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The Great Turtle Race

By zooillogix on April 10, 2007.


Leatherback sea turtles are almost 100 million years old but their rapid decline in population has led researchers to believe that they may be extinct in as few as 10. In an effort to learn more about these rare animals and bring attention to the cause, scientists outfitted 14 leatherbacks with satellite tags this past February as they lay their eggs on a beach in Costa Rica. On April 16th, the eleven turtle race begins as the leatherbacks head back to their Galapagos feeding grounds. Sponsor your favorite turtle and track its progress on the internet. Known for their fiercely competitive nature, Leatherbacks are indeed the "Asian Racers" of the sea. A great idea and a fun interactive site.

Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology.

Baby Leatherback Sea Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea
The event is being organized by Conservation International, the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment, the Leatherback Trust and the Tagging of Pacific Predators program. Proceeds will go to protect Cost Rica's Playa Grande and highlight problems facing leatherback turtles, which have outlived the dinosaurs.

Set-up brackets and track your Koopa Troopa. In Costa Rica this is more popular than March Madness.

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conservation international
leatherback sea turtle
race

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