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The beaches of the island of Cape Verde are one of the places where the Loggerhead turtle nests the most during the months of July to December. These species play a critical role in the ecosystems of seaweed and coral reefs, providing a variety of marine life.
You will be divided into work groups, led by a monitor and consisting of 2-4 volunteers. Since the main activity of breeding females and hatchlings occurs at night, work shifts take place during the night or at dawn.
During the night, direct work is carried out with breeding females, nests, and hatchlings. The shift duration is 5 to 7 hours.
At dawn, the daily census of tracks and nests, monitoring, and excavation of natural nests, as well as the rescue of lost or disoriented females, are performed. The shift duration depends on both the assigned beach distance and the quantity of tracks, nests, and/or turtles found.
The main activities you will carry out during your stay in Boa Vista are:
- Daily census of tracks and turtle nests on nesting beaches.
- Control and surveillance of nesting beaches.
- Rescue of disoriented females.
- Protection of breeding females and their nests.
- Marking and data collection from breeding females.
- Monitoring and control of beach productivity
- Marking and monitoring of natural nests.
- Excavation of natural nests.
- Analysis of egg and hatchling predation rates and mortality.
- Improvement of productivity through nursery programs.
REQUIREMENTS: Good phisical condition and the ability to work during the night.
AVAILABILITY: Program available between the months of July and October.
MINIMUM DURATION: 2 weeks.
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What should I bring?
- Frontal flashlight with white and red light
- AA/AAA batteries for the flashlight (enough for the duration of the stay)
- Sleeping mat or mattress
- Sleeping bag and pillow (or sheet)
AVAILABILITY: The turtle program is available for a minimum duration of 2 weeks from June 22nd to September 28th.