Playa Tortuga Conservation Volunteer Project, Costa Rica

Become a volunteer in Costa Rica and live in a tropical rainforest. Work alongside fellow volunteers and staff members to monitor sea turtles, crocodiles, and mammals and river otters. You can also participate in spreading environmental education initiatives and creating a butterfly garden project. Volunteers aid non-profit research and all food, accommodation and training will be provided by members of the reserve. Our projects take place throughout the year, except for the sea turtle programme which only runs from July to January.

Sea Turtle Conservation Programme

There are four potential species of sea turtles that nest on the shores of the beaches of Osa Costa Rica. These turtles nest at various times in the year and all of these nests are endangered. As a volunteer, you will learn about the biology of sea turtles, especially the Pacific Olive Ridley (Lora – lepidochelys olivacea) which is a common Playa Tortuga. Volunteers will work on an important scientific research project which will advance our data on sea turtle conservation. When you arrive on-site, you will be trained on the research project, proper equipment handling, daily tasks and acceptable behaviour.

Primary responsibilities include:
- Care and protection of Hatchery and Camp
- Cleaning and maintenance of the beach (Playa Tortuga)
- Assisting project biologist with turtle data collection, monitoring (tagging) and management (including hatchling releases)
- Relocation of eggs to hatchery or safe location on the beach. This is done when it is determined that the eggs are threatened by beach erosion, rising tides, excessive driftwood or poachers
- Night patrols on the Beach prevent turtle poachers

Mammal Inventory Monitoring Project

There are more than eleven species of animals within our reserve. There are raccoons, coatis, kinkajous, weasels, river otters, tayra and monkeys, as well as many others. We have also found traces of an ocelot in the Balso River. We use trail cameras in order to observe the existence, abundance and density of nearby mammals. These animals are crucial to a balanced ecosystem, and we measure data on their diet and movement in order to work on reforestation plans for the coastal areas in order to build Biological Corridors.

Crocodilian Monitoring Volunteer Programme

Volunteers assist in collecting data about crocodiles in the reserve, specifically their placement, relationship with the environment and how humans have impacted their ecosystem. Volunteers will work in nocturnal monitoring twice a week while walking or kayaking and detecting crocodiles using a flashlight. You will count the number of animals and note their GPS location. Crocodiles that are less than 1 metre, which is considered small, will be captured to log down species, size, sex and condition.

Butterfly Garden Volunteering Project

Volunteers with the Butterfly Garden Project will research the native species of butterflies, including Siproeta stelenes, Caligo memnon, Heraclides thoas and Dryas iulia, in the region and learn about their reproductive cycle and food. Volunteers will also assist with environmental education workshops in order to educate and interact with the local community. You will run education tours and classes and you can also work with local schools to develop education programs.