The closed season for Hicatee hunting is from May 1 to 31 every year. During this time, TIDE Rangers pay special attention to these turtles during patrols of the Rio Grande River and other locations in and around the protected areas of Port Honduras Marine Reserve, Payne’s Creek National Park, and the TIDE Private Protected Lands.

Hicatee, the common name for the Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii), is a critically endangered freshwater turtle. The turtle is characterized by large, webbed feet, a smooth shell and a small head with a pointed snout and large nostrils. Males typically have a golden-yellow patch on the head; females and juveniles have grayish heads. Their average length is up to 24 inches and average weight up to 50 pounds. Also known as Tortuga Blanca and Tortuga Riverena Centroamericana, the turtle is mostly herbivorous with some dietary inclusion of macro invertebrates, snails, and fish. Habitually found in riparian forest, the turtle’s diet includes fig and other succulent broadleaf fruits and grasses. In captivity, they are fed freshwater turtle biscuits comprised of fruit, vegetable, small fish and leaves from local trees. The female usually lays six to twenty eggs on the edge of riverbanks during the months of September through November.

Belize Fisheries Regulations state the following regarding the Hicatee:

1. No person shall have in his possession more than 3 or transport on any vehicle more than 5 such turtles.
2. No person shall buy or sell any such turtles.
3. Minimum catch size for a female turtle is 15.2 inches and maximum 17.2 inches.
4. Closed season: from May 1st to May 31st, inclusive of any year.

Help TIDE protect the Hicatee!

The turtle is in real danger of dying out, but with conservation and protection we can promote a healthy population so that we may appreciate this turtle for many years to come.