Over 100 leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) were freed on Thursday in the village of Oritapo, Vargas state, on the northern Venezuelan coast.

This activity is part of the Oritapo Conservation Project, which has the scientific consultancy of professors from the Central University of Venezuela and experts from the Ministry of People’s Power for the Environment.

The leatherback turtle is originally from the Pacific Coast of Mexico, beaches of the French Guiana and Malaysia, but they occasionally can be seen in Venezuelan territory.

The leatherback turtle is the largest of all the eight species of the world, and it can reach up to two meters long (6.6 feet) and 600 kilograms (1,300 pounds).

The project is aimed at protecting the Dermochelys coriacea in order to continuously increase its population.  To achieve this goal, plans for protection, rescuing and finally liberating the turtles to the natural environment are taking place. The project also includes environment education plans and the strengthening of community participation within the action plans.

AVN/Venezuelan Embassy to the U.S. / August 19, 2010