There are many paths that can lead to species extinction, from the deterioration of their habitat to climate change. But, no doubt, human superstitions are not far behind. Leeches, sharks and pangolins Here are some examples of animals being sold on the black market for all sorts of medicines without any scientific proof. And to this list are also added olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), whose eggs they have become a coveted aphrodisiac in Panama.
It goes without saying that they in no way stimulate desire and sexual satisfaction. Despite this, poachers often visit beaches where female sea turtles nest to quickly obtain eggs before they hatch. This has become a very serious problem in Punta Chame peninsulawhere the species is already in serious danger.
In fact, the situation is so alarming that several volunteers have started patrolling the beaches to scare off how sea turtle hunters how stray dogswhich also feed on eggs. Later they are collected and buried in a nursery away from unscrupulous traders. Finally, once they hatch, they help the baby turtles get back to the sea. Of course, they must also have some considerations, as it is not enough to leave them directly in the water.
Sea turtles are threatened by a non-existent desire
Rumors spread in Panama that the eggs of these sea turtles can help men enjoy sex. This led to many people buying them on the black market. May be, placebo to help them. But in this case, you can also tell them that it will help them wear socks of every color, and at least they won’t push any species to extinction.
And the fact is that the olive ridley turtle is already classified as vulnerable listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is important to understand that this is part of the food chain that should not be interfered with. For example, volunteers from NGO Foundation Tortugias They are responsible for scaring away stray dogs, but not Eagles. The former are usually the result of human activity. However, the latter are part of a chain in which many species can enter when one link is removed.
But those who absolutely have no right to approach sea turtle eggs are those who only seek to cash in on them. Those people who believe that they have such a benefit as aphrodisiacs to be able to sell them at the price of gold.
It is from them that these volunteers, whose work was collected Agence France-Presse and reproduced Scientific Alert. Everyone collects eggs they are buried in nurseries and then they take them near the sea. But why not inside?
Importance of returning home
Sea turtles, both of this and other species, are beginning to long migration process when they return to the sea However, when laying eggs they go right back to where they were born. So they provide a nest in a safe place. Has the meaning; but, nevertheless, this is something that has long attracted the attention of scientists.
They talk about a certain imprint, along which on the way to the sea they remember the exact point to which they would have to return. For this reason, Panamanian volunteers are hesitant to release the cubs directly into the sea. Instead, they return to the beach where they collect eggs and lay their young. by the waterbut not inside.
How they do it is not the most important thing. But he was also studied. It was analyzed in 2017 in cephalopods, although it is thought to have been extrapolated to other sea turtles. In general, it seems that they all use earth’s magnetic field to get oriented. They have been known to already do this to migrate like many birds, but it has not yet been confirmed that they also use this method to know where they should return when laying their eggs.
They know how to do it. But, unfortunately, there are also unscrupulous people who know where to find them. To prevent the birth of their cubs, the work of these volunteers is essential. Although I wish it wasn’t necessary.
Source: Hiper Textual
