It's because of actions like these that some animals are becoming endangered. The exploitation of any animal can only render detrimental effects, perhaps not in the "here and now," but inarguably in the long-haul. Blatantly the Costa Rican's are poaching these animals for monetary gain, essentially putting a price on these living creatures. In many places around the world, homophobia, racism, and sexism are discerned as vile and repugnant. It's unfortunate that speciesism has not been added to that list, yet it lingers with societies condonable status; for society is okay with animal exploitation as long as the people don’t have to see it or hear about it. What these Costa Rican's are doing to these animals should be regarded as nothing less than a violation of animal rights. I find it utterly ridiculous that they are contributing to the extinction of any animal, no matter what their reasons, for they are impertinent.
Unfortunately we sit down and feel sad for these leatherback turtles but what about the meat we eat? Or that chicken we buy or the fish that we catch? Maybe not now but unfortunately sometime in the future we will see those animals as well being endangered because of the same selfish gain that the Costa Ricans are doing to the leatherback turtles. It is sad to see how people do not care about these animals and just take their eggs to produce money because if they really needed the eggs to survive they sure wouldn't be taking loaded bags of their babies. Regardless if they were in need of the eggs it is still no excuse to violate their animal right.
It is not right that these Costa Ricans are allowed to take the leatherback turtle eggs to make money out of them. Would those who steal the turtles eggs like for us to take their children and just traffic them or even raise them on our own without their parents consent? Of course not! Just the thought of those things happening gives me a bad rush of thoughts through my head with my two daughters. Just because those turtles are not human does not mean we as humans have a right over them and an ability to take their babies.
Unfortunately this doesn't surprise me, we live in two completely different worlds. Here in the U.S. and fewer other countries we have groups that strive to keep endangered species alive. But the reality is the rest of the world, either doesn't care or hasn't been informed correctly. The fact that Costa Rica has not made this illegal, shows you how much they care for the environment and its species. Surprisingly, they are not alone, many third world countries allow the capture of endangered turtles and their eggs. In my country for example, El Salvador, gathering turtle eggs regardless of the type of turtle it is, is not illegal (much to my shock when my mother informed me how delicious turtle eggs are...eww) Human beings are greedy by nature, the question is How much are we willing to sacrifice to get what we want?
Is the question really greed? I am no supporter for poaching of any kind, however this is merely a case of culture's taste and tradition that happens to be wiping out the poor leatherbacks. Is it wrong? ... Yes. Do I understand it ? .. Yes. Americans tend to point a finger so quickly and forget how long ago our traditions were harming endangered species aswell. The fact that their cultural tastes and culinary preference breeds a toxic atmosphere for these turtles is very unfortunate .. and should be stopped legislatively, But to state that it is done with malicious intent isn't reality it's more like ignorance. The question is where is the line? Yes it is violating the animals rights and they deserve to let those eggs flourish in the wild, but until the government intervenes poaching of Leatherback eggs will never stop because it will still be profitable and obviously a delicacy to some.
The entry about the leather back turtle can be considered something bad as the tone of the article idicates to me. But this article is just proof that our world is in constant change and can't always support the life in it. I am just glad we are the eaters not the eaten.
David Acosta Unfortunately, humans don't abide by the balance of nature. The greed for money seems to drive most people and governments who totally disregard the world and its resources. The poaching will eventually stop once the leather turtle is extinct. How sad that government and people wont sit back for a minute to analyze the impact of their actions. David Acosta
The problem of poaching will be present and persistenet as long as the money is there for the product. The new trend has been these out of the way restaurants that offer wealthy food goers the opportunuity to taste one of a kind foods from animals as rare as snow leopards and turtles too. However disugting this may sound, the more rare the animal, the more expensive it is.
In addition, countries like Costa Rica have scarcely any financial means let alone the political will to stop such occurences. One other alarming fact is that up to 75% of the animal species that are supposed to be protected have already been killed inside of the same preservations setup to help them survive.
Furthermore, Costa Rica is a country that largely depends on tourism. Why would it be incumbent upon them to destroy a revenue stream generated by the tourists who are willing to try a rare "delicacy". The fact is, countries would rather turn a blind eye to the issue especially if the issue helps their GDP.
Also, we could be ourselves guilty of the same crime of poaching without knowing it http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/11/26/some-restaurant-sushi-contains-endangered-species/
Robert De Niros Restaurant also serves endangered animals
Is it moral to admonish the people of Costa Rica and their consumption habits without first examining our own sordid appetites? Americans represent 5% of the global population yet we devour over 40% of the world’s resources. We have contributed more to global warming and to the deterioration of the planet than any other country in history. Our per-capita carbon footprint is more than 20 times that of the average Costa Rican. Is it moral to condemn the actions of another if we are our culpable of even greater crimes? In an age of increasing interdependence how do we define the boundaries between national sovereignty and the “greater global good?” Who will decide how many eggs Costa Ricans can poach or how many SUVs Americans can drive?
Although it is a sad instance that these turtle eggs are being taken by poachers, It's one that is all too common. The real problem in my opinion is that, If people are developing a taste for the eggs, then why not find a way to farm them? The poachers are essentially destroying their own industry by endangering these creatures, when the more responsible approach would be to assist in the cultivation of the eggs, in a controlled environment. This problem is not too far off from many other problems that humans have created in the last century or so by attacking our resources so quickly without developing a plan of renewing them. The human race is growing at such an alarming rate that we'll never be able to sustain as long as we continue to neglect the future of our resources.
Animal rights activists will have a field day with this one. Unfortunately, it seems as if there is no way to persecute these people. While the leatherback is an endangered species, and there are certain laws that protect it, their eggs are something that no one legally have the rights to. Thus, theft is not really taking place. And because the eggs are not yet real live turtles, they are unprotected by endangered species regulations. Its a sad loophole, and it would be comforting to think that these thieves were harvesting eggs out of sheer desperation and starvation, but we know that they are not. Wherever there is profit, there is exploitation. We are all guilty of it and also victims of it, even in ways that we are not immediately aware.
how people acts it is sometimes an act of ignorance, these people are putting price on these animals and the don't know or they are not aware that this is a violation of human rights. it is sad that that in these world people are using animals and people for gaining money, humans are not respecting themself, now is Costa Rica what will be the next country that everybody is going to critize because nowdays the sociaty where we live there is always many problems due to corruption.
This is all based on power and ignorance. The power of the government and the ignorance of the population of Costa Rica. Not to mention, the lack of communication amongst the people who care. I refuse to sit here and blame anyone but myself, if we all get together we can make a difference. We are all guilty in a way, guilty of thinking we have no control over these situations, or maybe we just like to judge while we sit here in front of our computers and do nothing about it. WHAT DO YOU ALL SAY? I know I can't do this by myslef, but if we all get together I am sure that there is something we can do to stop this kind of cruelty. Our grandchildren will definetly benefit from this.
In today's world there are so many animals and wildlife becoming endangered it's really scarey. I feel very sad for these leatherback turtles I feel like going to costa Rica and protesting to make them stop. It's sad what we do to the animals on earth we are just as much animals as they are.....
Melody Rosado: It is extremely sad what these people are doing to these defenseless leather back turtles I wish I could go to Costa Rica and protest as well. In reality there are so many species becoming extinct every day. I wonder what the world will look like in 50 years from now. If we stay on this path of over killing and being so selfish , we wont have anything left to be selfish about. People need to wake up and start doing something to save our world before it is too late!!!
Animal exploitation in general has numerous categories. Hunting/fishing (sport); animals for food; for clothing; religious purposes; scientific purposes; zoo’s; circuses; buying and selling them to use as our companions, etc. We are all constantly AND ignorantly taking part in some form of animal exploitation in our everyday lives. In the world we live in, animals are considered as resources. Animals like humans have the ability to experience pleasure, joy, anger, distress, and pain. In my opinion, it is unfortunate for these precious Costa Rican Leather Back Turtles to be another example of animal exploitation. But will regulating further animal exploitation make a significant difference? Or will this deed only emphasize the concept of using animals is perhaps, ‘okay’? Maybe changing our lifestyle will possibly make the great significance. Refraining from treating animals as ‘things’ we as humans benefit from WILL make a difference. -Jen Ruiz
Is the act of saving the leatherback turtles benevolent or selfish? On what basis should the poaching of turtle eggs be banned? Should it be banned because the theft of offspring from defenseless mothers is morally reprehensible or should it be banned because the eradication of species invariably undermines the ecosystem that supports human existence? If we believed that the theft of offspring from defenseless mothers is immoral then why do we consume animals? Consequently, the motive to save the leatherback turtles is predicted on self-interest.
How could both poaching and its polar opposite, conservation, be considered selfish acts? Are humans capable of acting selflessly? Are benevolent actions just selfish actions cloaked as altruism?
After reading on the topic and seeing the pictures, I was completely unaware of the leather back turtles and why are they endangered, so I did my research before throwing thoughts in the air. It really amazes me how this species that have been on earth for over 65 million years, and witnessed the fall of the dinosaurs and the rise of humanity. The picture that caught my attention was the poacher of 4,500 turtle eggs. "The number of nesting females has dropped from about 1,340 per season to approximately 130-140 per year". This means he is taking about 30 years of a female turtle. No wonder why they are in extension. However; there is a project call "Costa Rica Leatherback Project" in which participants protect nests from poachers and predators to maximize the number of hatchlings produced. They measure turtles, count eggs, measure the temperature of nests to determine hatchling sex, and record the level of human activity on the beach. For more information on this project go to: www.Leatherback.org -Tatiana Camargo PHI2010 T. 5:40p.m
All seven turtle species known to man are endangered. Unfortunately, the poachers of Costa Rica are only one of their predators. Turtles are threatened on many fronts. Nature itself is cruel to turtles. Their gender alone is determined by the egg temperature during development. Rise in temperatures develops females and when they drop creates males. Turtles hatcheries have been created around the world to help the turtle eggs. In hatcheries, they are protected by fences and kept at a temperature that creates both male and female. I once visited a hatchery on a Miami beach. Before the baby leatherback turtles barely entered the water they were snapped up by roaming nurse sharks. It's hard being a little turtle. Even hatcheries can't protect them.
Who are we, as Americans, to judge Costa Ricans? Yes, what they are doing IS cruel and lets not forget ILLEGAL. Yet our society kills animals inhumanely everyday.
It's unfortunate that these people are taking advantage of the situation. It is true that these people are not starving and do not need the eggs to eat right away, but they make good money selling them. The irony is that they are not “stealing” because turtles don’t own their eggs. What do we call that? Is it borrowing? Is it manna from the sky? The point is that there no government controls in this operation and people do as they please. We cannot rely on morality to save the turtles. For some people, morality will not function without the law. Should there be a Costa Rican legislation against poaching turtle eggs? I say yes.
This is not only in Costa Rica, but in many other countries, we humans put nature in danger. Even here in the U.S., we all contribute to hurt the earth in many, many ways, even when we don’t want to, even when we are supporters of wild life. But I guess that’s our nature and we can’t avoid it? Maybe the only way that we would not hurt the earth would be if we went back to the caves? Get rid of technology and development, and let nature control us instead of us controlling nature? Are we willing to do that?
Although as a vegetarian i dont condone the poaching of the eggs of these leatherbacks turtles, i dont feel that we should be so quick to point fingers and demonize the costa ricans for conducting such practices. First of all the article does state that some of these poachers are just normal people that want the eggs merely for its nutritional value and the fact it's tasty . As for the poachers that are in it for the money, although they are clearly on the wrong we dont know what drove them to do this as a mean of making a living. Perhaps they were hungry and this is the only way of earning and income, or perhaps it's greed. Either way i believe that the best solution is not only passing legislation making it illegal to poach these eggs but also to educate people on the environment and the ecological damages that can happen of such reckless disregard for nature.
Elizabeth, the fact that some of our practices are reprehensible doesn't mean one has to stand still and do nothing to protect environmental degradation.
After reading the post, I was shock to hear some of the other articles from the few links within the post. Where it saddens me to see we as human-beings(mankind) don't know how to respect nature and the beauty behind all of it. I can not judge one's reason for going after these for I am one person not God, but if we as(so call) compassionate people are ever to understand this and see how painful it is too see this. Just ask/tell a mother after giving birth to a beautiful child that someone stole him, and feel the pain,emotions, and etc. that comes after as being a parent comes with it. I've heard of horrible news like that where I ask why and how.BUT A ENOUGH. JUST PLACE OURSELVES IN THERE POSITIONS, NOT PLEASANT AT ALL.:-(
The problem with poaching has gone on for many hundreds of years. As a member of P.E.T.A, I see cases like "the leather turtle" all the time and it's sad that it still happens. The reality is that poaching will go on forever as long as it has a monetary margin; it will stand the test of time. As the economy spirals downward more and more people are forced into doing extreme acts of cruelty in order for them to live. Most people believe that animals were put on the earth for our use in whatever way we please. The poaching will eventually stop for the turtle once they are all gone, but that will not stop all poaching in Costa Rica. Hopefully these events will cease to exist, but I doubt it.
In my opinion ignorance is the greatest factor in this situation. These people don't have any idea how their action can have a critical effect on the ecosystem. They don't appreciate the real value that these turtles represent in the stability of the environment. It is the job of the government,World organizations and us to spread the word and educate all the misinformed people that threaten our biodiversity.
Although I do think its wrong for people to steal the turtle eggs, but if you think about it, we do the same thing when we eat cows and pigs and other animals. The only difference is that they arent endangered. So I figure if we do it to other animals, whats the difference. Maybe they should put a limit on how many eggs you're allowed to take.
If the moral of the story is “where there is money to be made, there are always “smart” men seeking opportunities,” there will not be a possible end to this problem, unless the whole economic capitalist system is changed. If money means power, it doesn’t matter how many laws are made and how they enforce them, there will always be people that will pursue it; with total disregard for the consequences or the destruction and their actions can bring to the turtles or to the world. It’s very clear that one man cannot consume by himself 4,500 turtle eggs, and if he or his family is not hungry, this man only interest is the profits he can make by selling the eggs. It is very possible that with the money that he made with his sale, he will spend it on things made of other endangered species, and the problem will go on and on. Until money, which is the biggest representative of capitalism is use for empowerment, the use and abuse of animals will not stop.
Humans can sometimes be cruel. taking eggs from this leatherback turtle is an act of cruelty.due to the fact that leatherback turtles legally dont own their eggs doesnt give the people of Costa Rica or anywhere else to take their offsprings for profit. Costa Ricans are looking at the lesser characteristics of these turtles, such as there inability to to be aware of whats going on for there personal gain. the bigger picture is that these creatures are apart of our earth just as much as we are and reserve the right to share this land and let nature take course without any disruption from humans. Now if it was for purposes such as poverty where one had to survive and this was there means of survival, then it might be acceptable.The same way humans have kids to have so that their family tree can grow and live on these turtle reproduce to make more of there kind. Just because there helpless and have no voice doesnt mean they should endure this cruelty. The gov't need to step in and enfore some sound laws to prevent this turtles from being endangered.Especially for the profit of people.
Unfortunately, now days the people have become extremely greedy and think only in themselves and a way to make more money. I am sure that they now what they are doing but they preferred to ignore the truth for their own convenience.
Unfortunately, now days the people have become extremely greedy and think only in themselves and a way to make more money. I am sure that they now what they are doing but they preferred to ignore the truth for their own convenience.
i believe that the Costa ricans at Playa grande need to be educated on the impact they are making on the population of the leather back turtles. they need new legislation that will put control over exploitation of this species. if it happens, it needs to be supported and enforced. we humans are the most dangerous beings on earth. when we loose control, are ignorant, we become dangerous, thats whats happening at playa grande and many other places. the people of costa rica and around the world need to police ourselves to stop this.
Although I am not some sort of animal rights activist, part of me believes that what these people are doing is completely wrong. You can kind of compare it to a mother having an abortion before full term. Just because these eggs have not hatched does not mean that they are not living beings. The other part of me also thinks that if we set limits as to which animals should be eaten and which should not, then we should ban this from happening completely. Why is it that we are so strong willed about this situation because the turtles are near extinction? If that is the case every animal is near extinction! What is the difference between the poachers and someone going to their backyard to kill a chicken? Kind of a double standard if you ask me.
Gaelle Mompoint Although I am not some sort of animal rights activist, part of me believes that what these people are doing is completely wrong. You can kind of compare it to a mother having an abortion before full term. Just because these eggs have not hatched does not mean that they are not living beings. The other part of me also thinks that if we set limits as to which animals should be eaten and which should not, then we should ban this from happening completely. Why is it that we are so strong willed about this situation because the turtles are near extinction? If that is the case every animal is near extinction! What is the difference between the poachers and someone going to their backyard to kill a chicken? Kind of a double standard if you ask me.
This is absolutely disgusting. And sadly because this is not only happening in Costa Rica but also in different parts of the world. Humans are not only adding to the decline of these creatures by poaching but by polluting and commercial fishing as well. On the reasons of greed; yes, it is greedy no matter how you look at it. Whether it is to satisfy the palate or the pocket, there has to be a way to regulate it if these acts continue to rise. I think that the people and their government lack awareness. Government need to pass a Recovery Act of some form all over the areas and their neighboring towns to educate people about the ongoing problem. Education will not stop the poaching however because there are stupid people still around. If the government was smart, they could initiate a law in the future for "farming season" like Florida has on alligators and stone crabs. It would be a short time window of course IF AND ONLY IF the recovery time improves the turtle's population status.
It's really sad for me to see how humankind is getting worse. Animals are being more affected each day. Some of them are mistreated even in shelters. In this case they are causing turtles to become endangered. People are destroying their own nature and are not realizing that they are violating the turtles habitat.
I think this goes to show what a difference a little more education and compassion could have on our mother nature. It saddens me to see such a defenseless and docile animal being annihilated at the whims of the only creature on this earth intelligent enough to help, not halter its survival.
46 comments:
It's because of actions like these that some animals are becoming endangered. The exploitation of any animal can only render detrimental effects, perhaps not in the "here and now," but inarguably in the long-haul. Blatantly the Costa Rican's are poaching these animals for monetary gain, essentially putting a price on these living creatures. In many places around the world, homophobia, racism, and sexism are discerned as vile and repugnant. It's unfortunate that speciesism has not been added to that list, yet it lingers with societies condonable status; for society is okay with animal exploitation as long as the people don’t have to see it or hear about it. What these Costa Rican's are doing to these animals should be regarded as nothing less than a violation of animal rights. I find it utterly ridiculous that they are contributing to the extinction of any animal, no matter what their reasons, for they are impertinent.
-Michael Vasallo
Unfortunately we sit down and feel sad for these leatherback turtles but what about the meat we eat? Or that chicken we buy or the fish that we catch? Maybe not now but unfortunately sometime in the future we will see those animals as well being endangered because of the same selfish gain that the Costa Ricans are doing to the leatherback turtles.
It is sad to see how people do not care about these animals and just take their eggs to produce money because if they really needed the eggs to survive they sure wouldn't be taking loaded bags of their babies. Regardless if they were in need of the eggs it is still no excuse to violate their animal right.
- Vanessa Serrano
It is not right that these Costa Ricans are allowed to take the leatherback turtle eggs to make money out of them. Would those who steal the turtles eggs like for us to take their children and just traffic them or even raise them on our own without their parents consent? Of course not! Just the thought of those things happening gives me a bad rush of thoughts through my head with my two daughters. Just because those turtles are not human does not mean we as humans have a right over them and an ability to take their babies.
- Idania Guerra
Unfortunately this doesn't surprise me, we live in two completely different worlds. Here in the U.S. and fewer other countries we have groups that strive to keep endangered species alive. But the reality is the rest of the world, either doesn't care or hasn't been informed correctly. The fact that Costa Rica has not made this illegal, shows you how much they care for the environment and its species. Surprisingly, they are not alone, many third world countries allow the capture of endangered turtles and their eggs. In my country for example, El Salvador, gathering turtle eggs regardless of the type of turtle it is, is not illegal (much to my shock when my mother informed me how delicious turtle eggs are...eww) Human beings are greedy by nature, the question is How much are we willing to sacrifice to get what we want?
Is the question really greed? I am no supporter for poaching of any kind, however this is merely a case of culture's taste and tradition that happens to be wiping out the poor leatherbacks. Is it wrong? ... Yes. Do I understand it ? .. Yes. Americans tend to point a finger so quickly and forget how long ago our traditions were harming endangered species aswell. The fact that their cultural tastes and culinary preference breeds a toxic atmosphere for these turtles is very unfortunate .. and should be stopped legislatively, But to state that it is done with malicious intent isn't reality it's more like ignorance. The question is where is the line? Yes it is violating the animals rights and they deserve to let those eggs flourish in the wild, but until the government intervenes poaching of Leatherback eggs will never stop because it will still be profitable and obviously a delicacy to some.
The entry about the leather back turtle can be considered something bad as the tone of the article idicates to me. But this article is just proof that our world is in constant change and can't always support the life in it. I am just glad we are the eaters not the eaten.
Vanessa: poaching is illegal in Costa Rica but not observed across the board. Again, poverty and ignorance.
Anonymous, 2:41pm. Who are you? Please, SIGN YOUR COMMENTS!
David Acosta
Unfortunately, humans don't abide by the balance of nature. The greed for money seems to drive most people and governments who totally disregard the world and its resources. The poaching will eventually stop once the leather turtle is extinct. How sad that government and people wont sit back for a minute to analyze the impact of their actions.
David Acosta
The problem of poaching will be present and persistenet as long as the money is there for the product. The new trend has been these out of the way restaurants that offer wealthy food goers the opportunuity to taste one of a kind foods from animals as rare as snow leopards and turtles too. However disugting this may sound, the more rare the animal, the more expensive it is.
In addition, countries like Costa Rica have scarcely any financial means let alone the political will to stop such occurences. One other alarming fact is that up to 75% of the animal species that are supposed to be protected have already been killed inside of the same preservations setup to help them survive.
Furthermore, Costa Rica is a country that largely depends on tourism. Why would it be incumbent upon them to destroy a revenue stream generated by the tourists who are willing to try a rare "delicacy". The fact is, countries would rather turn a blind eye to the issue especially if the issue helps their GDP.
Also, we could be ourselves guilty of the same crime of poaching without knowing it
http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/11/26/some-restaurant-sushi-contains-endangered-species/
Robert De Niros Restaurant also serves endangered animals
http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/09/23/robert-de-niro-caught-selling-endangered-fish-in-his-restaurants/.
Is it moral to admonish the people of Costa Rica and their consumption habits without first examining our own sordid appetites? Americans represent 5% of the global population yet we devour over 40% of the world’s resources. We have contributed more to global warming and to the deterioration of the planet than any other country in history. Our per-capita carbon footprint is more than 20 times that of the average Costa Rican. Is it moral to condemn the actions of another if we are our culpable of even greater crimes? In an age of increasing interdependence how do we define the boundaries between national sovereignty and the “greater global good?” Who will decide how many eggs Costa Ricans can poach or how many SUVs Americans can drive?
Mourad Ascar
Good point Mourad about global inequality... but how about the turtles?
Although it is a sad instance that these turtle eggs are being taken by poachers, It's one that is all too common. The real problem in my opinion is that, If people are developing a taste for the eggs, then why not find a way to farm them? The poachers are essentially destroying their own industry by endangering these creatures, when the more responsible approach would be to assist in the cultivation of the eggs, in a controlled environment. This problem is not too far off from many other problems that humans have created in the last century or so by attacking our resources so quickly without developing a plan of renewing them. The human race is growing at such an alarming rate that we'll never be able to sustain as long as we continue to neglect the future of our resources.
by the way, I'm using my middle name, This is Arthur Torano.
Animal rights activists will have a field day with this one. Unfortunately, it seems as if there is no way to persecute these people. While the leatherback is an endangered species, and there are certain laws that protect it, their eggs are something that no one legally have the rights to. Thus, theft is not really taking place. And because the eggs are not yet real live turtles, they are unprotected by endangered species regulations. Its a sad loophole, and it would be comforting to think that these thieves were harvesting eggs out of sheer desperation and starvation, but we know that they are not. Wherever there is profit, there is exploitation. We are all guilty of it and also victims of it, even in ways that we are not immediately aware.
how people acts it is sometimes an act of ignorance, these people are putting price on these animals and the don't know or they are not aware that this is a violation of human rights. it is sad that that in these world people are using animals and people for gaining money, humans are not respecting themself, now is Costa Rica what will be the next country that everybody is going to critize because nowdays the sociaty where we live there is always many problems due to corruption.
This is all based on power and ignorance. The power of the government and the ignorance of the population of Costa Rica. Not to mention, the lack of communication amongst the people who care. I refuse to sit here and blame anyone but myself, if we all get together we can make a difference. We are all guilty in a way, guilty of thinking we have no control over these situations, or maybe we just like to judge while we sit here in front of our computers and do nothing about it. WHAT DO YOU ALL SAY? I know I can't do this by myslef, but if we all get together I am sure that there is something we can do to stop this kind of cruelty. Our grandchildren will definetly benefit from this.
In today's world there are so many animals and wildlife becoming endangered it's really scarey. I feel very sad for these leatherback turtles I feel like going to costa Rica and protesting to make them stop. It's sad what we do to the animals on earth we are just as much animals as they are.....
Melody Rosado:
It is extremely sad what these people are doing to these defenseless leather back turtles I wish I could go to Costa Rica and protest as well. In reality there are so many species becoming extinct every day. I wonder what the world will look like in 50 years from now. If we stay on this path of over killing and being so selfish , we wont have anything left to be selfish about. People need to wake up and start doing something to save our world before it is too late!!!
Animal exploitation in general has numerous categories. Hunting/fishing (sport); animals for food; for clothing; religious purposes; scientific purposes; zoo’s; circuses; buying and selling them to use as our companions, etc. We are all constantly AND ignorantly taking part in some form of animal exploitation in our everyday lives. In the world we live in, animals are considered as resources. Animals like humans have the ability to experience pleasure, joy, anger, distress, and pain. In my opinion, it is unfortunate for these precious Costa Rican Leather Back Turtles to be another example of animal exploitation. But will regulating further animal exploitation make a significant difference? Or will this deed only emphasize the concept of using animals is perhaps, ‘okay’? Maybe changing our lifestyle will possibly make the great significance. Refraining from treating animals as ‘things’ we as humans benefit from WILL make a difference.
-Jen Ruiz
Is the act of saving the leatherback turtles benevolent or selfish? On what basis should the poaching of turtle eggs be banned? Should it be banned because the theft of offspring from defenseless mothers is morally reprehensible or should it be banned because the eradication of species invariably undermines the ecosystem that supports human existence? If we believed that the theft of offspring from defenseless mothers is immoral then why do we consume animals? Consequently, the motive to save the leatherback turtles is predicted on self-interest.
How could both poaching and its polar opposite, conservation, be considered selfish acts? Are humans capable of acting selflessly? Are benevolent actions just selfish actions cloaked as altruism?
Mourad
After reading on the topic and seeing the pictures, I was completely unaware of the leather back turtles and why are they endangered, so I did my research before throwing thoughts in the air. It really amazes me how this species that have been on earth for over 65 million years, and witnessed the fall of the dinosaurs and the rise of humanity. The picture that caught my attention was the poacher of 4,500 turtle eggs. "The number of nesting females has dropped from about 1,340 per season to approximately 130-140 per year". This means he is taking about 30 years of a female turtle. No wonder why they are in extension. However; there is a project call "Costa Rica Leatherback Project" in which participants protect nests from poachers and predators to maximize the number of hatchlings produced. They measure turtles, count eggs, measure the temperature of nests to determine hatchling sex, and record the level of human activity on the beach.
For more information on this project go to: www.Leatherback.org
-Tatiana Camargo
PHI2010 T. 5:40p.m
All seven turtle species known to man are endangered. Unfortunately, the poachers of Costa Rica are only one of their predators.
Turtles are threatened on many fronts. Nature itself is cruel to turtles. Their gender alone is determined by the egg temperature during development. Rise in temperatures develops females and when they drop creates males. Turtles hatcheries have been created around the world to help the turtle eggs. In hatcheries, they are protected by fences and kept at a temperature that creates both male and female. I once visited a hatchery on a Miami beach. Before the baby leatherback turtles barely entered the water they were snapped up by roaming nurse sharks. It's hard being a little turtle. Even hatcheries can't protect them.
Who are we, as Americans, to judge Costa Ricans? Yes, what they are doing IS cruel and lets not forget ILLEGAL. Yet our society kills animals inhumanely everyday.
It's unfortunate that these people are taking advantage of the situation. It is true that these people are not starving and do not need the eggs to eat right away, but they make good money selling them. The irony is that they are not “stealing” because turtles don’t own their eggs. What do we call that? Is it borrowing? Is it manna from the sky? The point is that there no government controls in this operation and people do as they please. We cannot rely on morality to save the turtles. For some people, morality will not function without the law. Should there be a Costa Rican legislation against poaching turtle eggs? I say yes.
Michael Telcide.
This is not only in Costa Rica, but in many other countries, we humans put nature in danger. Even here in the U.S., we all contribute to hurt the earth in many, many ways, even when we don’t want to, even when we are supporters of wild life. But I guess that’s our nature and we can’t avoid it? Maybe the only way that we would not hurt the earth would be if we went back to the caves? Get rid of technology and development, and let nature control us instead of us controlling nature? Are we willing to do that?
Although as a vegetarian i dont condone the poaching of the eggs of these leatherbacks turtles, i dont feel that we should be so quick to point fingers and demonize the costa ricans for conducting such practices. First of all the article does state that some of these poachers are just normal people that want the eggs merely for its nutritional value and the fact it's tasty . As for the poachers that are in it for the money, although they are clearly on the wrong we dont know what drove them to do this as a mean of making a living. Perhaps they were hungry and this is the only way of earning and income, or perhaps it's greed. Either way i believe that the best solution is not only passing legislation making it illegal to poach these eggs but also to educate people on the environment and the ecological damages that can happen of such reckless disregard for nature.
On what basis should the poaching of turtle eggs be banned?
Because the leatherback turtle is a considered "endangered species".
Elizabeth, the fact that some of our practices are reprehensible doesn't mean one has to stand still and do nothing to protect environmental degradation.
After reading the post, I was shock to hear some of the other articles from the few links within the post. Where it saddens me to see we as human-beings(mankind) don't know how to respect nature and the beauty behind all of it. I can not judge one's reason for going after these for I am one person not God, but if we as(so call) compassionate people are ever to understand this and see how painful it is too see this. Just ask/tell a mother after giving birth to a beautiful child that someone stole him, and feel the pain,emotions, and etc. that comes after as being a parent comes with it. I've heard of horrible news like that where I ask why and how.BUT A ENOUGH. JUST PLACE OURSELVES IN THERE POSITIONS, NOT PLEASANT AT ALL.:-(
The problem with poaching has gone on for many hundreds of years. As a member of P.E.T.A, I see cases like "the leather turtle" all the time and it's sad that it still happens. The reality is that poaching will go on forever as long as it has a monetary margin; it will stand the test of time. As the economy spirals downward more and more people are forced into doing extreme acts of cruelty in order for them to live. Most people believe that animals were put on the earth for our use in whatever way we please. The poaching will eventually stop for the turtle once they are all gone, but that will not stop all poaching in Costa Rica. Hopefully these events will cease to exist, but I doubt it.
In my opinion ignorance is the greatest factor in this situation. These people don't have any idea how their action can have a critical effect on the ecosystem. They don't appreciate the real value that these turtles represent in the stability of the environment. It is the job of the government,World organizations and us to spread the word and educate all the misinformed people that threaten our biodiversity.
Although I do think its wrong for people to steal the turtle eggs, but if you think about it, we do the same thing when we eat cows and pigs and other animals. The only difference is that they arent endangered. So I figure if we do it to other animals, whats the difference. Maybe they should put a limit on how many eggs you're allowed to take.
If the moral of the story is “where there is money to be made, there are always “smart” men seeking opportunities,” there will not be a possible end to this problem, unless the whole economic capitalist system is changed. If money means power, it doesn’t matter how many laws are made and how they enforce them, there will always be people that will pursue it; with total disregard for the consequences or the destruction and their actions can bring to the turtles or to the world.
It’s very clear that one man cannot consume by himself 4,500 turtle eggs, and if he or his family is not hungry, this man only interest is the profits he can make by selling the eggs. It is very possible that with the money that he made with his sale, he will spend it on things made of other endangered species, and the problem will go on and on. Until money, which is the biggest representative of capitalism is use for empowerment, the use and abuse of animals will not stop.
Jessica James
Phi2010 tuesday-540-810
Humans can sometimes be cruel. taking eggs from this leatherback turtle is an act of cruelty.due to the fact that leatherback turtles legally dont own their eggs doesnt give the people of Costa Rica or anywhere else to take their offsprings for profit. Costa Ricans are looking at the lesser characteristics of these turtles, such as there inability to to be aware of whats going on for there personal gain. the bigger picture is that these creatures are apart of our earth just as much as we are and reserve the right to share this land and let nature take course without any disruption from humans. Now if it was for purposes such as poverty where one had to survive and this was there means of survival, then it might be acceptable.The same way humans have kids to have so that their family tree can grow and live on these turtle reproduce to make more of there kind. Just because there helpless and have no voice doesnt mean they should endure this cruelty. The gov't need to step in and enfore some sound laws to prevent this turtles from being endangered.Especially for the profit of people.
Unfortunately, now days the people have become extremely greedy and think only in themselves and a way to make more money. I am sure that they now what they are doing but they preferred to ignore the truth for their own convenience.
Unfortunately, now days the people have become extremely greedy and think only in themselves and a way to make more money. I am sure that they now what they are doing but they preferred to ignore the truth for their own convenience.
i believe that the Costa ricans at Playa grande need to be educated on the impact they are making on the population of the leather back turtles. they need new legislation that will put control over exploitation of this species. if it happens, it needs to be supported and enforced. we humans are the most dangerous beings on earth. when we loose control, are ignorant, we become dangerous, thats whats happening at playa grande and many other places. the people of costa rica and around the world need to police ourselves to stop this.
Erick Tinoco
Although I am not some sort of animal rights activist, part of me believes that what these people are doing is completely wrong. You can kind of compare it to a mother having an abortion before full term. Just because these eggs have not hatched does not mean that they are not living beings. The other part of me also thinks that if we set limits as to which animals should be eaten and which should not, then we should ban this from happening completely. Why is it that we are so strong willed about this situation because the turtles are near extinction? If that is the case every animal is near extinction! What is the difference between the poachers and someone going to their backyard to kill a chicken? Kind of a double standard if you ask me.
Gaelle Mompoint Although I am not some sort of animal rights activist, part of me believes that what these people are doing is completely wrong. You can kind of compare it to a mother having an abortion before full term. Just because these eggs have not hatched does not mean that they are not living beings. The other part of me also thinks that if we set limits as to which animals should be eaten and which should not, then we should ban this from happening completely. Why is it that we are so strong willed about this situation because the turtles are near extinction? If that is the case every animal is near extinction! What is the difference between the poachers and someone going to their backyard to kill a chicken? Kind of a double standard if you ask me.
This is absolutely disgusting. And sadly because this is not only happening in Costa Rica but also in different parts of the world. Humans are not only adding to the decline of these creatures by poaching but by polluting and commercial fishing as well. On the reasons of greed; yes, it is greedy no matter how you look at it. Whether it is to satisfy the palate or the pocket, there has to be a way to regulate it if these acts continue to rise. I think that the people and their government lack awareness. Government need to pass a Recovery Act of some form all over the areas and their neighboring towns to educate people about the ongoing problem. Education will not stop the poaching however because there are stupid people still around. If the government was smart, they could initiate a law in the future for "farming season" like Florida has on alligators and stone crabs. It would be a short time window of course IF AND ONLY IF the recovery time improves the turtle's population status.
It's really sad for me to see how humankind is getting worse. Animals are being more affected each day. Some of them are mistreated even in shelters. In this case they are causing turtles to become endangered. People are destroying their own nature and are not realizing that they are violating the turtles habitat.
I think this goes to show what a difference a little more education and compassion could have on our mother nature. It saddens me to see such a defenseless and docile animal being annihilated at the whims of the only creature on this earth intelligent enough to help, not halter its survival.
-Sergio Ramirez
Post a Comment