Pacific Coast Musk Turtle (Staurotypus salvinii)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 242536595

Conservation of the Pacific Coast Musk Turtle: community conservation of an endangered freshwater turtle in Chiapas, Mexico.

In the mangroves of the Mexican Pacific Coast, there lives a turtle that has historically faced intense exploitation for local consumption and the international pet trade. Today, its habitat is highly fragmented. Locally known as the Cruzayuche (Staurotypus salvinii), the Pacific Coast Musk Turtle remains one of the least studied turtle species in the region, with significant gaps in our understanding of its biology and ecology. Our project aims to promote research on S. salvinii by integrating traditional knowledge and to foster community engagement and habitat protection on the Pacific Coast of Chiapas. Specifically, we plan to: 1) Study the ecology – Understand the Pacific Coast Musk Turtle’s habitat use and reproductive cycle within the estuarine systems in the locality; 2) Investigate local knowledge of S. salvinii – Explore the turtle’s role in the biocultural traditions of the local communities; 3) Evaluate local threats – Assess the impact of human activities on the species and its ecosystem; 4) Engage local communities – Raise awareness and foster collaboration to promote sustainable conservation practices and mitigate threats to the species; 5) Develop conservation strategies – Propose practical, science-based recommendations for the protection and recovery S. salvinii, incorporating community-based conservation actions.

Protecting S. salvinii is vital not only for the conservation of the species itself but also for maintaining the health and biodiversity of the freshwater ecosystems it depends on. These ecosystems support a wide range of species and are essential to the livelihoods of local communities. This project will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive conservation plan for S. salvinii, and engage local communities in its protection.