Sea turtles are one of the most ancient creatures on earth. Unfortunately worldwide numbers of living sea turtles is decreasing. Only 1 out of 1000 baby sea turtles survives. Humans are a big threat to sea turtles. Not only because they pollute and destroy their habitat. Poaching in coastal communities where sea turtles are considered a food source, is a concern. In some cultures, turtle eggs are seen as an aphrodisiac. Four of the seven species of sea turtles are nesting on the beaches of Costa Rica are. All of them are in danger of extinction.
Reserva Playa Tortuga is a non-profit biological research and education center formed in 2009 by community members and Costa Rican scientists. RPT aims to contribute to the fields of biological research and science-based conservation management as well as fomenting a culture of environmental conservation in the areas influenced by the National Wetlands of the Terraba-Sierpe basin.
Sea turtle conservation program
Playa Tortuga is primarily an Olive Ridley turtle nesting beach (although it is possible that other species occasionally arrive), and thanks to the efforts of the Reserve, was officially declared a nesting beach in 2014.
The nesting period extends from July to December, with the peak of nesting in the months of September and October. During this period it is possible to observe an individual turtle nesting every other night, sometimes up to two or three at a time. Due to an inherent poaching threat, most nests are moved to the Reserve’s protected nursery/hatchery where staff and volunteers monitor and observe the area 24/7.
In the hatchery, important data about the biology of the turtles’ nests is gathered, such as the incubation period, nest temperature and how this influences the sex of the hatchlings, as well as observing environmental factors such as precipitation and physical environmental factors. We have released so far, since 2009, more than 50.000 baby turtles.
The mission of RPT is to develop and to implement community-based real world projects and conservation management solutions, using the best research science and conservation management practices.
RPT receives volunteers and students from all around the world, all year round, and also welcomes visitors if is any activity available for them. The volunteer program includes accommodation, meals, laundry, internet access, etc. and the opportunity to be part of a serious scientific research project, working with experienced staff members, who will show volunteers proper scientific methods for working with sea turtles, crocs, among others.
Due to the COVID-19 it was more difficult to receive volunteers from overseas but local volunteers stepped up and they have been participating actively during the night and early morning monitoring, which has helped to protect thousands of turtle eggs.
You can
make a donation to help Reserva Playa Tortuga in their efforts to protect turtles and wildlife.
