Volunteer with Sea Turtle hatchling season on Sal Island, Cabo Verde - 2022
- Cape Verde
About Program
The islands of Cabo Verde constitute the world’s second most important nesting site for the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), one of seven marine turtle species found worldwide.
Unfortunately, human exploitation of this species has brought them to the brink of extinction. Poaching along with the fast island development are the main threats to the species in Sal. For the last 10 years, both international volunteers and members of the local community have worked tirelessly to ensure the protection of this species. While the number of turtles killed has drastically reduced, illegal poaching and trafficking persist. Our mission continues in 2021 – hopefully with you as a part of our team! During the hatching season, volunteers are responsible for the monitoring of Loggerhead nests in the hatchery and on the nesting beaches. The volunteers will monitor the nests overnight, checking for any baby turtles and releasing them. Volunteers also take part in nest excavations and more.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Volunteering period for the nesting season: October 20th to December 09th
- Morning patrols on the main nesting beaches of Sal Island looking for nests that hatched during the previous night
- Overnight shifts in the project hatchery monitoring the nests that are due to hatch and releasing the hatchlings on nearby beaches
- Excavation of nests that hatched on the previous night and collection of important scientific data. During those excavations volunteers will also be releasing any hatchlings left inside the nests
- Taking part in outreach activities with the local community and tourists
