Tracking an Endangered Turtle From Space

The tracking is done from space...that's not where the turtle's from.

Mango, an endangered Caribbean sea turtle, just made some new friends. Footstops.com, a community of travellers, bloggers and humanitarians, recently adopted Mango through the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC).

At 95.9cm in length and 88.3cm in width, Mango is a real eye-catching beauty. To accessorize, she's even equipped with a satellite transmitter attached to her back. Every time Mango comes up for air, her position is sent to the CCC tracking database.

CCC uses advanced satellite technology to watch the progress of Mango, and the rest of her species through the Caribbean. Why turtles? These ancient creatures are an important indicator of the overall health of regional marine life and coastal ecosystems.

This tracking information is useful to study the habits and habitat of this dwindling species. With an average life span of 35-50 years, hawksbills are on the decline due to encroachment on habitat and illegal poaching. Their shells are used to make decorations, and they are even eaten as a delicacy in some countries.

Now that we know Mango, we're really working towards getting out the information on her species.

In the last century alone, hawksbills have declined an estimated 80% in the wild. While there are no conclusive population numbers, it is quite clear that these animals need our help.

Track Mango's adventure on Footstops.com as she make her way through the Caribbean. As one of the most active hawksbill turtles being tracked by the CCC, she's a treat to watch. If you're checking in between April and November, be sure to knock - that's mating season. With a their reproductive rate as slow as it is, they don't need any interruptions.

To learn more about hawksbill turtles and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation check out their website.