THE LEATHERBACK Sea Turtle will be the topic of a study away trip to Costa Rica in summer 2016. (Photo provided)
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Students at Missouri State University-West Plains and community members can learn more about Costa Rica during a short-term, study away opportunity scheduled for summer 2016.
Ana I. Estrella-Riollano, instructor of biology and biomedical sciences, will lead a group of students on a trip to the Central American country to study Leatherback Sea Turtle Ecology (BIO 197), a three-credit-hour course, from May 18-26.
Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are the largest turtles on earth, growing up to seven feet long and exceeding 2,000 pounds, she said. These reptiles can be found in the tropic and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. In 1970, it was listed under the Endangered Species Act, she added
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for Leatherback sea turtles, Estrella-Riollano, said. Scientists there are working in tracking and studying nesting behaviors to help increase the population numbers around the world.
In the Study Away: Costa Rica program, participants will be in contact with the environmental, scientific and cultural characteristics of the region, Estrella-Riollano said. Students will experience more than 15 hours of service learning while patrolling the beach, searching for leatherbacks nests and protecting them from tides, poachers and other threats. They also will develop and understanding of the population trends and will help collect data that will be used by scientists to improve leatherback conservation efforts in the Costa Rica region and around the world, she explained.
The program fee is $3,500, which includes tickets for airfare, taxes, all meals in Costa Rica, all lodging, all transportation, park fees, airport exit taxes from Costa Rica, tips, international program fees and travel insurance. An initial deposit of $250 is due Oct. 30.
To apply for this course, visit http://missouristate-sa.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10934. After enrollment, students can apply for the Ecology Project International (EPI) Scholarship ($100-$500) or request to raise funds for their trip with coffee sales through EPI, Estrella-Riollano said. For more information, please contact Estrella-Riollano at 417-255-7710 or AnaEstrellaRiollano@missouristate.edu.