The leatherback sea turtle is critically endangered (world population of nesting females estimated at 35,000). Leatherbacks nest on the northern Caribbean coast around Parque...more
The leatherback sea turtle is critically endangered (world population of nesting females estimated at 35,000). Leatherbacks nest on the northern Caribbean coast around Parque Nacional Tortuguero and the beaches of Parismina, Costa Rica, from March to June. Pacific leatherbacks have laid eggs on Playa Grande in the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste for thousands of years, but the number of nesting turtles has declined dramatically in recent years. Leatherbacks are not killed for meat, but their eggs are considered a delicacy an aphrodisiac no less. Enforement of hunting and harvesting bans requires lots of nighttime beach patrols during turtle nesting season. There are many opportunities for volunteers to assist with beach patrols and education programs.less