A project backed by Tui Care Foundation is using drones to monitor Cape Verde beaches and protect the nests of sea turtles.
The foundation has worked with a non-governmental organisation, called Project Biodiversity, to support sea turtle conservation in Cape Verde over the past six years.
Their partnership, the Tui Turtle Aid programme, supports protection, education and outreach initiatives for tourists and local communities on the island of Sal.
The absence of tourists during the pandemic has meant beaches are quiet, so the endangered turtles are more vulnerable to illegal poachers.
The project has introduced drones to protect nesting loggerhead turtles on some of the island’s most remote beaches that are difficult to patrol in person.
The success of drone patrols in the nature reserve of Murdeira Bay has meant the project has been extended to other remote areas to stop poaching attempts.
The drone patrols have also allowed the team to monitor other threats, such as the predation of sea turtle nests by stray dogs.
As the nesting season ends and tourism restarts, Project Biodiversity will welcome visitors again to its main hatchery behind the Riu Funana Hotel, to see baby loggerhead turtles.
Guests can find out more about the TuiTurtle Aid project and learn about wildlife on Sal at an information kiosk at the hotel.