Finding a Partner
Williams-Guillén needed to test her new tool. She found a partner. Scientist Helen Pheasey was willing to hide fake eggs in turtle nests.
A Paso Pacifico turtle ranger collects turtle eggs for safekeeping nearby.
The fake eggs worked! They fooled the poachers. The trackers showed where they went.
This is just the beginning. Using more fake eggs is the next step. With more data, she can make a map to show where the eggs are traded. This might help to catch poachers. This might protect sea turtles.
Protecting sea turtles also protects the environment. Healthy oceans need sea turtles.
Sea turtles are an important part of a healthy marine ecosystem. Yet, Nicaragua has seen a decline in sea turtles.
green sea turtle
Status: Endangered
Many green sea turtles are caught for food.
Sea turtles are an important part of a healthy marine ecosystem. Yet, Nicaragua has seen a decline in sea turtles.
hawksbill sea turtle
Status: Critically Endangered
This turtle’s shell is often used to make souvenirs.
Sea turtles are an important part of a healthy marine ecosystem. Yet, Nicaragua has seen a decline in sea turtles.
leatherback sea turtle
Status: Critically Endangered
This sea turtle is the largest sea turtle on Earth.
Sea turtles are an important part of a healthy marine ecosystem. Yet, Nicaragua has seen a decline in sea turtles.
olive ridley sea turtle
Status: Vulnerable
Many of these sea turtles can be found, yet they are still endangered.
The fake eggs are hard to spot.