Volunteer Abroad at Playa Matapalo Sea Turtle Conservation - Costa Rica

Description

The Matapalo Sea Turtle project needs volunteers to help protect the sea turtle nesting area of Playa Mata Palo, to help increase the number of sea turtles nesting successfully on the beach and the number of hatchlings which survive. The types of turtles which will be encountered on this project are largely green turtles, carey turtles and hawksbill turtles, with the occasional baula (leatherback turtle) as well. Poaching is a major problem in this area of the coast as well. The project works closely with the national coastguard (they sometimes have supper at the project!) to ensure that communication is open and as much security as possible is being provided to both turtles and to volunteers. Without the help of volunteers to keep the beaches clean and tidy, keep the hatcheries running, and to observe and document types of arrivals of turtles, the majority of turtles nesting on these beaches would fall prey to poachers. Volunteer presence is key to the survival and propogation of these species of turtles.

The project is extending their efforts to promote community awareness and interaction through projects with the clinic, schools, and other local people. They are always open to new suggestions, fresh ideas from people willing to implement them.

From June 1 to November 30:

1. Construction of the breeding grounds.

2. Beach signaling.

3. Patrol walks to protect nests and females, and for data collection purposes(Biometry, marking, etc.)

4. Transfer of nests and monitoring of the breeding grounds.

From December 1 to December 31:

1. Registry of breeding ground information.

2. Liberation of newborn turtles.

3. Nest exhumation.

From January to May:

1. Building of hatchery

2. Sifting sand for debris

3. Beach maintenance

4. Turtle patrol

From June 1 to December 31:

1. Maintenance and construction of infrastructure.

2. Beach cleaning.

3. Community projection.

Volunteers are required to work 6 days a week, from 8am to 3pm or 7pm to 3am.
Various, depending on the day's schedule. Expect to do night patrol for at least two hours every night or two.

Requirements:
Must have an ability to work in hot, humid conditions; be in good health, prepared to walk 15km daily; and possess a desire to help in conservation.

Patience, motivation, dedication, like of animals.

Those in poor health or who do not enjoy physical work may have a difficult time on this placement.

Requirements

Language

English