Hicatee Awareness Month began in 2017 to draw attention to the status of Belize’s only critically endangered reptile, the Central American River Turtle locally called “Hicatee”. Eight years later, BFREE and our NGO international and local partners including Turtle Survival Alliance, Zoo New England, Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic, WCS Belize, Community Baboon Sanctuary and Savannah Field Station continue to champion the protection of this turtle and the rivers, lagoons and other freshwater systems it calls home.

This year’s theme, “Hicatee and Friends,” was selected by University of Belize student, Samih Young, and Independence Junior College student, Andrew Choco, during their summer jobs at the BFREE Field Station. As part of their Science and Education Fellowship Program, Young, Choco and their student colleague, Heston Castillo, were assigned to help develop themes and content for the 2024 Hicatee Awareness Month campaign. Because Belize is home to nine species of Freshwater turtles, the theme grew from the idea that the Hicatee isn’t the only turtle that has value or is suffering declining populations in the country.

Young and Choco learned about Belize’s turtles during their participation in an annual survey of freshwater turtle species on the BFREE Reserve. This survey is a collaboration between BFREE and the Turtle Survival Alliance and was designed to fill in knowledge gaps for as many Belizean inland and freshwater turtle species as possible. Long-term population demographics including population estimates, survivability over time, sex ratios, density, biomass, and growth are largely unknown for these species.

Young states, “I thought “Hicatee and Friends” was the best theme this year because, while in the past we have focused on the Hicatee due to its critically endangered population status, it is important to recognize and promote knowledge about all of Belize’s turtles. With knowledge comes power and through this theme, we aim to empower people by sharing information about all nine species of inland and freshwater turtles, encouraging a deeper understanding and connection to our entire ecosystem.”

Resources and Outreach

With the new theme and new materials, BFREE is collaborating with Independence Junior College, University of Belize’s Environmental Club, and Sacred Heart Junior College so that students, “Hicatee Ambassadors,” are the ones implementing the outreach events using materials created by the Hicatee Awareness Month planning committee and collaborators. This month, BFREE and its student collaborators have over 15 school and community presentations scheduled during October.

Jaren Serano, BFREE Dermatemys Program Coordinator states, ” This month-long event plays a vital role in fostering community participation and enhancing the effectiveness of conservation efforts for the critically endangered Dermatemys mawii (Hicatee turtle). By dedicating time to raising awareness of the species’ endangered status, the initiative helps inform local communities about the Hicatee’s cultural and ecological significance. Hicatee Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between conservation, cultural heritage, and community-driven action. This makes it an essential tool for promoting the long-term survival of this unique species as well as all freshwater turtles in Belize.”

The first event took place on Wednesday, October 2^nd and was co-hosted by University of Belize Environmental Club and BFREE. This online presentation by Mr. Jaren Serano was entitled “Celebrating Ten Years of Conservation Work at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center (HCRC) in Belize,” and was made available to university students throughout Belize.

Visit Facebook or Instagram for details on events happening during this October’s month-long celebration. Resources for educators can be found here.