Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
some species are increasing, thanks to various protection programs along both coasts, the
risk for these
tortugas
(turtles) is still very real.
Destruction of habitat is a huge problem. With the exception of the leatherbacks, all of
these species return to their natal beach to nest, which means that the ecological state of
the beach directly affects that turtle's ability to reproduce. All of the species prefer dark,
undisturbed beaches, and any sort of development or artificial lighting (including flash-
lights) will inhibit nesting.
Hunting and harvesting eggs are two major causes of declining populations. Green
turtles are hunted for their meat. Leatherbacks and olive ridleys are not killed for meat, but
their eggs are considered a delicacy - an aphrodisiac, no less. Hawksbill turtles are hunted
for their unusual shells, which are sometimes used to make jewelry and hair ornaments. Of
course, any trade in tortoiseshell products and turtle eggs and meat is illegal, but a signific-
ant black market exists.
The legendary quetzal - the bird at the top of every naturalist's must-see list - teeters
precariously as its home forests are felled at an alarming rate. Seeing a noisy scarlet
macaw could be a bird-watching highlight in Costa Rica, but trapping for the pet trade has
extirpated these magnificent birds from much of their former range. Although populations
are thriving in the Península de Osa, the scarlet macaw is now extinct over most of Central
America, including the entire Caribbean coast.
