Guests help gather Turtle Data at Ramada Eco Beach Resort

Guests at the Ramada Eco Beach Resort in Broome during November and December were able to help collect data to help the scientific study of turtles.

With Broome’s Eco Beach a popular nesting site for flatback turtles, Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) were monitoring the nesting turtles every night with guests at the Ramada Eco Beach having the unique opportunity to see the rare creatures and to join in collecting the data with CVA.

Flatback turtles nest only in northern Australia and dwell exclusively in shallow sea areas. At present, the species is not considered endangered or critically endangered, because there is insufficient data to gauge the risk of its extinction.

Resort Manager Ross Boobyer explained how guests had been part of the program, helping volunteers tag and measure turtles, and record data on turtle nests and tracks.

Boobyer staed “volunteers were collecting information about the nesting turtles to determine the species, beach dynamics and nesting rates, and to monitor instances of nest predation.

“Given that some data sets are lacking for the flatback species, and that it faces danger from a range of predators, every piece of information collected about its nesting habits and survival rates will be important.”

The Ramada Eco Beach is a four-and-a-half star eco resort which has won numerous awards for its commitment to sustainability practices.

The resort uses solar power and fluorescent lighting, and recycled water to maintain the expansive grounds. Resort amenities and services include a pool deck with an infinity swimming pool, Jacks bar and restaurant, conference and wedding facilities, day spa and complimentary yoga classes.

The resort also offered nesting patrols during November, with Boobyer adding “we find this experience is popular with guests, because turtle nesting only happens for a brief timeframe in this part of the year and happens only in specific locations.”

For more information go to www.ecobeach.com.au

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