Dr. Melania C. López-Castro

Coordinator, Sea Turtle Conservation Program at Pronatura Península de Yucatán, A.C.
Instructor, Center for Wildlife Studies

Ph.D. Biology, University of Florida

M.S. Marine Ecology, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada

B.S. Marine Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur

Email: mlopez@pronatura-ppy.org.mx

Research gate profile

Melania is the coordinator of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program at Pronatura Península de Yucatán, A.C. She is a Marine Biologist fascinated by sea turtles. Her research focuses on understanding the connectivity of critical habitats through the ontogenetic shifts of these species, from oceanic to coastal foraging grounds and nesting areas, using biomarkers such as trace elements and lead isotopes as well as traditional tagging methods.

She conducts a long-term monitoring program at three index nesting beaches in the Yucatán Peninsula with the help of her team. This monitoring program provides information to evaluate the conservation and recovery status of hawksbill and green sea turtles.

Teaching