When & how you can participate in the project

There are various ways in which you can contribute to the conservation of marine turtles in Cabo Verde, depending on your experience and the time you have available.  We are inviting applications for varying periods, ranging from a few weeks to the entire season.  You can even participate if you have only a few days on your holiday. The available positions are detailed below.  

WHAT'S THE KEY INGREDIENT TO WORK IN THIS PROJECT?

The ability to work hard under mentally & physically challenging conditions with a group of people you don't know who all have different personalities, cultures, experiences and continue to have a positive attitude.  We can teach you to work with turtles but you have to bring a great attitude with you!

Nesting usually begins in the second week of June and peaks during July, August & September, declining to one or two nests a day by the beginning of October.  Hatching goes on until late December. July, August & September are intense and tiring and you will need considerable mental and physical stamina, commitment and calmness during this time. 

We are looking for people who really want to work in this field and who view the Ranger positions as jobs, not as a working holiday.  For this reason, unlike the majority of turtle conservation projects, we offer a small amount of financial support as well as free accommodation.  If you would like a working holiday please look at the description for short term volunteers.

Our work consists of:

·       June – Night patrols and morning patrols.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach).  Turtle Walks for guests start in the last week of the month.

·       July – Night patrols, morning patrols. Field camps operational.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach).  Turtle Walks.

·       August - Night patrols, morning patrols. Field camps operational.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach).  Turtle Walks.  Nest excavations at the hatchery and on the beach, hatchling releases.  Hatchery checks throughout the night.

·       September - Night patrols, morning patrols. Field camps operational.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach).  Turtle Walks.  Nest excavations at the hatchery and the beach, hatchling releases.  Hatchery checks throughout the night.

·       October - Morning patrols. Afternoon patrols to excavate nests.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach). Nest excavations at the hatchery.  Hatchling releases.  Hatchery checks throughout the night.  Field camps close.

·       November - Hatchery checks throughout the night. Morning & afternoon patrols to excavate nests.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach). Nest excavations at the hatchery.

To get an idea about Sal & about our work please look at these photos.

This is an opportunity to be part of a new and expanding project that is achieving excellent results and with your contribution will continue to evolve.  It will not only provide you with good experience of turtle conservation techniques but also give you the opportunity to make a real difference to the survival of marine turtles. SOS Tartarugas staff have been directly responsible for saving numerous nesting turtles and hatchlings and experience a high level of satisfaction from being able to rapidly affect the declining situation in Cabo Verde.  Rangers are based in Santa Maria but spend varying periods at the field camp in basic conditions. Please note that only water and basic foods are provided in the camps (see section about the camp for more information).

This is challenging work that can be extremely tiring and stressful.  You will work during the night as well as during the day.  A good level of fitness and physical and mental energy is required as patrols are long (some are all night), conducted on foot and may be as much as 15km.  Shift patterns vary but you will have one day’s rest per week.  Read the FAQs for more information.

We patrol in pairs and are sometimes supported by the military but you will encounter hunters on the beach even if soldiers are present.  You should be sure that you are mentally strong and calm enough to accept this.