Playa Tortuguera Chenkán. 02/02/04; Campeche; 121 ha; 19°06'N 091°00'W. An important nesting site for the endangered Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata and the Green Turtle Chelonia mydas. Coastal dune communities feature the Seagrape Coccoloba uvifer, Largeleaf Geigertree Cordia sebestana, Ipomea pescaprea and Jaquinia flamma. A stretch of mangrove forest is found behind the beach, as well as deciduous forest. Lylisoma bahamensis, Piscidia piscipula, Bursera simaruba and Croton flavens are the more common species of trees. Oil and natural gas exploration in the Campeche Sound have caused some water pollution, and there are concerns for the risks for turtles. Northerly winds, tropical depressions and hurricanes have made the beach retreat in width, while coconut palms are suffering from lethal yellowing. A research camp has been built to monitor turtle populations and do awareness activities with local communities. There are plans to designate this beach as a Wildlife Sanctuary. Ramsar Site no. 1348. Most recent RIS information: 2009.

State of Campeche