The life cycle of Tahonilla, Balito, and Caleta, three specimens of the Caretta caretta, commonly known as the loggerhead turtle, appeared to have come full circle on October 24 when they were released back into the sea in the Teno-Rasca area, located in the south of Tenerife, after receiving treatment at the La Tahonilla Wildlife Recovery Center, of the Cabildo. This then marked the beginning of their new role as crucial participants in two scientific projects designed to transform them into indicators of biodiversity during their travels across the Atlantic Ocean.
The Oceanographer Turtles initiative seeks to enhance understanding of this endangered species and gather essential data to analyse the impact of climate change in Macaronesian waters and the North Atlantic. To facilitate this, both Tahonilla and Balito have been fitted with GPS devices for real-time tracking.
Caleta has also been involved in the project titled Remote marking and monitoring of 12 loggerhead turtles released post-rehabilitation. The aim is to assess and improve the recovery protocols applied to turtles that have suffered injuries related to entanglement in nets, utilising satellite devices for monitoring. Caleta was marked after undergoing a complete amputation of her right front flipper due to becoming entangled in marine debris.
These initiatives are supported by private organisations and various public entities, including the Cabildo of Tenerife.
Prior to their release, each turtle was fitted with a device containing temperature and depth sensors, which will enable the collection of thermal gradient data from the initial metres of the water column (up to 200-300 m.), thus allowing them to act as indicators of climate change in the Macaronesian region. Additionally, tracking will aid in evaluating how each individual adapts to the oceanic environment after recuperation at La Tahonilla.
Within a few days, the tracking data and movements of the three turtles will be accessible on the website www.animalmoca-up.com, which will be updated weekly alongside the movements of another eight previously marked turtles, including Pinta, who was also released on the same day, October 24, in Fuerteventura.
Other loggerhead turtles at La Tahonilla, named Lemon and Elma, are well-known thanks to sponsorship from Queen Emeritus Sofía. They were returned to their natural environment in September 2024, with La Nea beach, in El Rosario, as the backdrop.
The Caretta caretta is referred to as loggerhead due to the ease with which fishermen historically captured it while it swam near the surface. This migratory creature is highly directional, and among the sea turtles, it has the highest sighting rates in the Canary Islands. They can be found in the Archipelago’s waters year-round, particularly during the spring and summer months. They often mistakingly consume plastic bags or other marine litter, confusing them for jellyfish, which form a significant part of their diet.
The La Tahonilla Wildlife Recovery Center (CRFS) annually takes in around one hundred specimens of various wild turtle species, brought in by private citizens as well as different public bodies and other entities.
Tahonilla, Balito, and Caleta are now serving as transmitters or oceanographers in this new chapter of their lives. In essence, these turtles are equipped with GPS technology.
Subscribe to continue reading
