Main Page

==Welcome to '''{WIKITITLE}'''!==
This is the home page of Aruba's TurtugAruba Save-the-Sea-Turtles organization. {BR}

(((Please report ANY Aruba turtle activity to the 24 hour Turtle Hotline: '''592-9393'''))){BR}{BR}{BR}
[imageright|Leatherback|{UP}250px-LeatherbackTurtle.jpg|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leatherback_turtle]
Location/Mail:{BR}
C.Huygensstraat 8,{BR}
Oranjestad, Aruba{BR}{BR}
Email: info@TurtugAruba.org{BR}{BR}

Four species of sea turtles are found nesting on Aruba:{BR}{BR}
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leatherback_turtle|The Leatherback], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loggerhead_Sea_Turtle|Loggerhead], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_sea_turtle|Green] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawksbill|Hawksbill]. {BR}{BR}


===Did You Know... ===[imageright|Loggerhead|{UP}250px-Loggerhead_Sea_Turtle.jpg|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loggerhead_Sea_Turtle]
- Sea Turtles return to their natal beach in order to nest. {BR}
- Sea Turtles use the earth's magnetic field to guide them on their long journeys at sea. {BR}
- Sea Turtles do not nest every year, but rather every 2-5 years.{BR}
- The Leatherback Sea Turtles of Aruba lay about 115 eggs a clutch.  {BR}
- The Leatherback female will nest 6 - 8 times a season. {BR}
- It is estimated that only 1 in 1000 hatchlings survives to maturity. {BR}
- All species of sea turtles are endangered and need our protection. {BR}{BR}{BR}
'''If you wish to help the conservation of Sea Turtles in Aruba, please make a donation to: ''' {BR}{BR}
(((TurtugAruba{BR}
Aruba Bank {BR}
Accnt #4006684))){BR}{BR}{BR}
[imageright|Green|{UP}240px-Hawaii_turtle_2.jpg|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_sea_turtle]

[image|What You Can Do to Protect Sea Turtles!|{UP}save_turtles445.jpg][imageright|Hawksbill|{UP}240px-Hawksbill_Turtle.jpg|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawksbill]{BR}{BR}

====Lights Out for Turtles====
Nighttime activities and artificial lighting may deter adult females from nesting or disorient emerging hatchlings, leading them inland where they die of dehydration or are crushed by cars. So PLEASE keep all lights off, including flashlights, flash photography and video equipment.  {BR}{BR}
====Do Not Drive or Litter on Beaches====
Vehicles compact sand and mike it difficult for turtles to dig into or out the sand.  Balloons, plastic bags and other non-degradable litter can kill sea turtles who mistake it for food.{BR}{BR}
====Remove Obstacles From the Beach====
Obstacles such as beach furniture or recreational equipment may cause nesting females to abort their nesting attempt or may even trap nesting females or hatchlings. {BR}{BR}
====Nesting Females and Hatchlings ====
Watch a nesting turtle from a distance.  Turtles are very shy and will easily leave without nesting.  leave hatchlings in their nest; they will exit the nest when they are ready.  Let them crawl to the water on their own, allowing them to imprint on their home beach.  If you find hatchlings confused by lights call the Aruba Turtle Hotline for advice. {BR}{BR}
{|
| [image|Just Hatched|{UP}solo.jpg] 
| [image|Hatchlings|{UP}group.jpg]
|}{BR}{BR}
(((Please report any Aruba turtle activity to the 24 hour Turtle Hotline: '''592-9393'''))){BR}{BR} 

[imageauto|Richard van der Wal|{UP}Richard%20van%20der%20Wal.jpg]{BR}{BR}