Leatherback turtle nesting success recorded on Ecuadorian beaches
A critically endangered leatherback turtle achieved a 91.8 per cent hatching success rate after relocating to a quieter beach in Ecuador.
A critically endangered leatherback turtle named Bella successfully nested at Playa de Crucita in Ecuador during the 2025–2026 season, according to a Times of India report. The turtle initially attempted to lay eggs on a sidewalk after being disoriented by streetlights, but she returned to the ocean and found a suitable nesting site two nights later.
Researchers who tagged the turtle found that she made four or five nesting attempts throughout the season. Out of 146 eggs laid across her nests, 134 successfully hatched, representing a 91.8 per cent success rate.
A study led by Simon Fraser University marine eco-toxicologist Juan José Alava identified a record number of eastern Pacific leatherback nests along several Ecuadorian beaches. These locations are more than 1,000 miles south of the traditional nesting grounds in Costa Rica and Mexico.
The research suggests that leatherbacks may be adapting to shifting ocean conditions by using Ecuador's coastline, particularly during cooler La Niña periods. While the eastern Pacific population has declined by more than 90 per cent since the 1980s, the hatching rates in Ecuador remain comparable to traditional grounds.
Scientists noted that artificial lighting can disorient turtles, leading them away from the ocean toward hazards like roads and buildings. The study authors argue that protecting Ecuadorian beaches through coastal management and reduced light pollution must become a priority to support the species.