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Title | Pacific Sea Turtle Volunteer Project, Costa Rica |
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Description |
Join this Olive Ridley turtle programme in the spectacular Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica on Drake Bay, home to over 25 dolphin and whale species and the Olive Ridley Turtle. Volunteers will take part in night surveys, monitoring eggs and baby turtles, tagging female turtles, releasing baby turtles into the ocean and helping with local conservation education projects. You can join for 1 week up to 12 weeks from July to December every year. We have places all throughout 2013 and 2014 available. Individuals, groups and students doing research all welcome. The ProjectIn the study area there are four species of sea turtles. We have identified protect the nests of the Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) although the presence of Pacific Green (Chelonia mydas), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate) turtles has been recorded too. Between 150 and 250 Olive Ridley turtles arrive every season at the 3.6 km Drake Beach. The scientific mission of the project is to generate the data necessary to support the conservation of this nesting population. Volunteers will gain experience in numerous aspects of the investigation and conservation of sea turtles. Volunteer Opportunities:
The work will be carried out over the 3.6 kilometre beach, located between the mouth of the River Drake and Punta Ganadito. Access to the beach will be via boat, to cross the small lagoon located between the camp and the beach. The difficult access on foot enables the beach to remain almost virgin. Upon arrival, you will receive full training on the programme, on the biology of turtles and the methodology of the field work. You will be working under the direct supervision of a Scientific Supervisor throughout your time on the project. Playa Drake This project is located in Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. The rapid disappearance of sea turtles on the beaches is the reason why this project was initiated in 2006. The low nesting numbers of the Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivácea) raised the alarm. Pacific sea turtle populations are critically endangered throughout the world, and this project is working hard to conserve and protect this species in this part of Costa Rica. Working as a volunteer, you will be forming part of a team of investigators responsible for developing the conservation programme in Drake Bay and monitoring the population of marine turtles that nests there between July and December each year. Food, Lodging, TravelFood & Accommodation Amenities Working Conditions & Requirements You will be allocated a free day every week, during which time you may decide to take a guided tour of the neighbouring Corcovado National Park, the Isla de Caño Marine Reserve, or one of many other local sights, or simply to use the day to rest at the camp. During the other six days of the week, it is expected that you will be fully engaged with the work schedule. Personnel at the program are happy to help volunteers to organize tours and other activities to pursue, and they strive to offer ethical eco-tours and excursions that benefit the local community. However, it is important to note that they are not a tourism agency, and due to limited resources they cannot offer guarantees that planned activities will take place. How to get there?
Additional detailsFor more information regarding this opportunity, please visit the main project page here, or contact Vicky McNeil here. The application form can be found here, though it is advised that applicants express interest before applying, in order to discuss personal situations. |