Leatherback Sea Turtles: They’re Going Faster Than You Think
I found a link to a great site about Leatherback Sea Turtles in Science Magazine this week The site, The Great Turtle Race sponsored by Leatherback Trust, is actually quite fun for adults and kids alike. According to Science:
Close to 95% of leatherback turtles in the Pacific have disappeared in the past 2 decades. The Costa Rica population has decreased to fewer than 100.
To raise support for the critically endangered beasts, several conservation organizations have created The Great Turtle Race. From 16 through 29 April, 11 turtles will be tracked as they migrate from their nesting areas in Costa Rica to south of the Galápagos Islands off Ecuador. The racers are equipped with satellite tags so their locations can be tracked online. The data will provide a nearly real-time, turtle’s-eye perspective on the ocean, including measurements of water temperature and depth.
Definitely take the time to check out the site, follow the progress of the turtles, learn a few facts about turtles and how scientists are studying their movements, and cheer on your favorite tortuga.
The radio show “Living on Earth” also had a nice piece on the turtle race, including an interview with an elementary school student who is following the race. http://www.loe.org/shows/shows.htm?programID=07-P13-00016#feature2
Kris: That’s really neat! Thanks for the link!
Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert was crushed that the turtle named after him did not win the race.
http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/index.jhtml?ml_video=85965
Eric: Haha! Thanks for the link – he really spent a lot of time on that one