Description

By culture, Ticos are passionate conservationists. The country's mega diverse flora and fauna attracts globetrotting scientists and nature enthusiasts from all corners of the world, seeking to research and learn about its complex and intriguing ecosystems. The varied species of wildlife garner particular interest, with sea turtles being among the most fascinating.

This project has 3,000 meters of beach front on the Caribbean coast and last year protected 3,800 nests. It is primarily the nesting area for leatherback turtles, although greens and hawks bills sometimes come to shore.

The project's primary purpose is to protect the nests from human poachers and collect research information while helping newborn hatchlings reach the sea safely. The nesting season is March through June and July with hatchling turtles emerging May through the end of the season. The site is a serious scientific research headquarter with a resident biologist on site.

Night patrols and hatchery shifts are the main work of the volunteers. Daytime work at the project may involve beach cleanup and small projects, and conservation or environmental projects. Most nights, volunteers will be searching the beach for nesting females.

Sea turtle project volunteers will have the following responsibilities:

* Conducting nightly patrols in search of sea turtles;
* Taking carapace and nest dimension measurements;
* Harvesting eggs;
* Building new nests so that the harvested eggs can be transplanted at the hatchery;
* Tagging turtles for tracking purposes;
* Collecting DNA samples; and
* Recording data for analysis - number of eggs, nest location, and turtle identification information, and survival rate

Highlights

Authentic cultural immersion experience as participants will have daily interaction with locals in the community and at with locals at their project assignment.

This project is located on the Caribbean Coast.

Qualifications

Minimum 4 week commitment. Must be in good physical condition. No severe eyesight problems as most work is at night without artificial lights. Preferably non-smoking. Those who do smoke should do so only in open areas and never on nightly patrols. Be willing to work under difficult and uncomfortable conditions. Know if you are allergic to mosquito bites. Must have a personal insurance policy as well as medical and travel insurance coverage. per AMPED's guidelines. In addition, as per AMPED's terms and conditions (which are applicable to all projects) use of illegal drugs is prohibited consumption of alcohol during working hours or abuse of alcohol at any time. Reports of drug or alcohol abuse among participants of any project is cause for expulsion from the program.

Intern Types

• Animal Sciences
• Ecology
• Marine Science
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Starting at 1,145

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Includes project set-up arrangements, airport pick-up and drop-off, orientation, host family accommodations, three meals/day, 24/7 emergency in-country staff support, and project donation.

Spanish lessons are not available at the Sea Turtle project site as it is outside of Atenas, along the Caribbean Coast.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Marine Conservation

Typical Volunteer

While participation is not limited to this demographic, the average age is 18-26. Participants that are flexible and open minded when it comes to cultural differences, ways of life, and work pace are those that tend to benefit most from their experience abroad, as do those that demonstrate initiative with regard to recommending and implementing changes to improve the project and to assist the staff.

Age Range

At least 18

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Usually 2-3, depending on the time of year.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

2008