Currently, we are responding to the request from the Ministry of Environment in Costa Rica to help them protect the Punta Mala-Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge sea turtle population. This sea turtle population is very large. However, the majority of the nests are lost to high tides, and the uncontrolled growth of predators due to the ecosystem is unbalanced, by the hunting of large predators. Our biologists and volunteers work tirelessly to relocate the nests and save as many eggs as possible.
The human threats faced by sea turtles are driving them to extinction. Traditionally Costa Ricans in coastal communities have poached sea turtle nests for family consumption or for commercial purposes. Many beaches, that once before received sea turtles are now bare. Local populations poached to extension. Sea turtle conservation programs face lots of resistance from local families that have historically depended on the eggs for additional income.
Volunteers and locals patrol the beach throughout the night in 6 hour shifts. Our presence on the beach and in the local community discourages poachers from attempting to steal sea turtle eggs. By engaging communities with environmental education and home stays the foundation tries to supply that additional income. By working with our neighboring organizations and sharing 12 years of experience and methodology, we are helping other groups achieve the necessary knowhow needed to succeed.
Over the years, there has been very little stability of sea turtle conservation on beaches in Osa. The Corcovado Foundation is committed to protecting this important area long-term. This will not only greatly improve the survival rates of sea turtles here, but will also provide consistent scientific data that can be shared with other projects.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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