Costa Rica

In 1998, Marc and Rachel Ward, U.S. visitors to Punta Pargos, Costa Rica, became aware of massive poaching of sea turtle eggs. Subsequent investigations indicated that about 99% of the eggs laid on beaches near Punta Pargos were typically poached, and the sea turtle population had declined dramatically in the last 30 years. Although sea turtles and their eggs are legally protected in Costa Rica, a poor economy and coastal population growth has led to continuation and expansion of poaching and black market trade (i.e., eggs are sold as aphrodisiacs – based on a cultural myth).

“Se vende huevo de tortuga” translates as “Turtle eggs for sale.”

In 2000, the Wards started protecting a few nests on their own. In subsequent years, they organized Sea Turtles Forever (STF), a small non-profit organization, and obtained permits from the Costa Rican government.

Today, STF pays former poachers to save eggs. From this work, they make more than they would by poaching. Also, STF’s “Turtle Man” educates local school children about the importance of sea turtles. Both of these activities help turn the local lifestyle and economy towards sea turtle conservation. The success of this program will help STF expand this model to other areas of Costa Rica where poaching is rampant and there is no law enforcement.

The map below shows the Punta Pargos project area of STF.

 

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Spring 2022 Punta Pargos Project Update

Old Rosy

Old Rosy, a Leatherback turtle named by Australian volunteer Jono Allen, was the largest turtle ever encountered on the project. She nested five times at Playa Avellanas; STF patrol managed to secure four out of her five nests.

Old Rosy was the most successful recorded nesting Leatherback on the project. Without STF’s patrol diligently protecting her, the eggs from every nest would have been stolen by poachers.

Marc Ward posed with Old Rosy for this photo, taken during the 2014-2015 season.

Read Stories from Punta Pargos

“My Turtle Time,” by volunteer Jan Lochner

“A Stellar Night on Patrol,” by Nancy Tankersley, Lead Biologist

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