Marine Turtle Conservation in Rincón de Guayabitos, Mexico

International volunteers collaborate with a team of experts and biologists and will be involved in various activities intended to protect the endangered and rare species. There are five species of turtles arriving to this area: Negra (Black Turtle), Golfina (Olive Ridley Turtle), Laud (Leatherback Turtle), Carey (Hawksbill Turtle) and more!

Typical assignments include nightly beach patrols, finding the adult turtles and collecting the eggs, transferring them to a secure place to hatch, and releasing baby turtles back to the ocean. Because of their natural predators, the turtles only go out of the water at night, and this is when most of the work will be carried out. The volunteers will also help collecting statistical data in order to learn about the evolution of the species.

This unique program allows volunteers to ○ gain experience in marine conservation and learn from local experts and biologists; ○ get an up-close look and learn to identify all five species of turtles that frequent the area; ○ witness the amazing sight of turtle nesting and babies hatching; ○ meet local people and learn about their life and culture; ○ explore the popular beach resort area Rincón de Guayabitos close to Puerto Vallarta; ○ help in shelters for protection of endangered species (crocodiles).

Project dates:

August 24 - September 5, 2016 September 14 - September 26, 2016 September 28 - October 10, 2016 October 19 - October 31, 2016 November 2 - November 14, 2016 November 16 - November 28, 2016 November 30 - December 12, 2016 January 11 - January 23, 2017

Find out more at: http://cadip.org/volunteer-in-mexico

Please note that placement is on a first-come first-served basis.

Volunteering Worldwide: www.cadip.org

Source: idealist.org