Turtle Conservation in Mexico with Projects Abroad

  Mexico

• Pacific Coast: 
Tecoman

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: All year round

Description: Come save endangered species on the glorious beaches of Mexico!

Our Conservation Project in Mexico is based on the Pacific Coast at Campemento Tecoman in the state of Colima. The camp is a unique location and offers the chance to work alongside a group of Projects Abroad volunteers, staff, and local experts. We have three conservation projects that run all year: turtle conservation, crocodile conservation, and wildlife studies in a coastal lagoon.

Turtle Conservation

Volunteers are involved in patrolling an eighteen mile stretch of beach on foot and by quad- bike. You work mainly at night when the turtles lay their eggs. We collect the eggs and bring them to a safe area near our camp called a corral. Some nights you will be on shift at the corral, watching the nests that were buried about six weeks earlier. The experience of watching tiny hatchlings crawl out of their nest and protecting them as they head for the ocean that let's you know you are partaking in truly invaluable work.

Some nights you will be on shift at the corral, watching the nests that were buried about six weeks earlier. The experience of then watching the tiny hatchlings as they crawl out of the nest and protecting them as they head for the ocean is incredible.

There are turtles all year round, but the high season is from May to December. However, we are finding increasing numbers of rarer turtle species, such as Green Turtles and the gigantic Leatherback Turtle nesting on the beach in all seasons. The camp is also home to a small number of turtles kept in tanks. These turtles have either been injured or are used for research and education. Volunteers help to clean the tanks and feed and look after the turtles.

Crocodile Conservation

The newest element of our conservation work in Mexico focuses on crocodile conservation. We work with two endangered species of crocodile, the American Crocodile and the smaller Morelets Crocodile. Our aim is to create a crocodile release program which would re-introduce these endangered species to the local area. Volunteers are involved in a variety of work that include preparing food to feed the crocodiles and conducting a population census of the number of wild crocodiles that inhabit the lagoon next to the crocodile park. Volunteers also help to improve the current Crocodile Park site, assisting with painting and maintenance work. Please note that we work with local crocodile experts and a vet, and volunteers would not be in direct contact with the crocodiles themselves!

Lagoon Bio-diversity Project

Directly inland from the beach is a large lagoon and wilderness area home to diverse wildlife. We are conducting a bio-diversity study into the lagoon ecosystem, recording and monitoring the wildlife. The aim is to discover the ecological value of the lagoon for future preservation and more advanced wildlife behavior studies. Volunteers are taught how to identify birds, reptiles and mammals, and regularly go out on the lagoon by boat to gather data and conduct studies of the local wildlife.

Additionally, we run Conservation Awareness Projects to educate the local community and give school children some information about coastal conservation issues. Volunteers even take part in puppet shows featuring turtles, poachers and conservationists! The children are also shown around our camp including workshops by the turtle tanks, where they can see a variety of species of live turtles, making the whole experience memorable for everyone involved.

This placement is also available as a two-week summer special for high school students between the ages of 16 and 19. Spanish lessons are offered in conjunction.

Highlights: Mexico's beauty lies in its effortless grace in combining all of its faces: beautiful hundred-year-old colonial buildings, pristine beaches, mountains and volcanoes and air-conditioned shopping centers.

Live in a tented camp on the edge of the beach with other volunteers indulging in the beach lifestyle!

Cost in US$: From US$2,695

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992