Tech | March 24, 2011 | 13 comments

Relocating a Sea Turtle Nest

source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDFzFFyOHLY

Progresshiv
The folks at Sea Turtles Forever relocate a sea turtle nest in Costa Rica. My friend, Marc Ward, is the guy measuring the eggs. This environmental group has protected thousands eggs from poachers over the past few years and may have been responsible for saving one of earth's most fascinating species. Check out seaturtles.org for more information or to get involved in something truly positive and worhtwhile.
  1. groups:
    Tech,   Green,   Veganism,   Animal Rights = Veganism
  2. tags:
    Egg,  Marine Conservation,  Nest,  Sea Turtle,  11 more
  3.     
    |

13 comments // Relocating a Sea Turtle Nest // Video

  • seaturtler
    • +1
      seaturtler  

    • This particular beach once had many nesting Leatherbacks per year, this was the only Leatherback that nested this year, and poachers did get one of her last four nests from us due to leaving the nest In-Situ ( not moving the eggs). One nesting Leatherback per year is average for the last three years, hanging by a thread so to speak. The first nest from this gal " Old Rosie" has hatched out at 71% recovery, I was there. The full moon setting over the ocean and the sun close to rising with a pinkish light in the east and the glow of the moon over the ocean. My team leader had tears in his eyes watching the hatchlings hit the water-- truthfully emotional to see we had a victory for this disappearing species. We are fighting for every last nest, and the only way to insure their safety is to " Translocate" the eggs.

    • 1 year ago
  • seaturtler
    • +1
      seaturtler  

    • Our data over the last 9 years shows that our moved nests have a better hatch ratio than " In-Situ" nests. This is because we have data that shows where the most successful locations are at. We have surveyed the beach profile and also know where the sand is deepest ( 100cm necessary), and the highest points on the beach ( wave inundation). We have more " nesting experience" than the turtles themselves and if left in original locations will be stolen by poachers 60% of the time even if we try to camophlage the nest. Poor desperate people look at it as survival and know no law other than the law of the jungle ----- survive. We teach them a better way and offer employment to certain individuals that are capable of making the " change".

    • 1 year ago
  • eden49
  • Progresshiv
  • Angeliron
  • artemis6
  • Progresshiv
    • +2
      Progresshiv  
    • artemis6:

      I'm not sure how far away from the original nest site the safe spots are- that's a secret. But the surviving adults do come back to same general area to lay their eggs.

    • 1 year ago
  • artemis6
  • Progresshiv
  • Kitten_of_D00M
    • +6
      Kitten_of_D00M  
    • Image

    • My sister-in-law and her husband spent their honeymoon helping baby turtles get to the ocean by chasing off seagulls and other predators. It was through an environmental group that accepts help from tourists. Her husband is a wildlife biologist, so it gave their honeymoon an even more special meaning. Many people take their kids on family ecovacations. It's a good way to (slightly) offset the carbon debt of traveling.

    • 1 year ago
  • Progresshiv
  • EthicalVegan
    • +2
      EthicalVegan  
    • Kitten_of_D00M:

      I've read quite a bit about this, and have even seen some videos, and I think this is a deeply touching -- and wonderful -- thing to be a part of. I envy your family the opportunity they had.

      And now, sharing the article (Progresshiv), as well as your own comments (Kitten_of-D00M), with all of us, is helpful... if only to again try to make more and more people aware.

      As for that darling photo, could a little creature possibly be any cuter than THIS?!?!???!

    • 1 year ago
  • Incredulous
more from Tech:
from the community

top videos