Turtle Conservation Camp
Protecting Critically Endangered Sea Turtles
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explore & contribute
While exploring the remote coasts of Flores, we stumbled across this amazing beach.
Discussing the history and scenery with the local village, we were offered turtle eggs to eat. This lead us to discover that Hawksbill Sea Turtles nest on this beach in ever dwindling numbers as the eggs are eaten or sold to traders. Later, we discovered that Leatherback Turtles have nested on this beach for 8 of the past 10 years!
Thus, the creation of Pante Hera, our very own turtle conservation camp. The camp is entirely operated through donations and the work of volunteers and visitors like you. While the main objective of the camp is preservation and protection of the turtles, we work diligently with the local village to raise considerable awareness in the area regarding environmental issues as well as creating sustainable income.
Our conservation center is located in the heart of the Savu Sea Marine Protected Area.
This is one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in Indonesia and is designed to protect the region’s large mammal and aquatic species including whales, dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles. Sadly, the number of rangers and boats to protect the park is extremely limited and resources are stretched far beyond the ability to protect. Thus, our turtle conservation center supplements the already existing laws and protection.
Please click here to learn more about this Marine Protected Area.
Turtle Conservation: beach patrolling and data collection.
Our project is currently training members of the local community to patrol the beach and recognize the signs of nests and potential poaching. Throughout 2015, we were establishing the base population and eggs counts. In 2016, we started our tagging program to track the migratory patterns of the local population. Volunteers and visitors participated in nightly beach patrols, and during hatchings, worked to keep away predators and poachers.
We still need YOUR help! Please join our newsletter to learn more about our projects, how you can help and updates from the camp.
From Turtle Camp, there are many activities to join. As part of the community development project, we train local villagers as guides for trekking to nearby Wae Rebo as well as for sea kayaking in season. We can also arrange tours to nearby Pulau Mules and nearby sites.
In addition, there are daily beach clean-ups at sunset and checks for new nests or hatching at sunrise each day. Nearby hot springs are a great way to relax. Snorkeling is great in the bay, but not allowed during the nesting and hatching days. For the trekkers and trampers, there is an amazing assortment of trails to follow. In addition, when we have the equipment on hand (or upon special request), we can supply sea kayaks and dive equipment.
This is a remote area. There is no public electricity or water. We supply power between 6pm and 9pm for charging simple electronics. There is a basic eating/meeting area with charging ports. Our toilets are simple composting toilets, and the showers are traditional “mandi,” which are simple and quite efficient with water.