During the Hawksbill turtle nesting season (October-March), Nature Seychelles welcomes volunteers to assist the team on Cousin Island Special Reserve with turtle monitoring. The work is demanding, stretching from early mornings to late evenings. Volunteers patrol the nesting beaches, search for turtles or tracks, and collect data for the long-term monitoring of this critically endangered species. The work can be challenging, as it requires a high level of commitment and fitness, pushing some out of their comfort zones.
Despite this, there’s something about working with turtles that is both motivating and life-changing, some of the past helpers have said.
“We watched as, with nothing but determination driving her, a turtle dug a total of six egg chambers before finally, exhausted, no doubt, she laid her eggs. It took her approximately three hours from start to finish. These ocean-dwelling reptiles are accustomed to being weightless. Still, with sheer grit and drive, she struggled with her weight up a beach – like hundreds of others have before her and will in the future – and did not stop digging until she was ready to part with her offspring. If this trip has taught me anything above all else – and I have learnt a lot – it is that no matter how difficult the task ahead may seem, you must keep on going until you succeed,” Lauren shares.
Long-term monitoring is carried out for this critically endangered species
Beyond interacting with the turtles themselves, being in nature is equally rewarding. Eda explains.
“The daily program was intense and educative. My day during the week started at 7:00 am and ended at 6:00 pm with up to four turtles patrol – two in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. My excitement always peaked whenever I encountered a turtle. It was here that I first saw a turtle, an experience only surpassed by the first time I held and counted turtle eggs. Did you know that a turtle can lay between 50-200 eggs? In the morning, I loved patrolling from the field centre towards the northern side of the island, which had my favourite spot – the big rocks with a perfect view of other Seychelles islands. In the evening, the opposite side was the best for extraordinary views of the sunsets.”
You learn to work together
The experience is also about the camaraderie and friendships formed with the team, leaving a lasting impact on the volunteers. “This was an invaluable experience for me,” Jonathan says. “You learn to work together as a group here for the common good, in a communal living situation. And you may just make some friendships for life. As one local warden told me when I arrived – you are family now.”
Finally, Kai shares these words of wisdom. “Always remind yourself that you’re here because you love nature and want to make a difference, and that not many people are as fortunate as you are. Keeping this in mind will help you enjoy your time even more.”