Beach patrols secure nests and egg laying
During the nesting season from June to October, members of the beach patrol patrol five beaches with seasonal camps on the island. Since 2009, national and international volunteers have been supporting the rangers and coordinators.
At night, 42 kilometres of nesting beach are monitored to deter poachers. When a female is sighted, biometric data is recorded and threatened nests are moved to a guarded breeding site.
In addition, the community-based Proyecto Bofareira, which patrols one kilometre of nesting beach in the north, is supported.
Modern strategy in turtle conservation.
Since the loggerhead turtle is hunted for its meat in Cape Verde, a dog and drone project was launched in 2018 in cooperation with the authorities and police. It is being implemented by the Cape Verdean Fundação Tartaruga along 66 kilometres of beach.
The combination of species protection dogs trained in mantrailing, night vision drones and equipped rangers has massively reduced poaching: from 865 females killed in 2017 to 275 in the following year, with a continuing downward trend.
Dogs can track scent trails over long distances and detect objects left at the scene of the crime. The drones significantly expand the surveillance radius and help to thwart attacks in advance and secure evidence for the authorities.
Your purchase helps!
With every purchase of an Oceanwell product, 10 cents go directly to the sea turtle project in Cape Verde. This can protect 3 eggs.