Turtles on the wild coast

30januari2008
Source: metronieuws.nl
Explorers who first laid eyes upon the coast of Suriname called it 'The Wild Coast'. The land consists of only a small strip of land with tropical forest behind. The beach of Matapica is also known as 'turtle beach'.
In the nesting season, thousands of leatherback turtles (local name Aitkanti) arrive at these nesting grounds. The leatherback turtle is the largest reptile in the world (apart from the crocodile) and can grow up to two meters in size and weigh over 500 kilogram. Tourists are allowed to camp out on the beach to watch this event. Every year, around eight thousands nests are being madeĀ…and threatened.
Even though it has been officially forbidden since 2002, it is estimated that around 40% of the nests are stripped down by poachers. In neighbouring French Guyana, a lot of money is being paid for the eggs, as they are considered a delicacy there.
Members of the Foundation for Nature Conservation in Suriname (STINASU) patrol the beaches during the entire year, but the beach is long and there are simply not enough people. The foundation has therefore called the help of volunteers in trying to protect the animals.