Exotic animals like these may seem a distant dream to many readers, but to the conservation workers and rangers in Tortuguero, seeing them is an everyday reality. Spotting wildlife is an essential part of the data collection effort — the observational data collected on and off surveys helps Jalova’s project leaders to non-invasively monitor vertebrate species’ numbers and diversity in the protected area. Only nesting female turtles are tagged to record individual survival and nesting success over the seasons.
Although this can be a paradise for wildlife and those who seek to protect it, living here is tough. Work often starts before dawn and finishes long after the sun sets, and is often physically strenuous, particularly in the hot, humid weather. Many volunteers struggle with the remoteness, basic living conditions, and biting insects. Nevertheless, most of those lucky enough to work here leave saying they have had the experience of a lifetime.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
