Wildlife Sense- Sea Turtle Research-Conservation-Education

Program Description

Main Responsibilities include:
•Monitor sea turtle nesting beaches to protect confirmed nests and collect data
•Hatchling rescue shifts to prevent hatchlings from crawling toward beach business' lights
•Sea turtle observation- Record individual and group behaviors of the sea turtles in Argostoli Bay
•Tagging and health examinations of nesting turtles
•Perform light pollution surveys on nesting beaches
•Analyze the beach slope and composition and quality on nesting beaches
•Public awareness- informing locals and visitors about the island's biodiversity and sea turtle population

Highlights

June and July are when the turtles begin nesting. You will spend most of your time finding and protecting nests. You’ll also monitor the turtles in the harbour. If you prefer to come early in the season and when it is cooler, June is best. August is when the first hatchlings emerge. Some turtles may still be nesting at the beginning of the month and you’ll continue monitoring the turtles in the harbour. September and early October are full of hatchlings and when we begin nest inventories. You will see hatchlings, perform inventories and continue to monitor the turtles in the harbour.

Qualifications

Requirements:
•18 years of age or older
•Comfortable riding a bicycle on hilly terrain (3-10km)
•Attend all training sessions (first 3 days of volunteering period)
•Communicate effectively in English
**Previous experience is not necessary as training will be provided

Volunteer Types

What`s Included

Please visit our website (wildlifesense.com) to find out more details about expenses as they can vary per project location. The cost of the project includes the accommodation cost (each volunteer will have their own bed in a shared a room), crockery, cookware, use of bicycles to get around the area, a researcher t-shirt, all necessary field training, field leader support available at all times, Kefalonia airport or bus station pickup and drop on your start and end date. The cost does not include travel to/from Kefalonia, personal expenses or food.