of the Central American River

A Recent Survey of the Critically Endangered Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) in Belize

Thomas R. Rainwater, Ph.D. 1447 Indian St. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464 United States of America

Tom Pop Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) P. O. Box 129, Punta Gorda Toledo District, Belize

Octavio Cal Ya’axché Conservation Trust P. O. Box 177, Punta Gorda Toledo District, Belize

Steven G. Platt, Ph.D. Department of Biology, P.O. Box C-64 Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas 79832 United States of America

Rick Hudson President, Turtle Survival Alliance Fort Worth Zoo 1989 Colonial Parkway Fort Worth, Texas 76110 United States of America

Report to:

Belize Fisheries Department Princess Margaret Drive P.O. Box 148 Belize City Belize, Central America

4 December 2010 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We conducted a country-wide survey of the Critically Endangered Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) in Belize during April and May, 2010. Dermatemys, locally known as “hickatee”, was once abundant throughout its limited distribution in southern Mexico, northern Guatemala and Belize. However, after decades of intense over-exploitation for its meat and eggs, Dermatemys has been virtually eliminated from much of its former range in Mexico, and its status in Guatemala remains unclear. A country-wide survey conducted in Belize during the early 1980s found that Dermatemys was still common to abundant in areas sparsely populated by humans but declining in more developed areas where turtles were more accessible to hunters. Additional surveys in the 1990s indicated that while some Dermatemys populations persisted in remote localities, unsustainable harvesting continued in more populated areas. From 12 April to 31 May, we surveyed approximately 30 localities in Belize for Dermatemys, 17 of which had previously been surveyed in the early 1980s. Overall, results of the survey indicate Dermatemys is heavily depleted in most of Belize, but healthy populations remain in a few remote areas, especially those receiving some level of protection. While this mirrors the trend observed in surveys conducted during the 1980s and 1990s, the current findings are particularly alarming in that the number of localities where turtles were seen and the number of turtles seen at these localities were both much reduced compared to previous surveys. In addition, large turtles (reproductive adults) are generally targeted during harvests, significantly reducing the most demographically important segment of the population. Further, interviews with fisherman and hunters indicate that laws and regulations enacted for the protection and management of Dermatemys are largely ignored by locals, as broad-scale enforcement is difficult to impossible. We regard the current level of Dermatemys harvesting in Belize as unsustainable and consider it a serious threat to the continued viability of Dermatemys populations in the country. Based on the results of our survey, we provide the following conservation recommendations for Dermatemys in Belize:

2. Initiate more extensive surveys to better determine the status of Dermatemys in Belize and prioritize localities for more intensive protection. Surveys should be a collaborative effort between the Belizean government, university faculty and students, NGOs, and other interested parties.

3. Initiate a conservation education program, particularly in towns and villages adjacent to Dermatemys habitat. This education program should attempt to raise public awareness of 2

wildlife conservation, inform villagers of the protected status of wildlife in Belize, instill general conservation values, and stress the global uniqueness of Dermatemys (its endemism).

4. Initiate a pilot captive breeding program. Such a program should focus on generating hatchlings that can be head-started and released to help restore depleted wild populations.

INTRODUCTION

The Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) is found along the coastal lowlands of southern Mexico, northern Guatemala and Belize (Alvarez del Toro, 1979; Iverson and Mittermeier, 1980; Iverson, 1986; Ernst and Barbour, 1989; Lee, 1996) and is the lone surviving representative of the family Dermatemydidae (Iverson and Mittermeier, 1980). Throughout its restricted range Dermatemys has been intensely harvested for its meat and to a lesser extent its eggs and shell (Moll, 1986; Polisar, 1994, 1995). As a result, Dermatemys has been virtually eliminated from much of its former range in southern Mexico, while its status in Guatemala remains unclear (Polisar, 1994). Currently, Dermatemys is considered one of the world’s most heavily exploited turtles and is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and listed on Appendix II of CITES (CITES, 2009; IUCN, 2009; USFWS, 2009).

In Belize, a country-wide survey of Dermatemys (locally known as “hickatee”) conducted in 1983 and 1984 found that the species was still common to abundant in areas sparsely populated by humans but declining in more developed areas where turtles were more accessible to hunters (Moll, 1986). Additional research conducted in north-central Belize from 1989 through 1991 indicated that exploitation of Dermatemys persisted in more populated areas and that the level of harvesting was not sustainable (Polisar, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997; Polisar and Horwich, 1994). As a result, in 1993 the Belize Fisheries Department drafted nationwide comprehensive legislation for the protection and management of Dermatemys which included year-round possession limits, a brief closed (non-hunting) season, a complete prohibition on selling and purchasing Dermatemys, and a series of protected zones in the major waterways of northern Belize (Polisar, 1994, 1995, 1997; Polisar and Horwich, 1994). Surveys conducted in north-central Belize in 1998 and 1999 suggested Dermatemys was still common to abundant in some remote localities but declining in more developed areas (Tony Garel, Dave Collins, unpublished data).

In April and May 2010, we conducted a country-wide survey to examine the current status of Dermatemys in Belize, approximately 25 years after the first country-wide survey was conducted (Moll, 1986). The primary objectives of our survey were the following.

1. Re-survey localities previously surveyed in the early 1980s so that general comparisons of turtle abundance can be made. 2. Survey other areas not included in previous surveys, particularly in southern Belize. 3. Train Belizean team members in basic turtle survey methodology. 4. Work with the Belizean government and non-governmental organizations to stimulate country-wide interest in Dermatemys conservation.

The following report details field work conducted in Belize during our survey. A detailed itinerary and summary of fieldwork, list of survey participants, and summary of data obtained during interviews/discussions with respondents or incidental to surveys are presented in Appendices 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Photographs were taken by T. Rainwater unless otherwise indicated.

METHODS

Fieldwork in Belize (Figure 1) was conducted from 12 April to 31 May, a period coinciding with the peak of the country’s dry season (Platt et al., 2006, 2008). During this period, turtles are easier to locate because water levels are low, water bodies are relatively clear due to reduced turbidity from rain and high flow, and turtles are more concentrated in smaller areas (Polisar, 1995). Consistent with previous studies, we employed multiple survey methods including nocturnal spotlight searches, trammel netting, and diving (free and scuba) (Moll, 1986; Polisar, 1995; Garel, 1998; Collins, 1999). As stated previously, one of our primary objectives was to re-survey localities previously surveyed in the early 1980s (Figure 2). However, exact survey locations (e.g., maps or GPS coordinates) and routes from the 1980s surveys were not available. Therefore, once at the general locality previously surveyed, we based our survey routes on criteria similar to those used in the 1980s surveys, including habitat likely to contain Dermatemys and accessibility (Moll, 1986). Spotlight surveys were conducted from either a motor boat traveling at low/idling speed (Moll, 1986) or a canoe. Spotlights (3,000,000 candle power) were used during surveys conducted from motor boats, while a combination of spotlights and headlamps (6 volt) were used during surveys conducted from canoes. When circumnavigating an area (e.g., lagoon, stretch of river) only one side of the boat was surveyed (illuminated) at a time to reduce the risk of counting the same turtle multiple times in a survey. The beginning and endpoints of each survey route and the distance traversed were determined with a Garmin® GPS Map 60. Trammel nets (50 m x 3 m, mesh size = 10 cm, lead core bottom line, foam core top line; Memphis Net and Twine, Memphis, TN) were set in habitat likely to contain Dermatemys or specific localities where Dermatemys had previously been observed during spotlight surveys or by local hunters. Nets were set during both day and night, depending on the locality. Dive surveys were conducted in the Belize and Sibun Rivers only. In the Belize River, we were led by local hunters who routinely harvest Dermatemys there and surveyed (free diving with masks only) a stretch of river where the species was considered common to abundant. In the Sibun River, we were led by Mr. Tony Garel, a Belizean herpetologist who surveyed and observed Dermatemys at the same localities in 1998 and 1999 (Garel, 1998; Collins, 1999). At each locality in the Sibun River, surveys were conducted by one scuba diver (Garel) and two free divers (with masks only). For each turtle captured during surveys, carapace length (CL) and plastron length (PL) were determined using aluminum tree calipers and body mass measured (nearest half kg) using 5

spring scales. Sex was determined by examining head coloration and tail size. Male Dermatemys characteristically display yellow (although sometimes cream or reddish-brown) coloration on the dorsal surface of the head, whereas the heads of females are typically uniformly brown, olive, or gray (Ernst and Barbour, 1989; Lee, 1996). Additionally, males have considerably larger tails than females (Ernst and Barbour, 1989; Lee, 1996; Figure 3). The capture location of each turtle was determined by GPS, and each turtle was permanently marked for future identification by drilling holes in a unique series of marginal scutes. Following data collection, all turtles were immediately released at their corresponding sites of capture. When possible, we also interviewed hunters, fishermen, and other knowledgeable individuals regarding the natural history and local occurrence of Dermatemys, hunting methods, and levels of exploitation (Platt et al., 2004).

RESULTS and DISCUSSION

From 12 April through 31 May, 30 different localities in Belize were surveyed for Dermatemys (Table 1). Approximately 17 of these had been previously surveyed by Moll (1986) in 1983-84, and an additional two (Cox Lagoon, Rio Bravo) were previously surveyed by others (Garel, 1998; Polisar, 1990, 1995, 1996). Localities surveyed ranged from the deep south of Belize (Temash River) to the extreme north of the country (Rio Hondo) (Table 1, Figure 4) and were characterized by variety of habitats including the estuarine, brackish, and fresh water sections of rivers (Figures 5-10); brackish and fresh water creeks, lagoons, and ponds (Figures 11-15); and a coastal bay (Figure 16). Associated topography and vegetation varied widely among these habitats, from coastal mangrove swamps to montane broadleaf forest along the lower slopes of the Maya Mountains (Stafford and Meyer, 2000). Spotlight surveys were conducted at 25 different localities in Belize in 2010 (Tables 2-4). A total of 18 Dermatemys was observed, all at 5 (20%) of the localities surveyed: Rio Grande (8), Moho River (1), Temash River (6), Manatee River (Southern Lagoon; 1), and Mucklehenny Lagoon (2) (Tables 2 and 3). Encounter rates at these localities ranged from 0.16 (Moho River) to 0.67 (Rio Grande) Dermatemys/km survey route (Table 2). Number of Dermatemys observed per hour ranged from 0.4 (Moho River) to 2.9 (Rio Grande) (Table 3). Moll (1986) also reported number of Dermatemys observed/hr during spotlight surveys conducted in 1983-84, allowing for general comparisons between those results and results from the present study (Table 4). Of the 17 localities surveyed in both studies, Dermatemys was observed at all (100%) sites in 1983-84 and only three (17.6%) in 2010 (Table 4, Figure 17). Number of Dermatemys observed/hr was greater in the Mucklehenny Creek/Lagoon (1.7-fold) and Southern Lagoon (near Gales Point) (3.3-fold) areas in 1983-84 than in 2010, but higher in the Rio Grande (1.3-fold) in 2010 than in 1983-84 (Table 4, Figure 17). Trammel net surveys were conducted at 18 different localities in Belize in 2010 (Table 5). Thirty-nine Dermatemys were captured in trammel nets, all at six (33%) of the localities 6

surveyed: Manatee River (Southern Lagoon; 1); Belize River (8), Myers Pond (5), Irish Creek (New River Lagoon; 4), Rio Hondo (6), and Rio Bravo (15) (Table 5). Number of Dermatemys captured per hour at these localities ranged from 0.4 (Manatee River) to 5.0 (Myers Pond). Moll (1986) also reported number of Dermatemys captured in trammel nets in 1983-84, allowing for general comparisons (see below) between those results and results from the present study (Figure 18). Of the 6 localities surveyed in both studies, Dermatemys was captured at all (100%) sites in 1983-84 and only three (50%) in 2010 (Manatee River [Southern Lagoon], Belize River, Rio Hondo) (Figure 18). Number of turtles captured was greater at all three sites in 1983-84 than in 2010 (Figure 18). Comparisons between survey results in 1983-84 (Moll, 1986) and the present study are included to examine general trends in Dermatemys occurrence, although quantitative comparisons (e.g., number turtles surveyed/hr, number turtles captured in trammel nets) between the two studies should be interpreted with caution. Because Moll (1986) included no specific locality data (e.g., GPS/map coordinates) for spotlight survey start and stop points or trammel netting locations, with the exception of a few lagoons it is unlikely that localities surveyed in the present study were exactly the same as those surveyed in 1983-84. In addition, differences in survey methodologies between the two studies make direct comparisons between the two problematic. For example, all spotlight surveys conducted by Moll (1986) were performed from a boat powered by an outboard motor, while several surveys in 2010 were conducted using both a motor boat and canoe (with and without a motor). The use of a motor may influence survey results by allowing researchers to travel greater distances over a shorter time period and by the potential effect of motor sound and vibrations on turtle behavior and subsequent observability. Indeed, during spotlight surveys in the Rio Grande and Temash River, we observed most turtles swimming toward the shore or overhanging vegetation as we slowly passed by in motor boats, presumably as a result of turtles “fleeing” the sound of the motor and seeking cover. Further, multiple locals informed us this technique is commonly used by hunters to bring turtles to the water’s surface where they can more easily be harpooned, netted, or hand-captured. Another important difference between the 1983-84 and 2010 studies was time spent surveying each locality. Moll (1986) spent approximately 6 months surveying 22 localities in Belize, while in the present study we spent approximately 2 months surveying 30 localities. More time spent at each locality allows for longer spotlight survey routes, more netting localities, and longer netting sessions, which may increase the likelihood of encountering or capturing turtles. Time of year in which surveys are conducted may also affect survey results, as seasonal changes in water levels and temperature affect turtle behavior (Wallace et al., 2007) and access to survey sites. Moll (1986) surveyed Dermatemys in Belize during both the wet and dry seasons, while our survey was conducted during the dry season only. Finally, the size (e.g., length, depth, mesh size) or number of trammel nets used at each site surveyed in 1983-84 was not reported by Moll (1986). These attributes obviously have a direct effect on the potential number and size classes of turtles captured.

Dive surveys were conducted at two localities in Belize in 2010, the Belize and Sibun Rivers (Table 6). The dive survey in the Belize River was conducted in the Big Falls area along an approximately 1.5 km stretch of river upstream from the old rice mill. We were brought to this particular locality by local fisherman/hunters who claimed Dermatemys was abundant there, and to their knowledge the area had not yet been hunted in 2010. Five local fisherman/hunters and two members of our team surveyed this area for approximately 3 hours, concentrating efforts primarily near the shoreline among submerged trees, limbs, and logs as we worked our way down stream. Collectively, the fisherman claimed to have seen 16 Dermatemys during the survey. However, because no turtles were captured and none were seen by the two members of our survey team, this figure could not be verified. The river was considerably turbid on the day of the survey, presumably from large-scale sand and gravel extraction occurring farther upstream. The fishermen insisted that under less turbid conditions, more turtles would have been observed and many would have been captured. This is likely true, as we captured several Dermatemys in trammel nets in the same general area the following day. In the Sibun River, we conducted dive surveys in nine specific eddies in which Dermatemys had been previously observed and captured by Mr. Tony Garel and others (Garel, 1998; Collins, 1999; Garel, pers. comm.) (Table 6). However, no turtles were observed in the Sibun River during the 2010 dive surveys. A total of 39 Dermatemys was captured and examined in Belize during the 2010 survey (Table 7). One captive specimen and 5 shells from recently harvested turtles were also examined (Table 7). It is important to note that the large mesh size of the trammel nets used in our surveys resulted in a sampling towards subadult and adult turtles. Mean (±SE) carapace length (CL) of male and female Dermatemys captured during the survey was 38.2 ± 0.7 (n=17) and 34.8 ± 1.3 (n=22), respectively. Dermatemys were captured in the Temash River (Figure 19), Southern Lagoon (Manatee River; Figure 20), Belize River (Figure 21), Myers Pond (Figure 22), New River Lagoon (Irish Creek; Figure 23), Rio Hondo (Figure 24), and Rio Bravo (Figure 25). Importantly, at least four of these localities receive varying forms of protection (e.g., ranger patrols, protected private property). In addition to Dermatemys, six Mesoamerican sliders (Trachemys venusta) and one Mexican giant musk turtle (Staurotypus triporcatus) were also captured during the 2010 survey (Table 8; Figure 26). Exploitation of Dermatemys by humans appears to continue unabated in Belize, and as previously reported (Polisar, 1995), hunters primarily target larger turtles (subadults and adults). We observed shells of recently harvested turtles at multiple localities, (Figure 27), encountered animals held in captivity (Figure 28), and heard accounts from villagers and hunters country- wide suggesting large numbers of Dermatemys continue to be harvested each year (see Appendix 3). For example, in the Belize River, where exploitation has been notoriously high for years (Polisar 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997; Polisar and Horwich), locals estimate that ~ 400 Dermatemys are harvested annually from the stretch of river between Flowers Bank and Big Falls, with ~ 300 taken this year (2010). Villagers relayed recent accounts of ~ 30, 60, and 75 Dermatemys taken in a single day, sometimes by only one person, in the Belize River, New 8

River Lagoon, and Rio Hondo, respectively. Turtles are primarily harvested by harpooning (striking with a peg), netting, and free-diving (Polisar, 1995). Hunters often work in teams to drive turtles into nets or to the water’s surface where they can more easily be harpooned or grabbed by hand. This is accomplished by beating the surface of the water with large sticks and boat paddles (Figure 29), and by using a large chain doubled over on itself and tied to a rope, which is lowered to the bottom of the river and “shaken” (raised and dropped rapidly), making a noise audible above water (Figure 29). Villagers contend that Dermatemys are no longer sold in public markets and are instead available for purchase through word of mouth from people’s homes. Additionally, Dermatemys is still commonly sold in village restaurants, especially during days preceding and following Easter. Perhaps the most telling sign of continued exploitation and subsequent population decline of Dermatemys in Belize is the reduced number of turtles observed in our surveys compared to those conducted in 1983-84 (Moll, 1986) and 1998-99 (Garel, 1998; Collins, 1999). We observed Dermatemys at only 17% (spotlight surveys) and 50% (trammel net surveys) of localities previously surveyed by Moll (1986), and observed no turtles during dive surveys in the Sibun River where they had commonly been found in 1998-99 (Garel, 1998; Collins, 1999). On our last day of dive surveys in the Sibun River, a hunter from a riverside village (Butcher Burns) informed us that every year, from December through May, local fishermen dive for Dermatemys in the same stretch of river we surveyed, until turtles are gone.

CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Overall, the results of the 2010 survey indicate Dermatemys is heavily depleted in most of Belize, but healthy populations remain in a few remote areas, especially those receiving some level of protection. While this mirrors the trend observed in surveys conducted during the 1980s and 1990s, the current findings are particularly alarming in that the number of localities where turtles were seen and the number of turtles seen at these localities were both much reduced compared to previous surveys. In addition, interviews with fisherman and hunters indicate that the laws and regulations enacted in 1993 for the protection and management of Dermatemys are largely ignored by locals, as broad-scale enforcement is difficult to impossible. We regard the current level of Dermatemys harvesting in Belize as unsustainable and consider it a serious threat to the continued viability of Dermatemys populations in the country. Turtles are long-lived organisms characterized by a unique suite of life history traits that include low survivorship of eggs, hatchlings, and juveniles, delayed sexual maturity, and high survivorship among subadults and adults (Congdon et al., 1993). Consequently, turtle populations are demographically sensitive to any increase in mortality among the larger size classes, especially reproductive adults (Brooks et al., 1991; Congdon et al., 1993). Thus, even a low-intensity subsistence take has the potential to decimate turtle populations (Thirakhupt and van Dijk 1994; Platt et al. 2003). Indeed, it is doubtful whether any level of turtle harvest can be 9

truly sustainable (Thorbjarnarson et al., 2000). In Belize, exploitation of Dermatemys by humans has introduced high predation rates to size classes accustomed to high survival rates (Polisar 1995). Therefore, as Polisar (1995) has previously stated, increasing adult survival should be the focus of any Dermatemys conservation or management program. The occurrence of Dermatemys at multiple, previously unsurveyed localities in southern Belize is encouraging. More comprehensive surveys of these and other areas where Dermatemys populations appeared to be secure during the 2010 survey will be vital in developing new conservation strategies, potentially including prioritization of areas for more intensive (and enforceable) protection. In addition, the interest and support the survey team received from the Belizean government as well as several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), villages, and individual conservationists, guides, and fishermen was outstanding and ensured the success of the project. The level of local knowledge, concern, and enthusiasm regarding Dermatemys conservation in Belize is promising, and this momentum has lead to the Hickatee Conservation Forum and Workshop to be held at the University of Belize in Belmopan on 7 December 2010. This meeting will bring together scientists, government officials, NGOs and civil society to share information regarding the current status of Dermatemys in Belize and throughout its limited range, and to prioritize future conservation actions for the survival of this unique and imperiled turtle.

In conclusion, based on the results of the 2010 survey, the following are our conservation recommendations for Dermatemys in Belize.

1. Increase law enforcement to curb illegal harvest of Dermatemys and other wildlife and protect riparian habitats. Priority should be given to localities where Dermatemys is still common to abundant (e.g., Temash River, Rio Grande, Belize River, New River Lagoon [Irish Creek], Southern Lagoon [Manatee River area], Rio Bravo, Rio Hondo).

2. Initiate more extensive surveys to better determine the status of Dermatemys in Belize and prioritize localities for more intensive protection. More time should be spent surveying each locality and a variety of survey techniques employed. Surveys should be a collaborative effort between the Belizean government, university faculty and students, NGOs, and other interested parties.

3. Initiate a conservation education program, particularly in towns and villages adjacent to Dermatemys habitat. This education program should attempt to raise public awareness of wildlife conservation, inform villagers of the protected status of wildlife in Belize, instill general conservation values, and stress the global uniqueness of Dermatemys (its endemism).

4. Initiate a pilot captive breeding program. Such a program should focus on generating hatchlings that can be head-started and released to help restore depleted wild populations. 10

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This project would not have been possible without the support of George Myvett, James Azueta, and the Belize Fisheries Department. We also wish to thank the following groups and individuals in Belize for their support during this project: Alton Jeffords and Oceanic Society Expeditions; Benjamin Cruz; Bill Hasse; Bruce and Carolyn Miller; Bruce Cullerton; Karl Tillett; Celia Mahung, Elmar Requena, Santiago Cucul, Luis Ishim, Chris Hamley, and the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE); Chrissie and Anita Tupper; Clifton and Nancy Bailey (Manatee Lodge); Derrick Hendy and the Belize Audubon Society; Dion Andrews; Doyle Forman, Egbert Valencio, Thomas Ishim, Narco Nakin, and the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM); Eddie Romero (Programme for Belize); Elma Kay (University of Belize); Frank Mazzotti; Geraldine and Lionel Fermin (Community Baboon Sanctuary); Giovanni Fernandez and Black Rock Lodge; Graham Sampson; Isabelle Paquet-Durand (Galen University); Jacob Marlin and BFREE; Jan Meerman; Jerry Larder and Nikki Buxton (Belize Bird Rescue); Kevin Andrewin; Lloyd and Walter Cassosola; Leonard Myers; Marcelo Windsor, Andre Lopez, Rasheda Sampson, and the Belize Forest Department; Marga Miller, Anna Zabrowksi, and Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary; Mark Howells, Ruben Arevalo, and Lamanai Outpost Lodge; Nick Wicks, Ginny Fuhs, Lee McLoughlin, and Ya'axché Conservation Trust; Paul Walker (Wildtracks), Percy Flowers, Jr.; Reynaldo and Sergio Gorosica; Richard and Carol Foster; Robin Brockett; Sharon Matola and the Belize Zoo; Steve Usrey; Tamara Sniffin (San Pedro Sun); Tony Garel (Belize Herpetarium and Aquarium Park); Udell Forman; and Vince and Cherie Rose (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary [ACES]). Finally, we are grateful to the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF), the Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and the Delta Foundation for generously providing financial support for this project.

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Figure 1. Map showing the location of Belize relative to other Caribbean countries. 15

Figure 2. Map of Belize showing the localities surveyed for Dermatemys mawii in 1983-84 by Moll (1986). Numbers within circles correspond to locality names listed in Table 1. Map is from Moll, 1986.

Figure 3. Photographs illustrating sexual dimorphism in Dermatemys mawii in Belize (2010). Males generally exhibit a yellowish coloration on the dorsal surface of the head (top right), while female heads are more uniformly brown or olive (top left). Males (bottom right) also exhibit a considerably longer tail than females (bottom left).

Figure 4. Map of Belize showing the localities surveyed for Dermatemys mawii in 1983-84 (Moll, 1986) and during the present study (2010). Red circles denote general localities surveyed in 2010 that were previously surveyed by Moll (1986) in 1983-84; yellow circles denote localities surveyed in 2010 but not previously surveyed by Moll (1986). Numbers within circles correspond to locality names listed in Table 1. Map is modified from Moll, 1986. 18

Table 1. Information regarding Dermatemys mawii surveys conducted in Belize in 1983-84 and 2010. M = Moll, 1986. P = Present study.

Localitya Spotlight surveys Net surveys Dive surveys

1. Rio Hondo / Four Mile Lagoon M, P M, P _

2. Four Mile Lagoon (near Corozal Bay) M, P _ _

3. Corozal Bay / mouth of New River M, P _ _

4. Progresso Lagoon M, P M, P _

5. New River M, P _ _

6. Honey Camp Lagoon M, P _ _

7. Northern Lagoon (Crooked Tree) M, P M _

8. Spanish Creekb M? M? _

9. New River Lagoon M P _

10. Jones Lagoon M, P _ _

11. Southern Lagoon (near Spanish Creek)b M _ _

12. Mussel Creek and tributaries M, P _ _

Mucklehenny Creek M _ _

Mucklehenny Lagoon P _ _

Cook’s Creek M, P _ _

Botlass Creek M _ _

13. Cook’s Lagoon M _ _

14. Belize River M, P M, P P

15. Labouring Creek and tributaries M _ _

Cut and Throw Away Creek M _ _

Freshwater Creek P P _

Graham Creek M _ _

16. Roaring Creek M _ _

17. Macal River M, P P _

18. Sibun River M M, P P

19. Northern Lagoon M M _

Tum Tum Creek P P _

Wagner Creek P _ _

20. Southern Lagoon M M _

Manatee River P P

Cornhouse Creek P _ _

21. Rio Grande M, P M, P _

22. Temash Riverc P _ _

23. Moho River P _ _

24. Golden Stream P _ _

25. Sittee River P P _

26. Western Lagoon (Sapodilla Creek) _ P _

27. Myers Pond _ P _

28. Cox Lagoon P _ _

29. Rio Bravo _ P _

30. Laguna Verde (near Gallon Jug) P P _

aNumbers to the left of locality names correspond to numbers in circles in Figure 4. bSpanish Creek is listed as locality #8 in Figure 1 of Moll (1986), suggesting Dermatemys was collected or observed there in 1983-84; however, no data on Dermatemys from Spanish Creek are included in the paper. cMoll (1986) did not actually survey the Temash River, but rather found specimens of Dermatemys in a market in Punta Gorda. The person who collected the specimens informed Moll that the origin of the turtles was “near the mouth of the Temash River” (Moll, 1986).

Figure 5. Golden Stream, Toledo District, Belize: estuarine (top) and brackish-fresh water (bottom) habitats.

Figure 6. The Rio Grande, Toledo District (top) and Belize River, Belize District (bottom), Belize.

Figure 7. The New River, Orange Walk District (top) and the Rio Hondo, Corozal District (bottom), Belize. 24

Figure 8. Rio Bravo, Orange Walk District (top) and the Sibun River, Belize District (bottom), Belize.

Figure 9. The Sittee River, Stann Creek District (top) and the Moho River, Toledo District (bottom), Belize.

Figure 10. The Temash River, Toledo District (top) and Macal River, Cayo District (bottom), Belize.

Figure 11. Cook’s Creek, Belize District (top) and Irish Creek, Orange Walk District (bottom), Belize. 28

Figure 12. Freshwater Creek, Cayo District (top) and Sapodilla Creek, Belize District (bottom), Belize. 29

Figure 13. Cox Lagoon, Belize District (top) and Myers Pond, Belize District (bottom), Belize.

Figure 14. Four Mile Lagoon (connecting to Rio Hondo), Corozal District (top), Progresso Lagoon, Corozal District (middle), and Honey Camp Lagoon, Orange Walk District (bottom), Belize.

Figure 15. New River Lagoon, Orange Walk District (top) and Southern Lagoon (near Gales Point), Belize District (bottom), Belize. Top photo by Scott McMurry.

Figure 16. Corozal Bay, Corozal District, Belize.

Table 2. Number of Dermatemys mawii observed per kilometer (km) of survey route traveled during spotlight surveys in Belize in 2010.

Distance traveled Encounter rate

during survey Number of (turtles/km

Locality Date Survey vessel (km) turtles observed survey route)

Rio Grande 15 April Motor boat 11.9 8 0.67

Golden Stream 18 April Motor boat 13.2 0 0

Moho River 19 April Canoe 6.2 1 0.16

Temash River 20 April Motor boat 20.1 6 0.30

Sittee River 23 April Motor boat 16.0 0 0

Cox Lagoon 26 April Canoe 10.2 0 0

Manatee River (Southern Lagoon) 28 April Motor boat 4.8 1 0.21

Cornhouse Creek (Southern Lagoon) 28 April Motor boat 3.9 0 0

Cook’s Creek 30 April Canoe 1.3 0 0

Mussel Creek 30 April Canoe 2.1 0 0

Belize River 3 May Motor boat 10.4 0 0

Mucklehenny Lagoon 5 May Canoe 5.6 2 0.35

Tum Tum Creek (Northern Lagoon) 7 May Motor boat 0.8 0 0

Wagner Creek (Northern Lagoon) 7 May Motor boat 2.6 0 0

New River 10 May Motor boat 5.74 0 0

Northern Lagoon (Crooked Tree) 15 May Canoe 1.5 0 0

Freshwater Creek 16 May Canoe 5.3 0 0

Jones Lagoon 17 May Canoe 9.3 0 0

Four Mile Lagoon (near Corozal Bay) 20 May Motor boata 10.6 0 0

Rio Hondo / Four Mile Lagoon 21 May Motor boata 12.3 0 0

Progresso Lagoon 22 May Motor boata 3.7 0 0

Corozal Bay / mouth of New River 23 May Motor boata 6.7 0 0

Honey Camp Lagoon 24 May Canoe 13.3 0 0

Laguna Verde (near Gallon Jug) 25 May Canoe 2.4 0 0

Macal River 27 May Canoe 0.42 0 0

aCanoe with outboard motor attached.

Table 3. Number of Dermatemys mawii observed per hour during spotlight surveys in Belize in 2010.

Survey duration Number of Number turtles

Locality Date Survey vessel (hr) turtles observed observed / hour

Rio Grande 15 April Motor boat 2.7 8 2.9

Golden Stream 18 April Motor boat 2.4 0 0

Moho River 19 April Canoe 2.7 1 0.4

Temash River 20 April Motor boat 5.6 6 1.1

Sittee River 23 April Motor boat 4.1 0 0

Cox Lagoon 26 April Canoe 4.8 0 0

Manatee River (Southern Lagoon) 28 April Motor boat 1.5 0 0.7

Cornhouse Creek (Southern Lagoon) 28 April Motor boat 1.0 0 0

Cook’s Creek 30 April Canoe 1.1 0 0

Mussel Creek 30 April Canoe 1.1 0 0

Belize River 3 May Motor boat 1.6 0 0

Mucklehenny Lagoon 5 May Canoe 3.2 2 0.6

Tum Tum Creek (Northern Lagoon) 7 May Motor boat 0.5 0 0

Wagner Creek (Northern Lagoon) 7 May Motor boat 0.4 0 0

New River 10 May Motor boat 1.9 0 0

Northern Lagoon (Crooked Tree) 15 May Canoe 0.7 0 0

Freshwater Creek 16 May Canoe 3.2 0 0

Jones Lagoon 17 May Canoe 2.4 0 0

Four Mile Lagoon (near Corozal Bay) 20 May Motor boata 2.7 0 0

Rio Hondo / Four Mile Lagoon 21 May Motor boata 2.8 0 0

Progresso Lagoon 22 May Motor boata 0.9 0 0

Corozal Bay / mouth of New River 23 May Motor boata 1.9 0 0

Honey Camp Lagoon 24 May Motor boat / 2.8 0 0 canoeb

Laguna Verde (near Gallon Jug) 25 May Canoe 1.0 0 0

Macal River 27 May Canoe 0.4 0 0

aCanoe with outboard motor attached. bFirst half of survey conducted using outboard motor attached to canoe; second half of survey conducted while paddling canoe after motor was damaged.

Table 4. Comparison of the number of Dermatemys mawii observed per hour at localities in Belize surveyed in both 1983-84 (Moll, 1986) and 2010 (this study).

1983-84 2010

Locality Number turtles Survey duration Number turtles Number turtles Survey duration Number turtles observed (hr) observed / hour observed (hr) observed / hour

Belize River (above Burrell 97 42 2.3 0 1.6 0 Boom)

Cook’s Creek 6 3 2.0 0 1.1 0

Corozal Bay 20 42 0.5 0 1.9 0

Four Mile Lagoon (Corozal) 52 30 1.7 0 2.7 0

Rio Hondo / Four Mile Lagoon 88 80 1.1 0 2.8 0

Labouring Creek and 48 12 4.0 0 3.2 0 tributariesb

Honey Camp Lagoon 18 4 4.5 0 2.8 0

Jones Lagoon 96 12 8.0 0 2.4 0

Macal River 2 8 0.3 0 0.4 0

Mucklehenny Lagoon / Creek 6 6 1 2 3.2 0.6

Mussel Creek 12 24 0.5 0 1.1 0

New River 16 16 1.0 0 1.9 0

Northern Lagoon (Crooked 72 16 4.5a 0 0.7 0 Tree)

Northern Lagoon (Gales 8 8 1.0 0 0.9 0 Point)c

Progresso Lagoon 370 168 2.2 0 0.9 0

Rio Grande 46 20 2.3 8 2.7 2.9

Southern Lagoon (Gales 20 8 2.5 1 2.4 0.4 Point)d

aValue reported as 8.0 in Moll (1986). bFreshwater Creek was considered a tributary of Labouring Creek in 2010. cIncludes Tum Tum Creek and Wagner Creek. dIncludes Cornhouse Creek and Manatee River.

Southern Lagoon (Gales Point) Rio Grande Progresso Lagoon Northern Lagoon (Gales Point) Northern Lagoon (Crooked Tree) New River Mussel Creek Mucklehenny Lagoon/Creek Macal River Jones Lagoon Honey Camp Lagoon Labouring Creek and tributaries Rio Hondo / Four Mile Lagoon Four Mile Lagoon (Corozal) Corozal Bay Moll, 1983-84 Cook's Creek This study, 2010 Belize River

0 2 4 6 8 10 Turtles observed / hour

Figure 17. Comparison of the number of Dermatemys mawii observed per hour during spotlight surveys in Belize in 1983-84 (Moll, 1986) and 2010 (this study). 40

Table 5. Number of Dermatemys mawii captured in trammel nets in Belize in 2010.

Number Number

Start Hours turtles turtles

Locality Date Net # time deployed captured captured / hour

Rio Grande 16 April 1 1600 3.5 0 0

Rio Grande 17 April 1 1100 8.3 0 0

Rio Grande 17 April 2 1148 7.0 0 0

Sittee River 24-25 April 1 1130 21.0 0 0

Sittee River 24-25 April 2 1145 20.8 0 0

Manatee River (Southern 28 April 1 1924 2.6 1 0.4 Lagoon)

Belize River 3 May 1 1435 1.6 5 3.1

Belize River 3 May 2 1450 2.7 3a 1.1

Myers Pond (near Gales 5 May 1 1515 1.0 5 5.0 Point)

Tum Tum Creek (Northern 7 May 1 2055 0.3 0 0 Lagoon)

Sapodilla Creek (Western 8 May 1 1022 1.9 0 0

Lagoon)

Sapodilla Creek (Western 8 May 2 1030 1.9 0 0 Lagoon)

New River Lagoon 9 May 1 2106 5.9 0 0

New River Lagoon 9 May 2 2115 5.6 0 0

Dawson Creek (New River 10 May 1 1046 1.9 0 0 Lagoon)

Dawson Creek (New River 10 May 2 1101 1.7 0 0 Lagoon)

Irish Creek (New River 11 May 1 1100 3.7 1 0.3 Lagoon)

Irish Creek (New River 11 May 2 1110 3.3 2 0.6 Lagoon)

Irish Creek (New River 11 May 3 1509 2.0 1 0.5 Lagoon)

Irish Creek (New River 11 May 4 1523 2.1 0 0 Lagoon)

Barbour Creek (New River 12 May 1 0756 2.9 0 0 Lagoon)

Barbour Creek (New River 12 May 2 0820 2.1 0 0

Lagoon)

Sibun River 13 May 1 1300 2.3 0 0

Sibun River 13 May 2 1315 2.3 0 0

Freshwater Creek 16 May 1 1600 5.7 0 0

Freshwater Creek 16 May 2 1621 5.1 0 0

Rio Hondo / Four Mile 20 May 1 1832 2.8 2 2.7 Lagoon

Rio Hondo / Four Mile 20 May 2 1843 3.3 4 1.2 Lagoon

Progresso Lagoon 21 May 1 1545 3.9 0 0

Progresso Lagoon 21 May 2 1617 3.1 0 0

Laguna Verde 25 May 1 1735 6.9 0 0

Laguna Verde 25 May 2 1753 6.9 0 0

Rio Bravo 26 May 1 0920 4.5 6 1.3

Rio Bravo 26 May 2 0930 3.8 9 2.3

Macal River 27 May 1 1830 4.3 0 0

Macal River 27 May 2 1850 4.2 0 0

Macal River 28 May 1 1005 3.0 0 0

Macal River 28 May 2 1016 2.9 0 0

aOne turtle free itself from the net before being collected; therefore measurements were collected from only eight turtles from the Belize River.

Figure 18. Comparison of the number of Dermatemys mawii captured in trammel nets in Belize in 1983-84 (Moll, 1986) and 2010 (this study). 45

Table 6. Number of Dermatemys mawii observed during dive surveys in Belize in 2010. All surveys in the Sibun River included one scuba diver and three free divers using only masks.

Number turtles

Number of Hours of Man-hours Number turtles observed /

Locality Date divers diving of diving observed man hour

Belize River 2 May 7 3.25 22.8 16a 0.7

Sibun River 13 May 3 0.58 1.74 0 0

Sibun River 13 May 3 0.53 1.59 0 0

Sibun River 13 May 3 0.37 1.11 0 0

Sibun River 13 May 3 0.45 1.35 0 0

Sibun River 14 May 3 0.20 0.60 0 0

Sibun River 14 May 3 0.25 0.75 0 0

Sibun River 14 May 3 0.15 0.45 0 0

Sibun River 14 May 3 0.38 1.14 0 0

Sibun River 14 May 3 0.25 0.75 0 0

aUnverified. Local fisherman hired to assist in dive surveys claimed to have seen 16 turtles during this diving event, but none were seen by our core survey team which also dove. No turtles were captured during dive surveys.

Table 7. Morphometric attributes and sex of Dermatemys mawii (n=45) examined in Belize in 2010. NC = Not collected. NA = Not applicable.

Type of Carapace Plastron

Locality Date Specimen IDa Sex length (cm) length (cm) Mass (kg)

Temash River 20 April Wild turtle 2R Male 44.1 34.1 NC

Southern Lagoon (Manatee River) 28 April Wild turtle 1R Female 44.2 36.1 13

Southern Lagoon (Gales Point) 28 April Shell NA NA 46.2 NA NA

Belize River (St. Paul Bank) 1 May Captive turtle NA Female 20.6 17 NC

Belize River (St. Paul Bank) 1 May Shell NA NA 41.6 NA NA

Belize River (St. Paul Bank) 1 May Shell NA NA 43.6 NA NA

Belize River (Bermudian Landing) 1 May Shell NA NA 36.5 NA NA

Belize River (Double Head Cabbage) 1 May Shell NA NA NA 31.6 NA

Belize River (Big Falls) 3 May Wild turtle 4L Female 28.0 23.6 4

Belize River (Big Falls) 3 May Wild turtle 1R, 1L Female 30.6 24.9 3.5

Belize River (Big Falls) 3 May Wild turtle 4R Female 32.5 26.3 4

Belize River (Big Falls) 3 May Wild turtle 2L Female 36.9 30.9 6.5

Belize River (Big Falls) 3 May Wild turtle 1L Male 39.8 30.8 7.5

Belize River (Big Falls) 3 May Wild turtle 3R Male 40.5 31.5 7

Belize River (Big Falls) 3 May Wild turtle 3L Male 41.4 31.7 9

Myers Pond (near Gales Point) 5 May Wild turtle 1R, 2R Female 27.4 23.1 3

Myers Pond (near Gales Point) 5 May Wild turtle R2, R3 Female 28.2 23.1 2.5

Myers Pond (near Gales Point) 5 May Wild turtle 1R, 4R Female 28.2 23.9 4

Myers Pond (near Gales Point) 5 May Wild turtle 1R, 3R Female 34.9 28.7 5.5

Myers Pond (near Gales Point) 5 May Wild turtle 1L, 2L Female 40.3 32.6 9

New River Lagoon (Irish Creek) 11 May Wild turtle 2R, 3R Female 25.6 21.0 2

New River Lagoon (Irish Creek) 11 May Wild turtle 1L. 3L Female 29.8 24.0 3.5

New River Lagoon (Irish Creek) 11 May Wild turtle 1L, 4L Female 32.2 26.6 4

New River Lagoon (Irish Creek) 11 May Wild turtle 2R, 4R Female 33.6 26.6 5.5

Rio Hondo 21 May Wild turtle 3R, 4R Female 38.6 30.0 7

Rio Hondo 21 May Wild turtle 2R, 5R Female 40.2 31.2 8.5

Rio Hondo 21 May Wild turtle 3R, 5R Male 33.1 25.6 4.5

Rio Hondo 21 May Wild turtle 2L, 4L Male 34.9 26.7 5

Rio Hondo 21 May Wild turtle 1L, 5L Male 36.8 28.0 5

Rio Hondo 21 May Wild turtle 2L, 3L Male 38.0 29.2 7

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 2L, 5L Female 27.4 22.6 1.5

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 3L, 5L Female 40.0 30.9 8

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 3R, 5R Female 40.1 31.9 9

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 1L, 1R, 3R Female 40.4 32.2 8.5

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 4R, 5R Female 40.6 32.3 8

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 2L, 2R, 3R Female 45.3 35.1 12

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 2L, 1R, 2R Male 34 27.4 6.5

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 1L, 1R, 4R Male 35.3 26.9 5

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 2L, 1R, 5R Male 35.6 26.9 5.5

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 1L, 1R, 2R Male 37.7 28.3 6.5

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 3L, 4L Male 38.5 29.6 7

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 2L, 1R, 3R Male 38.9 30.1 8

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 4L, 5L Male 39.3 29.7 6

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 1L, 1R, 5R Male 40.1 30.8 7

Rio Bravo 26 May Wild turtle 2L, 1R, 4R Male 40.9 31.1 7.5

aTurtles were marked for identification by drilling a single hole in a single or unique combination of marginal scutes on the carapace. Marginal scutes were numbered 1-5 on the right (R) and left (L) side of the carapace, with scutes 1-Right (1R) and 1-Left (1L) beginning at the posterior end of the carapace, above the tail.

Table 8. Morphometric attributes of other turtle species found during trammel net surveys in Belize in 2010. NA = Not applicable. NM = Not marked.

Type of Carapace Plastron

Locality Date Species Specimen IDa length (cm) length (cm) Mass (kg)

Dawson Creek (New River Lagoon) 10 May Trachemys venusta Live turtle NA 29.0 26.2 3.5

Irish Creek (New River Lagoon) 11 May Trachemys venusta Live turtle 1R 26.3 23.5 2.5

Barbour Creek (New River) 12 May Trachemys venusta Live turtle 2R 30.0 26.6 3

Freshwater Creek 16 May Trachemys venusta Live turtle 3R 31.6 28.7 5

Laguna Verde 25 May Trachemys venusta Shell NA 31.7 29 NA

Rio Bravo 26 May Staurotypus triporcatus Live turtle NM 29.8 19.3 4

Rio Bravo 26 May Trachemys venusta Live turtle 3R 31.5 28.5 3.5

Rio Bravo 26 May Trachemys venusta Live turtle 4R 29 25.9 2.5

Figure 19. An adult male Dermatemys captured in the Temash River, Belize on 20 April 2010. Photograph by Thomas Ishim.

Figure 20. An adult female Dermatemys captured in the Manatee River (near Southern Lagoon), Belize on 28 April 2010.

Figure 21. An adult male (top) and subadult female (bottom) Dermatemys captured in the Belize River, Belize on 3 May 2010. Photographs by Geraldine Fermin.

Figure 22. Survey team with five female Dermatemys captured in Myers Pond (near Gales Point), Belize on 5 May 2010.

Figure 23. Subadult female Dermatemys captured in Irish Creek (near New River Lagoon), Belize on 11 May 2010.

Figure 24. An adult male Dermatemys captured in the Rio Hondo, Belize on 21 May 2010. 56

Figure 25. An adult female (top) and adult male (bottom) Dermatemys captured in the Rio Bravo, Belize on 26 May 2010. 57

Figure 26. In addition to Dermatemys, two other turtle species were captured during surveys in Belize in 2010. Top - Trachemys venusta captured in Dawson Creek (near New River Lagoon) on 10 May 2010. Bottom – Staurotypus triporcatus captured in the Rio Bravo on 26 May 2010.

Figure 27. Top (photograph by Geraldine Fermin): Shells (carapaces) from Dermatemys recently harvested from the Belize River, Belize (1 May 2010) (top). Bottom: Shell fragments from a Dermatemys recently butchered at a fish camp at Cox Lagoon, Belize (26 April 2010). 59

Figure 27. A captive juvenile female Dermatemys from the Belize River, Belize (1 May 2010). 60

Figure 27. Hunters often drive Dermatemys into nets by a combination of beating the water’s surface with large sticks (top) or shaking a large chain (bottom) on the bottom of the river (Belize River, 3 May 2010) (bottom photograph by Geraldine Fermin). 61

Appendix 1. Itinerary and summary of fieldwork (April-May 2010).

12 April Travel from Charleston, South Carolina, USA to Belize City (Ladyville). Pick up rental vehicle. Drive to Belize City to pick up research and collection permits for Dermatemys survey from Belize Fisheries Department. Discuss upcoming survey with Mr. James Azueta. Shop for food and additional field supplies. Drive to Lamanai Outpost Lodge, Indian Church Village, to pick up canoe to be used in surveys.

13 April Drive to survey base of operations on Western Highway. Meet with Mr. Bruce Cullerton about borrowing an outboard motor for the canoe. Travel to Belize City with Mr. Cullerton to search for a part for motor. Part is not in stock, so it is ordered. Drive back to survey base of operations.

14 April Drive to Belmopan. Stop by the Belize Forest Department and discuss project with Mr. Marcelo Windsor, Mrs. Rasheda Sampson, and Mr. Andre Lopez. Purchase additional topographic maps from the Lands Department. Drive to Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) and meet Mr. Tom Pop who will be part of the survey team. Inventory supplies.

15 April Drive to the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) near Punta Gorda, which will serve as base of operations in southern Belize for the next eight days. Unload gear. Meet and discuss project with Cherie and Vince Rose, owners of ACES. Drive to Punta Gorda and meet with Mr. Nick Wicks (Ya'axché Conservation Trust [YCT]), Mr. Elmar Requena (Toledo Institute for Development and Environment [TIDE]), and Chris Hamley (TIDE) to discuss logistics for Dermatemys surveys in southern Belize. Later meet with Mr. Requena and Mrs. Celia Mahung (TIDE) and discuss logistical support from TIDE. Return to ACES. Conduct spotlight survey on Rio Grande with assistance from TIDE rangers. Observe eight Dermatemys, one Staurotypus triporcatus.

16 April Tour ACES facility. Joined at ACES base of operations by third survey team member Mr. Octavio Cal, YCT ranger. Prepared for trammel net surveys. Conducted trammel net surveys on Rio Grande with assistance from TIDE rangers.

17 April Conduct trammel net surveys on Rio Grande with assistance from TIDE rangers and ACES. Inadvertently capture > 50 jelly fish (possibly moon jellyfish, Aurelia aurita), despite being ~ 20 km inland.

18 April Prepare for trip to Moho and Temash Rivers. Conduct diurnal survey of a 9.6 km stretch of Rio Grande where ACES staff has previously observed Dermatemys during the day. Observe two Trachemys venusta, one crocodile (species not identified). Conduct spotlight survey of Golden Stream.

19 April Drive to Punta Gorda. Meet with Mr. Doyle Forman (Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management [SATIIM]) to discuss logistical support from SATIIM for surveys of the Temash River. Meet SATIIM rangers Egbert Valencio, Thomas Ishim, and Narco Nakin and schedule rendezvous in Barranco on 20 April. Drive to Santa Anna Village. Set up base camp. Visit Cotton Tree Lodge. Conduct spotlight survey of Moho River. Observe 1 juvenile Dermatemys, one S. triporcatus.

20 April Drive to Barranco. Meet SATIIM rangers and Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldiers on village boat dock at ~ 1400 hr. Travel by boat up Temash River almost to Crique Sarco. Stop along the way to examine old turtle nests (species not identified) along bank. Conduct spotlight survey of Temash River. Observe six Dermatemys, capture one. Observe one T. venusta floating on surface beneath overhanging tree limbs. Spend remainder of night at SATIIM ranger station at mouth of river.

21 April Travel back to Barranco by boat. Drive back to ACES. Drive to Punta Gorda to pick up food, supplies, fuel. Meet briefly with Elmar Requena (TIDE) and Nick Wicks (YCT). Clean and organize gear.

22 April Assist ACES with capture of Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) in Rio Grande. Catch up on data entry and field notes. Pack gear.

23 April Drive to Monkey River Town, interview local river guide about occurrence of Dermatmeys in the Monkey River. Drive to Sittee River Village. Arrange and conduct spotlight survey of Sittee River.

24 April Conduct trammel net surveys in Sittee River from approximately 1130 hr to 0830 hr on 25 April.

25 April Drive to base of operations on Western Highway. Unpack. Meet with staff of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and discuss logistics of surveying Cox Lagoon.

26 April Drive to Belmopan, pick up food, fuel, and supplies. Conduct spotlight survey of Cox Lagoon. Find remains (carapace and plastron fragments) of at least one butchered Dermatemys at small abandoned fishing camp at extreme north end of lagoon. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

27 April Drive to Belmopan for fuel. Spend most of day arranging spotlight survey and trammel netting in Southern Lagoon (near Gales Point).

28 April Drive to Gales Point. Meet with Mr. Kevin Andrewin who organizes a boat and driver for the night’s survey. Measure one Dermatemys shell from a turtle recently harvested for Easter. Conduct spotlight survey of Manatee River and Cornhouse Creek, accessed from the northwest corner of Southern Lagoon. Also conduct a trammel net survey in Manatee River. Capture 1 Dermatemys. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

29 April Arrange for spotlight survey of Mussel Creek and Cook’s Creek.

30 April Drive to Sebastian Bridge (near Scotland Halfmoon Village). Conduct spotlight surveys of Mussel Creek south of bridge and Cook’s Creek. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

1 May Drive to Bermudian Landing and interview guides at Community Baboon Sanctuary. Meet local turtle hunters and arrange for a diving survey in the Belize River the following day. Measure three intact Dermatemys shells (one in Bermudian Landing, two in St. Paul Bank) and one plastron (in Double Head Cabbage), all from the 2010 harvest. Measure one captive juvenile Dermatemys in St. Paul Bank. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

2 May Drive to St. Paul Bank. Travel up the Belize River by motorized dugout canoe towing our canoe. Observe one large Dermatemys at water’s surface shortly after departing St. Paul Bank. Conduct diving survey in an ~ 1.5 km stretch of river upstream from the old rice mill. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

3 May Drive to St. Paul Bank. Travel up the Belize River by motorized dugout canoe (towing our canoe) to a stretch of river just below the old rice mill. Conduct trammel net survey. Capture 8 Dermatemys. Conduct spotlight survey from old 64

rice mill to St. Paul Bank. Observed two Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii). Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

4 May Search (unsuccessfully) for old logging road leading to Mucklehenny Lagoon. Arrange for trammel netting survey at Myers Pond (near Gales Point). Clean, organize gear. Catch up on data entry and field notes.

5 May Drive to Double Head Cabbage, meet with local fisherman to discuss possible trip to Labouring Creek in the coming days. Return to Mucklehenny Lagoon area and search (successfully) for old logging road leading to lagoon. Drive to Gales Point, pick up Kevin Andrewin and Leonard Myers, and drive to vicinity of Myers Pond (private property, connected to Soldier Creek). Hike remaining ~ 2 km to pond and conduct trammel net survey. Capture 5 Dermatemys. Drive back to Mucklehenny Lagoon and conduct spotlight survey. Observe 2 Dermatemys. Also noted abundant signs that fisherman have a strong presence in the lagoon: two sizable fish camps, many homemade poles (straight sticks) throughout lagoon likely used to set nets, skeleton of a large crocodile likely killed by humans (part of cranium missing, likely from a gunshot). Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

6 May Drive to Hattieville for fuel. Arrange spotlight and trammel net surveys at Northern and Western Lagoons (near Gales Point). Clean, organize gear. Catch up on data entry and field notes.

7 May Drive to Belmopan for food, fuel, and supplies. Drive to Gales Point, meet with Kevin Andrewin, prepare for spotlight and trammel net surveys. Travel by boat to Northern Lagoon. Conduct spotlight and trammel net survey of Tum Tum Creek (accessed from northwest corner of Northern Lagoon) and spotlight survey of Wagner Creek. Camp at Manatee Lodge on Gales Point.

8 May Travel by boat to Sapodilla Lagoon and Sapodilla Creek (Western Lagoon). Conduct trammel net surveys and diurnal surveys in Sapodilla Creek. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

9 May Drive to Orange Walk Town (fuel, food), then Lamanai Outpost Lodge, Indian Church Village. Conduct trammel net surveys in New River Lagoon.

10 May Conduct trammel net surveys in Dawson Creek (accessed by New River Lagoon). Note abundant sign of fishermen/hunters (e.g., trash, fire ring, tire tracks) at natural landing accessed by pine savannah on south side of creek. Capture one T. 65

venusta. Conduct diurnal survey of Lemonal Creek. Note dredged canal coming from direction of Lemonal toward (though not yet reaching) New River Lagoon. Conduct spotlight survey of New River. Observe a small homemade “cage” consisting of sticks placed vertically in the ground, side-by-side and in a square shape along the river bank. Our boat driver informed us such cages are used by fisherman to temporarily hold large fish and turtles.

11 May Conduct trammel net surveys in Irish Creek (near confluence with New River Lagoon). Capture four Dermatemys and one T. venusta. Noted two fishing camps along the stretch of creek surveyed.

12 May Conduct trammel net surveys in Barbour Creek (accessed from New River). Captured one T. venusta. Drive to Orange Walk Town (fuel, food), then back to Western Highway base of operations. Clean, organize gear for trip down Sibun River on 13 April.

13 May Drive to Belize City with Mr. Tony Garel to pick up scuba gear. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations, load up boats and gear, and travel to the Sibun River (at Coastal Highway bridge, south of La Democracia). Canoe downstream to Jones Eddy. Conduct dive survey (one scuba, two free divers) and trammel net survey. Continue downstream and conduct dive surveys at three more eddies, the last being “Bonanza”. Camp at Bonanza.

14 May Continue downstream, conducting dive surveys at five additional eddies. Mr. Garel, who had dove and captured Dermatemys at many of these eddies in 1998- 99, noted that the eighth eddy (fourth one surveyed on this day) looked "dead", void of life, with a layer of fine silt covering everything beneath. Continue to extraction point and meet Bruce Cullerton for transport back to the Western Highway base of operations.

15 May Drive to Belmopan for food and fuel. Drive to marina at Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City to pick up an extra Q-beam spotlight brought to us by a staff member from Oceanic Society Expeditions (Turneffe Atoll). Drive to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet with staff of Belize Audubon Society visitor’s center and discuss status of Dermatemys in Northern Lagoon, Southern Lagoon, and associated tributaries. Drive along western shore of Northern Lagoon, noting several small boats and nets piled up on the bank. Conduct spotlight survey of Northern Lagoon. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

16 May Drive to Belmopan, Banana Bank Lodge, Valley of Peace, and multiple other stops in hopes of obtaining directions to a purported road leading to Freshwater Creek. After numerous failed attempts, finally find the road and the creek. Note two vehicles and an ATV of fisherman/hunters that are already there. We later encounter signs of fishing/hunting in the creek area, including homemade poles (sticks) in the water for attaching nets, empty shotgun shell boxes, and shotgun blasts in the distance. Conduct trammel net and spotlight surveys. Capture one T. venusta. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

17 May Clean and organize gear. Catch up on data entry and field notes. Drive to village of Biscayne and arrange access to Jones Lagoon. Conduct spotlight survey of Jones Lagoon. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

18 May Drive to Freetown Sibun in hopes of arranging spotlight and trammel net surveys. However, steady rain causes creeks and rivers in central Belize to rise rapidly, making surveys impractical. Meet with locals in Freetown Sibun and establish a contact for surveys when the weather improves. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations.

19 May Drive to Belmopan for food, fuel, and supplies. Drive to Black Creek (drains Northern Lagoon near May Pen Village) to assess the possibility of conducting surveys. Creek is high and swift from recent rain, making surveys impractical until water levels recede. Drive back to Western Highway base of operations. Shift survey efforts to northern Belize in hopes of avoiding more rain. Arrange spotlight survey in Four Mile Lagoon (near Corozal) for the following evening.

20 May Drive to Belmopan for food, fuel, and supplies. Drive to Corozal. Meet with Mr. Graham Sampson and discuss survey strategies for targeted localities in northern Belize. Conduct spotlight survey of Four Mile Lagoon (near Corozal). Drive back to Corozal.

21 May Drive to Copper Bank. Have lunch with Mr. Eddie Romero (Programme for Belize) and discuss Dermatemys conservation and access to the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area. Meet with local contact in Copper Bank to schedule a boat and guide for a survey of Corozal Bay in two days. Drive to Corozal and obtain permission to access Four Mile Lagoon (near Santa Elena and Rio Hondo) from private property. Drive to said property and prepare for surveys. Conduct spotlight survey of Four Mile Lagoon and both spotlight and trammel net surveys of the Rio Hondo. Capture six Dermatemys in Rio Hondo. Drive back to Corozal. 67

22 May Pick up additional supplies in Corozal. Drive to Copper Bank, reconfirm plans for survey of Corozal Bay on 24 May. Drive to Progresso Lagoon. Travel by boat to southern end of lagoon. Conduct trammel net surveys. Conduct spotlight surveys. Encounter another “stick cage” for holding fish and turtles, like that seen in the New River on 10 May. Drive back to Copper Bank.

23 May Catch up on data entry and field notes. Prepare for survey of Corozal Bay. Conduct spotlight survey of Corozal Bay. Conditions unfavorable (windy; water relatively rough and turbid). Spend night in Copper Bank.

24 May Drive to Corozal. Organize gear. Drive to Honey Camp Lagoon. Conduct spotlight survey of Honey Camp Lagoon. Drive to Corozal.

25 May Drive to Orange Walk Town, then to Gallon Jug. Meet with Bruce and Carolyn Miller to discuss the occurrence of Dermatemys in the area. Conduct spotlight and trammel net surveys of Laguna Verde. Observed two T. venusta, and found one T. venusta shell. Camp by Laguna Verde.

26 May Drive to Rio Bravo. Conduct trammel net surveys. Captured 15 Dermatemys, two T. venusta, and one S. triporcatus. Drive to Lamanai Outpost Lodge, Indian Church Village to return canoe used in surveys. Drive to Western Highway base of operations.

27 May Drive to Black Rock Lodge on upper Macal River. Lodge naturalist had previously informed us that on separate but recent occasions he and another staff member had observed a Dermatemys in a specific pool between rapids. Conduct trammel net and spotlight surveys in said pool. Spend rest of night at lodge.

28 May Conduct trammel net surveys in a large pool in the Macal River near Black Rock Lodge. Drive to Belmopan for fuel and food. Drive to Western Highway base of operations.

29 May Clean, organize and begin packing gear for storage. Catch up on data entry and field notes. Drive to Roaring Creek and assess the possibility of conducting a spotlight survey there tomorrow night. The river is high and rising from the recent rain, and a survey is deemed impractical. Drive to San Ignacio and meet Mr. Benjamin Cruz for a spotlight survey of the lower Macal River. However, this river is also high and swift from recent rain, and continues rising, making the survey impractical. Drive to Western Highway base of operations.

30 May Pack and store gear. Clean rental vehicle. Complete data entry and field notes.

31 May Drive to Belize City, drop off team members Tom Pop and Octavio Cal at bus station. Drive to Ladyville and Philip S.W. Goldson airport. Travel to Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

Appendix 2. List of participants in the 2010 survey of Dermatemys mawii in Belize.

Name Professional affiliation

Tom Pop Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), Belize

Octavio Cal Ya'axché Conservation Trust (YCT), Belize

Thomas Rainwater, Ph.D. Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), USA

Appendix 3. Summary of data obtained during interviews/discussions with respondents or incidental to Dermatemys mawii surveys in Belize (April-May 2010)

Rio Grande (15, 16, 18 April)

1 Ranger says Dermatemys are often encountered in the upper Rio Grande near Jacinto Creek and Santa Maria Creek. Fisherman/hunters were recently encountered at night with 5 Dermatemys that they had apparently captured by diving.

2 A fisherman from Punta Gorda commonly collects Dermatemys in the Rio Grande by standing on the bow of a motor boat and spearing/harpooning turtles that surface when the boat passes by certain habitat (e.g., overhanging vegetation, needle/poke-boy palms). The Rio Grande is his most productive river for hunting Dermatemys, followed by the Moho, while Golden Stream contains virtually no Dermatemys.

Moho River (19 April)

1 Fishermen in the Moho River find Dermatemys downriver from the Santa Anna bridge by passing along the river bank in a motor boat. Apparently the sound of the motor “scares” turtles to the surface and toward the bank.

Temash River (20 April)

1 Ranger says Five to six years ago, Dermatemys were more common in the Temash River than at present. This is primarily attributed to increased hunting, which is especially heavy during the weeks preceding Easter. During this time, Dermatemys commonly appears on local restaurant menus.

2 Dermatemys are more commonly observed downriver below Temash Lagoon, during the wet season.

3 Dermatemys are present in the Sarstoon River, but it is dangerous working there because of encounters with Guatemalan aliens.

Monkey River Town (23 April) 1 A local guide and life-long resident of Monkey River Town says he has hunted, fished, and dived the Monkey River for 41 years and has never seen a Dermatemys here (though

Trachemys venusta and Staurotypus triporcatus are present). Also said there are no Dermatemys in the Sennis River.

Sittee River (23 April)

1 Local boat captain and guide says one can tell turtles (presumably Dermatemys) are feeding in the river by noting vines and leaves of overhanging vegetation (morning glory) moving up and down in the water as turtles are presumably pulling them underwater as the feed.

2 Guide says that fisherman at Cotton Tree (Belize River) capture Dermatemys by placing divers on both sides of the river and having one or more people in a boat in the middle of the river shake a heavy chain underwater or drop it on the floor of the boat, apparently frightening turtles from the river bottom, to the surface, toward the bank and into the clutches of the divers.

3 Guide says that “mud slide turtles” (with yellow bellies; presumably T. venusta) and loggerheads (S. triporcatus) are relatively common in the Sittee River. Dermatemys are here, but not as easy to observe.

Cox Lagoon (26 April)

1 Local fisherman/hunter says Dermatemys are common in Cox Lagoon. Turtles usually hide beneath/among thick vegetation along bank. Hunters beat and stomp the vegetation, flushing turtles into the open water where they are captured.

Southern Lagoon, Northern Lagoon (near Gales Point) (28 April)

1 Villagers say Dermatemys are scarcely found in the large lagoons (Southern, Northern Lagoon) but are abundant in the freshwater rivers and creeks flowing into these lagoons from the west, particularly the Manatee River-Soldier Creek-Cornhouse Creek system northwest of Southern Lagoon, and Sapodilla Lagoon (Western Lagoon).

2 Villagers say Dermatemys are common in Sapodilla Lagoon and can routinely be seen during the day in the clear, shallow water of the lagoon. Freshwater Creek and Tum Tum Creek, which flow into Northern Lagoon from the west, also harbor substantial numbers of turtles but these areas are hunted more frequently than the systems off of Southern Lagoon.

3 Villagers say that "outsiders" (from more inland areas) come down the rivers diving for turtles and take many, but when they reach areas near the big lagoons, the water gets deep, dark and salty, and divers are reluctant to dive here for fear of encountering large crocodiles and fish (e.g., jewfish).

4 Villagers say those in Gales Point that collect Dermatemys do so only occasionally and for subsistence only. Villagers are troubled by the large-scale taking of Dermatemys by outsiders.

Belize River (2, 3 May)

1 Special constable for wildlife in the Bermudian Landing area estimates ~ 300 Dermatemys were taken in the Flowers Bank to Big Falls stretch of the Belize River this Easter season (based on word of mouth in the community during that time).

2 Most harvesting occurs from Burrell Boom to More Tomorrow, and little occurs from Burrell Boom to Belize City (few turtles in this section). Locals contend that there are relatively many Dermatemys in the river near More Tomorrow, and hunters have been harvesting them in this area on a daily basis this year (none of this verified).

3 Local hunter says Dermatemys feeds on fig (Ficus) leaves and fruits, bri bri (Inga) leaves, fruit, and seeds, and bamboo leaves.

4 Divers say Dermatemys prefer areas of the river that are deeper and contain structure (sticks, stumps, snags, etc.).

5 Local fisherman estimates ~ 500 Dermatemys are taken each year from the Flowers Bank to Big Falls stretch of the Belize River. He says the stretch of river from Bermudian Landing to Burrell Boom is too wide and deep, and thus not much harvesting takes place there. He says professional fisherman usually harvest Dermatemys from late February to the end of May, and that 30-40 turtles per day is a common take for fisherman.

6 Many locals believe the populations of Dermatemys in the Belize River gets replenished during the wet season when flood waters into adjacent jungle, savannah, etc. allow turtles in these areas (in lagoons, ponds, creeks) to disperse into the river. They say one can dive in an area of the river during the dry season (presumably after harvesting has occurred) and see no turtles, and come back to the same location after the following wet season and see many (~ 30). 7 Local fisherman/turtle hunter says the drop-off in the number turtles encountered in this area of the Belize River (Bermudian Landing to Big Falls) is noticeable but not dramatic 73

("a little"). However, he says that years ago one could see and catch many Dermatemys in the area without even using a mask, but not now.

Myers Pond (5 May)

1 Landowner says the pond contains many Dermatemys, and that one night they spotted 27 individuals.

Mucklehenny Lagoon (5 May)

1 Villager from Gales Point says that Mucklehenny Lagoon is well known to contain many Dermatemys and that fishermen in Belize go there regularly to harvest turtles. He commented, "In Belize, if you don't protect it, people will come in and take it".

Northern Lagoon (near Gales Point) (7 May)

1 Villager says there used to be many Dermatemys in Tum Tum Creek, but not now. He also said that Tum Tum Creek and others in Northern Lagoon are hunted more heavily than those in Southern Lagoon.

2 Villager says there used to be many Dermatemys in Wagner Lagoon and Wagner Creek, but he has not been in these areas in some time. He said it is possible that no hunting occurs in Wagner Creek.

Western Lagoon, Sapodilla Lagoon, Sapodilla Creek (near Gales Point) (8 May)

1 Villager from Gales Point said he and other fishermen almost always see several Dermatemys in Sapodilla Creek during the day. He was surprised and concerned when we did not observe any turtles during diurnal and trammel net surveys. He speculates that new roads have made access easier to "outsiders" (hunters) coming in from the Pine Ridge.

2 Villager says he and others see many Dermatemys around the rocks at Mountain Cow Cay. One villager saw 15 one day during a period of high water.

New River Lagoon (9 May)

1 Villager says his brother commonly sees (and has caught) Dermatemys along eel grass beds in New River Lagoon while spear fishing at night.

2 Villager recalls a few years ago (maybe longer) when one man came and caught ~ 60 Dermatemys from the lagoon and stored them in burlap sacks under a tree until he was done hunting.

New River (10 May)

1 Tourist guides say they occasionally see Dermatemys at night while on river spotlight tours.

2 Villager says he and his brother observe Dermatemys frequently while out spear fishing at night in New River

Sibun River (13, 14 May)

1 Fisherman we encountered during dive surveys claimed to have seen three Dermatemys in Jones Eddy early that morning.

2 Villager from Butcher Burns informed us that local fishermen dive for Dermatemys in this stretch of river (~ La Democracia to Butcher Burns) from December through April- May, until turtles are gone. He said when they dive in an area (e.g., eddy), turtles that elude them leave the area immediately.

Northern Lagoon (Crooked Tree) (15 May)

1 Guide at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary said there are small turtles in the lagoon, but could not say which species. He said these turtles hide in the mud during the day and come out at night to feed.

Jones Lagoon (17 May)

1 Two villagers say that Dermatemys are present in the lagoon.

Four Mile Lagoon (near Santa Elena) / Rio Hondo (21 May)

1 A local at Four Mile Lagoon informed us three years ago a friend of his netted ~ 75 Dermatemys in one day in the Rio Hondo (25 burlap bags of turtles, 3 per bag). The friend gave him one turtle, but he didn't know how to prepare it so he released it into Four Mile Lagoon.

Macal River (27 May)

1 Two employees of Black Rock Lodge claim to have seen Dermatemys in a river pool recently.