 Protecting Marine Turtle Eggs in Costa Rica
 Type of Project: 
The Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA) possesses several protected areas, among these are Corcovado and Piedras Blancas National Parks, the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve and Golfito Wildlife Refuge.
Corcovado National Park encompasses 44,484.56 terrestrial ha and 5,375 marine ha and contains a variety of ecosystems including forests, beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove and freshwater swamps.
Corcovado has an unusually high level of biological diversity, which provides essential habitats for a number of endemic and endangered species, making it Costa Rica’s most biologically important protected lowland area, according to the Ministry of Environment. The area includes around 25-30 ecosystems.
These various habitats support an incredible number of species of plants and wildlife, including a number of animals that are globally endangered, such as jaguars, tapirs, and peccaries. The fact that Corcovado contains significant populations of large predators such as jaguars and pumas reflects the overall ecosystem integrity of the area.
Making a difference:
Starting in September 2004, Biologists from PRETOMA (Program for the Recovery of the Sea Turtles), supported by the COVIRENAS of El Progreso, will monitor Colorada Beach in Drake Bay to determine the population of turtles that nest the beach.
PRETOMA’s studies show that the loss of eggs due to local poachers or predation by domestic animals is close to 100% on the nests located on secluded beaches.
According to the Marine Life Foundation, who keeps regular count of the sea turtles in the area, the decrease in the population of the sea turtles in the last 5 years has been close to 80%. Natural threats,unsustainable fishing practices,and the harvest of the eggs are the main ways how these species are being driven into extinction.
About your volunteer work
1 Biologist starting on June 2007 until December 2007
Biology Students starting on August 2007
Volunteers. Program will be open for general volunteers from August 2007 until December 2007.
We are looking for: 1 Biologist - long term (6 months -from June 2007 until December 2007) and for 3 biology students (minimum a month starting on August 2007) to help particularly in establishing a database of tracks and nests disturbed or relocated, the percentages of the clutch’s size, the favorite beaches and the status of the population.
These data will help to determine the best ways to protect the turtles, either through nurseries or vigilance in situ.
We also need long term general volunteers (two weeks to two months or more starting from August 2007) These volunteers will support the efforts made to protect the marine turtle eggs in the beaches from September to December.
The experience is rustic, but very gratifying. There are few things as rewarding as freeing hundreds of little turtles that otherwise would have no chance to survive poachers. The volunteers will also assist biologists in the protection and research of the marine turtles during the nesting season. The activities include night patrols, data gathering and nursery care, among others.
Another objective of this program is to get the locals involved, through environmental education addressed to the schools of the area .
Type of accommodation
The type of lodging you will receive depends on if you work in the communities or in the national parks. If you stay in the community you will be lodged in the house of family in the community, you will have your own room and probably share a bathroom. If you stay in any of the park ranger station you will share a room with other volunteers, researchers, scientists, etc.
Food
Typical Costa Rican dishes should be expected (rice, beans, vegetables, fruit.) Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided by the association or the host family.
Things to do during your time off
You can visit the Corcovado or Isla del Caño National Parks, enjoy the beaches, snorkel, or enjoy the educational trails, adventure sports, horseback riding and much more.
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