Conservationist murders threaten Costa Rica’s eco-friendly reputation
In May of 2013, a young conservationist was killed on a beach by poachers, as he protected sea turtle eggs. In January, all 7 men tried for the crime were acquitted, as evidence was thrown out because it violated protocol or seemingly disappeared from the courthouse. Sadly, this is a growing problem – in Costa Rica and around the world. Now, after the failed trial, the beaches are empty of volunteers to protect the turtles. No one is protecting those who protect the environment. Sadly, Costa Rica isn’t the only place where crimes against conservationists are going un-investigated or unpunished.
Turtle News From Around the World
Crime and Punishment
Costa Rica isn’t the only place with a poaching problem.
Ecology
Drones have become the new tool that everyone wants to use for everything. Studies on the life of sea turtles while in the open waters are also popular right now, as scientists look to learn more about these fascinating creatures. Last week, for the first time, drones were used to gather data on the life of turtles while at sea.
Conservation
As successful efforts have occurred in Florida and the Pacific Coast of Mexico, the United States now seeks to reclassify the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) into 11 population segments to provide a more tailored approach to each population’s needs. The two aformentioned populations would have their status changed from endangered to threatened; all would continue to be listed on the Endangered Species Act.
They also plan to keep the population that nests in a Hawaiian atoll listed as threatened.
Did You Know…
The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) can survive submergence for up to 5 hours with no detectable oxygen in its trachea or carotid artery and heart rates as low as one beat every 9 minutes.
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Photo by Kent Gilbert/AP
