I feel that we as humans have gotten so use to taking what we want and dumping what we don’t. This is what I think this is the issue in this case with the turtle eggs in Costa Rica. Especially, taking from such defenseless animals such as turtles. I really wonder if they would try that if turtles were more defensive about their offspring, because even though we like to take what we want we also like things to our convenience and if turtles would be more defensive it wouldn’t be so convenient any longer because now there would be a possibility of being attacked.
It is a true coincidence that today in my Oceanography class we watched a video that spoke about migrating sea animals, the Ridley sea turtle was one of them. These incredible animals are shown to, at a specific time during either the first or last moon quarter, lay their some 40million eggs. They are incredible in the sense that they actually know that ties are the weakest at this time during the lunar cycle and therefore their eggs have a better chance of making it to hatching. Vultures are one kind of predators these eggs have during their six weeks at the beach, but it is a true shame that humans with logical brains, regardless of social classes, can destroy such beautiful life forms, before they even make it to the shore. -Rocio Gibaja
Leatherback turtles in Costa Rica The Leatherback turtles are the most ancient sea turtle in the face of earth, they were witnesses of the fall of the dinosaurs and the rise of humans, so how is it possible that individulas in costa rica are using the leatherback turtles' eggs to make butter? is it truly possible that mankind's ignorance can rise to such level? well it looks like it can indeed. The founders of the leather back turtle project in costa rica are Dr. Frank Paladino and Dr. James Spotila who are passionate sea turtle conservationists according to them based on their studies the leatherback sea turtles have become a highly endangered specie (the amount of nesting females has dropped from 1,340 per season to only 130-140 a year!) , not only highly but rapidly has this happened. During my lifetime (i am 20 years old) since i was a child in elementary school i have been made aware of the importance of preserving our rapidly growing endangered species and i was thought that it was not ok to eat turtles or turtle eggs. Without any intention of offending costa rican citizens i dare say that perhaps their philosophy varies from ours and also that ethics is not thaught as strongly and properly in costa rica's educational institutions as it is here in the states, it is well thaught but of course it is up to the individual to follow these lessons. Furthermore, i hope that other people like Dr. Paldino and Dr. Spotila continue to care for these turtles and help preserve them for many, many more years and that the costa rican citizen realize the wrong of their actions.
Leatherback turtles in Costa Rica The Leatherback turtles are the most ancient sea turtle in the face of earth, they were witnesses of the fall of the dinosaurs and the rise of humans, so how is it possible that individulas in costa rica are using the leatherback turtles' eggs to make butter? is it truly possible that mankind's ignorance can rise to such level? well it looks like it can indeed. The founders of the leather back turtle project in costa rica are Dr. Frank Paladino and Dr. James Spotila who are passionate sea turtle conservationists according to them based on their studies the leatherback sea turtles have become a highly endangered specie (the amount of nesting females has dropped from 1,340 per season to only 130-140 a year!) , not only highly but rapidly has this happened. During my lifetime (i am 20 years old) since i was a child in elementary school i have been made aware of the importance of preserving our rapidly growing endangered species and i was thought that it was not ok to eat turtles or turtle eggs. Without any intention of offending costa rican citizens i dare say that perhaps their philosophy varies from ours and also that ethics is not thaught as strongly and properly in costa rica's educational institutions as it is here in the states, it is well thaught but of course it is up to the individual to follow these lessons. Furthermore, i hope that other people like Dr. Paldino and Dr. Spotila continue to care for these turtles and help preserve them for many, many more years and that the costa rican citizen realize the wrong of their actions.
Whenever one thinks the world can't get any more ridiculous, something like this pops up. I find it hard to grasp that the poachers, the government, and the people of Costa Rica tolerate this. I also don't think that there is any single person at fault here. The government is at fault for allowing these turtles' eggs to be poached, as well as misinforming the the people of Costa Rica, and the poachers. The poachers are either ignorant or selfish. The ignorance goes back to the misinformation. Can these people be so dense s to not realize the harm in what they're doing? Maybe so, but they might not even know the gravity of their actions, and that's not entirely their fault. If greed is the case then the government needs to take action. The people of Costa Rica should be informed of the turtles' endangered status. They're obviously supporting the poaching; if they buy the eggs then that gives the poachers incentive to keep on stealing those eggs from the defenseless turtles. If they are more well informed they might stop buying the eggs. A few might even take action.
Then again the citizens may be very well aware, and just as greedy as the poachers.
It's things like this that makes me think about the world disdainfully and wistfully.
I can't speak with certainty on the thoughts of the poachers being that I have never spoken to one. It seems that, whatever their thoughts, they are not exercising much forethought. If they were it is likely that, say their motives were purely financial and selfish, they would at least realize that destroying the turtles would destroy their business entirely. No thoughts or contemplation of consequences appear to be on the mind of poachers. This issue is therefore widespread. Enforcement becomes a nightmare when trying to stop trafficking at every avenue (i.e. turtle eggs trade and consumption). The solution would be to focus the enforcement at the source, the collection of the eggs. This will be impossible so long as there is a beach where the collection of eggs is allowed. Until the government is able to control this issue, they need to ban collection of eggs in its entirety. They need to increase patrol along the beaches and allow the officers to employ any method to defend themselves while protecting the turtle eggs. We as individuals need to evaluate ourselves, and our priorities. And if in this evaluation we can’t deny the importance of this issue they we need to find a way to impact it. The easiest would be to financially support the non-profit conservationist groups that used to patrol the beaches to allow them to continue their efforts in the coming years. -- Casandra Frye
I feel it is terrible for those leatherback turtles who with no say who at some point will be extinct. I feel it is the governments fault if they had any sort of intelligence, and knowledge that they have a population of leatherback turtles at an extinct danger they should take care of them. Many tourist go to see these turtles if they were smart they will help them populate more. I am not saying costa ricans should stop eating turtle eggs in definate because we all know that we wouldn't want something we like to be taken away. But at some point there should be a limit and maybe from the government more security in the care for these leatherback turtles.
After reading this and seeing the pictures I feel it is horrible what is happening to these leatherback turtles who will sadly soon be extinct. I strongly believe that it is the governments fault. If they would have had more knowledge about this, about the fact that they have a population of leatherback turtles in danger of being extinct, they would have taken better care of them. But I can not only blame the government, for it is the fault of the many tourists as well that go to see these turtles and do little to nothing at all to help repopulate the turtles more. No matter how tasty the eggs might be, it is more beautiful to see these turtles living.
Reading this article opened my mind to a whole world that I never knew. Prior to this I didnt think someone would even want to eat turtle eggs, much less make a living out of it. It is impossible to understand what these people are thinking so I cannot judge them. I cannot assume that it is either ignorance or poverty. What I can say is that the Costa Rican government does play a large role in the endangerment of these turtles. Its job is to regulate these kinds of activites. Without such regualtion what is the point? These turtles are nothing like chickens and should not be treated as such. The government needs to do something immediately to fix this issue before there are no turtles left for these people to "fetch" their eggs. These are rough times that we are living in but honestly I cannt begin to understand how this is the answer.
Greed selfishness and ignorance can easily lead to the manifestation of ecological horrors all over the word. Two of these three factors that often precede incidents such as this are hard to dismiss due to the fact that they deal with human instinct. The last however can be easily dispelled through the dissemination of information. The toleration of the exploitation of these endangered species is absurd. Species as a whole are dependent on one another weather this be directly or indirectly. For example the extinction of certain bacteria or fungi that decompose materials releasing minerals and salts back into the ground can reduce the amount of nutrients in the earth needed for oxygen producing plants to live which in turn is vital to our survival. Thus this needless killing of species must be stopped. As mentioned before this must be done through information. Firstly the government has a responsibility to circulate this information to its people so that they may be aware of the consequences there actions may have on the rest of the world. Next often times greed and selfishness overpower morality thus parameters must be established so the collection of turtle eggs is stopped. This can be in the form of patrol groups or the creation of laws against these acts. Whatever the method this exploitation must be stopped.
I’m glad that as a professor, you can show us a number of issues that I wouldn’t have been aware of prior. As for the case of what’s going on with these sea turtles in Costa Rica, I find it to be a shame since these cases of endangered species are so readily widespread due to humans’ disregard for other species. As in nearly every other case of endangered species; whether we’re shooting polar bears out of helicopters, chopping down the rainforest and depleting natural resources, or destroying the potential for species to continue themselves, it’s fully a shame on our species’ behalf. As Tom Waits once said, “We are monkeys with money and guns.” As in most things correlated with our brutal sense of superiority and power towards the rest of the animal kingdom, if we have the potential to do it without reprimand, we as humans often times will. Similarly, I’m sure that it’s fully in our potential to prevent this from continuing (and if we take the means to confront and stop this as an issue, we will).
Reading this blog made me see how we have become these selfish and self-concious human beings. We don't see what goes on around us especially not in other countries. We only care for what is right for us or for what can benefits us without caring if any harm is being done. And this is what is happening in Costa Rica many of them are not aware that they are putting leatherback turtles in high risk of extinction. It is the responsibility for the government to develop a way in where it can prevent the citizens of these country to take away the unhatched eggs of these turtles. These turtles need the help of someone that can protect them from becoming extinct because they can't do anything about others taking the eggs away. Why do they take these eggs and use them instead of using chicken eggs? Is it because they find it much easier to get or maybe by getting these eggs their will be no cost? Many questions and concerns will arise for this topic but, to find a real answer/ conclusion will be tough.
it has probably become a money matter; however, poaching for turtle eggs probably started from the poverty and hunger, it is a easy way to get some food without having to grow or work on it. Who doesn't want that? With time, those people probably saw the benefits from those eggs(financial benefits) and didn't think about the consequences but on their own survival. There is many other ways to make your pancakes and that is probably what the government should teach. To hunt hunters is probably not a good idea since if the general idea of poaching is not destroyed, no matter how many people you will catch, many others will be back to poach.
I can't believe people are this desperate for money. I'm pretty sure that ignorance and desperation play a huge role in the taking of these eggs but the thing is that some people just don't care. You can educate someone and tell them what they're doing to the sea turtles and the natural order as a whole, but that won't matter to them as long as there's money to be made. Certainly, those who actually care should do more to help. Don't just tell the government what to do and what laws to pass, act! Sometimes, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.
how detestable! gruesome, to think the genocide of hundreds even thousands of unhatched turtles, the horror. just so, a reaction fully expected by the masses of the eco-concious. pointless extinction, for merely improved pan cakes, a savory thought. but it dawns on me as I passionately type away becoming alight with this idea of injustice, and immoral consumption I contently chew on a pancake of my own and begin to ponder blissfully ignorant. who had to die so that I could enjoy this oh so delicious pancake? once I log off what will I or anyone for the matter DO for these turtles? simply rant and continue to munch on my pancake? will anyone even remember the plight of the leather back turtles as they lie in bed at the end of the day? will I even see a leather back turtle in my lifetime or that of my children? how can pancakes cause such the senseless death and and aided destruction of a species? selfishness, greed and financial profit. as long as people continue to demand the products of leather back turtles wether it be their eggs or themselves they will continue to be supplied. the sad truth is that this will continue to be so until initiative is taken on the turtles behalf. perhaps this is a responsibility best laid at the feet of the costa rican gorvenment and it people, where there's money to be had it will not cease. continuing from species to species until we are left depleted and barren, how then will we make our pancakes?
It is sad and unfortunate to read on how Costa Rican's are treating the leatherback turtles. Is hard to believe that their government hasn't done anything to stop this and doesn't have the required laws against this cruelty. With so many animals being on the verge of extinction, like the turtles it makes me sad that they are not taking measures in the animals rights.
Wow as if there weren't enough reasons to be disgusted at the human condition already. As a Vegetarian my point of view is obviously biased but just as valid. The fact that people are going to the beaches and taking the eggs from sea turtles right after they are laid is just appalling. Take a fictional situation where you are giving birth to your new born son or daughter (guys work with me on this jajaja) and right as you give that last push and your baby is born someone just comes up to you rips him right out of your hands stuffs that baby into a white bag and just walk off and you never see your baby again. Think of how horrified you would be at this. Well it works the same way for an animal. The basic difference in the "divine" chain between animals and humans is that animals don't posses reason but this is not a matter of reason it is a matter of motherly instinct, and in fact as humans we should have reason enough to understand why this is wrong that taking another sentient beings children just to make our batter taste better is utterly preposterous. I think in fact that the reason for this behavior in humans is not lack of understanding or even greed but just blindness that emerges from our selfishness. People are so blinded by what THEY WANT and THEY NEED that they turn a deaf ear to their natural given reason and just don't realize what harm they are doing. I don't think the problem here is the legislature against this kind of behavior in Costa Rica, although I am not denying that a change in the law would greatly help the situation, but it is however my belief that this kind of thing will keep happening while (a) there is money to be made and defenseless turtles to be taken advantage of or (b) Human beings learn to reopen their ears to their own reason and realize the harm they are doing with this kinds of actions (which is highly unlikely).
The basic difference in the "divine" chain between animals and humans is that animals don't posses reason but this is not a matter of reason it is a matter of motherly instinct, and in fact as humans we should have reason enough to understand why this is wrong that taking another sentient beings children just to make our batter taste better is utterly preposterous.
I agree with Madelayne, we as humans feel that we are in complete control of everything Earth has to offer. We take everything for granted and expect more of what is there to offer. Not keeping in mind the affect we have on this beautiful planet. I do believe they should put a stop on what's happening with the turtles in Costa Rica, it really is depressing knowing what is happening to these poor defenseless animals. - Tashina Gonzales
I think this case is one of the thousands of examples of how we people see ourselves as the owners of the world and how we are destroying it. However, the poaching of turtle eggs is a very interesting illustration of the hypocrisy in people and the Costa Rican government, because to the world Costa Rica has an image of being one of the most protective countries towards the natural environment. I agree with Mr. Triff that we shouldn’t waste time in looking at the cause of poaching; however, the enforcement of laws is not the only solution to stop this environmental disaster. What is required, not just to save species, but to help create a better world is the exercise of popular education and direct action. Personally, to write the congress or the president and wait for them to create and enforce laws is a very passive attitude as citizens of the world. Therefore, if one really wants to change the idea of “where there is money to be made, there always ‘smart’ men seeking opportunities”, one needs, through education, help people understand how today’s system (wild capitalism) is affecting not just the animals, plants and the environment but also us humans. Once people start to realize how the system really works, we can start creating strategies in order to change our actual crisis.
In this day and time I believe that human beings in general have a problem in judging people, cultures, or even eating turtle eggs. I believe every person does something for a reason no matter how crazy or intense it is. I'm not going to say that I do not feel bad for these turtles and what these Costa Ricans are doing with them. However, I really do not know why they are actually doing this. You can say whatever you want about these Costa Ricans but unless you actually go to Costa Rica and meet with these people who are actually doing this; I believe you cannot say they're ignorant unless you actually find facts on why they are really doing this.
Humans has still a lot to learn from the nature.there are things that we will never be able to replace in our lives. these creature are the beauty of our world and it is a shame to let them instinct. preserving a species is such of wonderful thing to do but unfortunately for some people it does not matter at all.I just wish that the world could be a better place for species to have a chance to survive in harmony.
I believe that this is just another example of human irresponsibility with nature and it's natural resources. at this rate the turtles will end up extinct; due to the ignorance of mankind. The Costa Rican government should realize that like the land, the animals of Costa Rica are a natural resourses they must be responsible with. Not only is it a resourse that's worth more alive than dead but, it's a nonrenewable one and if they want their childern's childern to enjoy these creatures then they should mange there precious resoure better; maybe by set limts on how many eggs can be taken a year, only taking them on a certain seasons, or better yet not taking them at all. They should learn from the mistakes of others who, because of ignorance, have lost such precious resources. Example: Australia and its lost of the Tazmanian Tiger which died out in 1936.
why does not being human not make you own your offspring? If we are to say that no life is more valuable then another then we must treat all the same, and punish those who do STEAL the turtle eggs....Being human gives us the responsibility to find other means of obtaining resources and not exploit and destroy other creatures who are not as capable.
I asked myself the same question, is it ignorance or poverty? I would like to believe it is poverty because of the economy and how hard it is getting for people to make a living, but it may also include ignorance because of them not knowing the consequences of their doings. Yet it intrigues me how far humans will go to achieve something, regardless of anything. Yes, the turtles cant fight for their rights but I feel like there has to be someone out there that can help with this invasion before its to late.
I asked myself the same question, is it ignorance or poverty? I would like to believe it is poverty because of the economy and how hard it is getting for people to make a living, but it may also include ignorance because of them not knowing the consequences of their doings. Yet it intrigues me how far humans will go to achieve something, regardless of anything. Yes, the turtles cant fight for their rights but I feel like there has to be someone out there that can help with this invasion before its to late.
At this point right now i can't process or even trying to understand why the people of cota rica is doing such a thing.my point is that they are not doing it because they don't have anything to eat but, instead they are simply doing it bacause it taste better than the other eggs. this should not be allow to go on much long or else, these creatures will be gone in they near future. So the Costa Rican government should do something to protact these turtles.
Since I am an animal lover, this is a very disturbing and heart-breaking thing to see. But the reality is that situations like these occur all around the globe. The examples of shark fining in Japan and other Asian countries, and also Japanese killing dolphins during river season, African hunting for land mammals for food rather than fish or Eskimos in the arctic bashing the heads of seals. Now in this article its didn't specify the actual use of the eggs, but i heard they are being eaten. With shark fins in japan, in some cultures in Asia believe that if one eats the fin of a shark they will have magical healing powers and not subdue to illnesses like cancer, simply because sharks don't get cancer, and consuming that fin of a shark with give you the abilities of a shark. There is a crisis in this world of food consumption. it's not only in countries like Japan that are sourcing for other animals for food. I wish certain situations like this one about hunting for eggs would happen
Wow, I was just blown away by this article. Turtles are an endangered species and ignorant people are speeding up the process! I can understand Costa Rica being a third world country and all but doesnt anyone know right from wrong? These poor turtles are not food. The goverment should really step up and stop these people before turtles become extinct!
31 comments:
I feel that we as humans have gotten so use to taking what we want and dumping what we don’t. This is what I think this is the issue in this case with the turtle eggs in Costa Rica. Especially, taking from such defenseless animals such as turtles. I really wonder if they would try that if turtles were more defensive about their offspring, because even though we like to take what we want we also like things to our convenience and if turtles would be more defensive it wouldn’t be so convenient any longer because now there would be a possibility of being attacked.
- Madelayne Cisneros
It is a true coincidence that today in my Oceanography class we watched a video that spoke about migrating sea animals, the Ridley sea turtle was one of them. These incredible animals are shown to, at a specific time during either the first or last moon quarter, lay their some 40million eggs. They are incredible in the sense that they actually know that ties are the weakest at this time during the lunar cycle and therefore their eggs have a better chance of making it to hatching. Vultures are one kind of predators these eggs have during their six weeks at the beach, but it is a true shame that humans with logical brains, regardless of social classes, can destroy such beautiful life forms, before they even make it to the shore.
-Rocio Gibaja
Leatherback turtles in Costa Rica
The Leatherback turtles are the most ancient sea turtle in the face of earth, they were witnesses of the fall of the dinosaurs and the rise of humans, so how is it possible that individulas in costa rica are using the leatherback turtles' eggs to make butter? is it truly possible that mankind's ignorance can rise to such level? well it looks like it can indeed. The founders of the leather back turtle project in costa rica are Dr. Frank Paladino and Dr. James Spotila who are passionate sea turtle conservationists according to them based on their studies the leatherback sea turtles have become a highly endangered specie (the amount of nesting females has dropped from 1,340 per season to only 130-140 a year!) , not only highly but rapidly has this happened. During my lifetime (i am 20 years old) since i was a child in elementary school i have been made aware of the importance of preserving our rapidly growing endangered species and i was thought that it was not ok to eat turtles or turtle eggs. Without any intention of offending costa rican citizens i dare say that perhaps their philosophy varies from ours and also that ethics is not thaught as strongly and properly in costa rica's educational institutions as it is here in the states, it is well thaught but of course it is up to the individual to follow these lessons. Furthermore, i hope that other people like Dr. Paldino and Dr. Spotila continue to care for these turtles and help preserve them for many, many more years and that the costa rican citizen realize the wrong of their actions.
Leatherback turtles in Costa Rica
The Leatherback turtles are the most ancient sea turtle in the face of earth, they were witnesses of the fall of the dinosaurs and the rise of humans, so how is it possible that individulas in costa rica are using the leatherback turtles' eggs to make butter? is it truly possible that mankind's ignorance can rise to such level? well it looks like it can indeed. The founders of the leather back turtle project in costa rica are Dr. Frank Paladino and Dr. James Spotila who are passionate sea turtle conservationists according to them based on their studies the leatherback sea turtles have become a highly endangered specie (the amount of nesting females has dropped from 1,340 per season to only 130-140 a year!) , not only highly but rapidly has this happened. During my lifetime (i am 20 years old) since i was a child in elementary school i have been made aware of the importance of preserving our rapidly growing endangered species and i was thought that it was not ok to eat turtles or turtle eggs. Without any intention of offending costa rican citizens i dare say that perhaps their philosophy varies from ours and also that ethics is not thaught as strongly and properly in costa rica's educational institutions as it is here in the states, it is well thaught but of course it is up to the individual to follow these lessons. Furthermore, i hope that other people like Dr. Paldino and Dr. Spotila continue to care for these turtles and help preserve them for many, many more years and that the costa rican citizen realize the wrong of their actions.
Whenever one thinks the world can't get any more ridiculous, something like this pops up.
I find it hard to grasp that the poachers, the government, and the people of Costa Rica tolerate this. I also don't think that there is any single person at fault here.
The government is at fault for allowing these turtles' eggs to be poached, as well as misinforming the the people of Costa Rica, and the poachers.
The poachers are either ignorant or selfish. The ignorance goes back to the misinformation. Can these people be so dense s to not realize the harm in what they're doing? Maybe so, but they might not even know the gravity of their actions, and that's not entirely their fault. If greed is the case then the government needs to take action.
The people of Costa Rica should be informed of the turtles' endangered status. They're obviously supporting the poaching; if they buy the eggs then that gives the poachers incentive to keep on stealing those eggs from the defenseless turtles. If they are more well informed they might stop buying the eggs. A few might even take action.
Then again the citizens may be very well aware, and just as greedy as the poachers.
It's things like this that makes me think about the world disdainfully and wistfully.
I can't speak with certainty on the thoughts of the poachers being that I have never spoken to one. It seems that, whatever their thoughts, they are not exercising much forethought. If they were it is likely that, say their motives were purely financial and selfish, they would at least realize that destroying the turtles would destroy their business entirely. No thoughts or contemplation of consequences appear to be on the mind of poachers. This issue is therefore widespread. Enforcement becomes a nightmare when trying to stop trafficking at every avenue (i.e. turtle eggs trade and consumption). The solution would be to focus the enforcement at the source, the collection of the eggs. This will be impossible so long as there is a beach where the collection of eggs is allowed. Until the government is able to control this issue, they need to ban collection of eggs in its entirety. They need to increase patrol along the beaches and allow the officers to employ any method to defend themselves while protecting the turtle eggs. We as individuals need to evaluate ourselves, and our priorities. And if in this evaluation we can’t deny the importance of this issue they we need to find a way to impact it. The easiest would be to financially support the non-profit conservationist groups that used to patrol the beaches to allow them to continue their efforts in the coming years.
-- Casandra Frye
I feel it is terrible for those leatherback turtles who with no say who at some point will be extinct. I feel it is the governments fault if they had any sort of intelligence, and knowledge that they have a population of leatherback turtles at an extinct danger they should take care of them. Many tourist go to see these turtles if they were smart they will help them populate more. I am not saying costa ricans should stop eating turtle eggs in definate because we all know that we wouldn't want something we like to be taken away. But at some point there should be a limit and maybe from the government more security in the care for these leatherback turtles.
After reading this and seeing the pictures I feel it is horrible what is happening to these leatherback turtles who will sadly soon be extinct. I strongly believe that it is the governments fault. If they would have had more knowledge about this, about the fact that they have a population of leatherback turtles in danger of being extinct, they would have taken better care of them. But I can not only blame the government, for it is the fault of the many tourists as well that go to see these turtles and do little to nothing at all to help repopulate the turtles more. No matter how tasty the eggs might be, it is more beautiful to see these turtles living.
Reading this article opened my mind to a whole world that I never knew. Prior to this I didnt think someone would even want to eat turtle eggs, much less make a living out of it.
It is impossible to understand what these people are thinking so I cannot judge them. I cannot assume that it is either ignorance or poverty. What I can say is that the Costa Rican government does play a large role in the endangerment of these turtles. Its job is to regulate these kinds of activites. Without such regualtion what is the point? These turtles are nothing like chickens and should not be treated as such. The government needs to do something immediately to fix this issue before there are no turtles left for these people to "fetch" their eggs. These are rough times that we are living in but honestly I cannt begin to understand how this is the answer.
-Tiffany Orr
Greed selfishness and ignorance can easily lead to the manifestation of ecological horrors all over the word. Two of these three factors that often precede incidents such as this are hard to dismiss due to the fact that they deal with human instinct. The last however can be easily dispelled through the dissemination of information. The toleration of the exploitation of these endangered species is absurd. Species as a whole are dependent on one another weather this be directly or indirectly. For example the extinction of certain bacteria or fungi that decompose materials releasing minerals and salts back into the ground can reduce the amount of nutrients in the earth needed for oxygen producing plants to live which in turn is vital to our survival. Thus this needless killing of species must be stopped. As mentioned before this must be done through information. Firstly the government has a responsibility to circulate this information to its people so that they may be aware of the consequences there actions may have on the rest of the world. Next often times greed and selfishness overpower morality thus parameters must be established so the collection of turtle eggs is stopped. This can be in the form of patrol groups or the creation of laws against these acts. Whatever the method this exploitation must be stopped.
Nice comments. Don't mind me.
I’m glad that as a professor, you can show us a number of issues that I wouldn’t have been aware of prior. As for the case of what’s going on with these sea turtles in Costa Rica, I find it to be a shame since these cases of endangered species are so readily widespread due to humans’ disregard for other species. As in nearly every other case of endangered species; whether we’re shooting polar bears out of helicopters, chopping down the rainforest and depleting natural resources, or destroying the potential for species to continue themselves, it’s fully a shame on our species’ behalf. As Tom Waits once said, “We are monkeys with money and guns.” As in most things correlated with our brutal sense of superiority and power towards the rest of the animal kingdom, if we have the potential to do it without reprimand, we as humans often times will. Similarly, I’m sure that it’s fully in our potential to prevent this from continuing (and if we take the means to confront and stop this as an issue, we will).
- Julie McConnell
“We are monkeys with money and guns.”
Apt quote, Julie.
Reading this blog made me see how we have become these selfish and self-concious human beings. We don't see what goes on around us especially not in other countries. We only care for what is right for us or for what can benefits us without caring if any harm is being done. And this is what is happening in Costa Rica many of them are not aware that they are putting leatherback turtles in high risk of extinction. It is the responsibility for the government to develop a way in where it can prevent the citizens of these country to take away the unhatched eggs of these turtles. These turtles need the help of someone that can protect them from becoming extinct because they can't do anything about others taking the eggs away. Why do they take these eggs and use them instead of using chicken eggs? Is it because they find it much easier to get or maybe by getting these eggs their will be no cost? Many questions and concerns will arise for this topic but, to find a real answer/ conclusion will be tough.
it has probably become a money matter; however, poaching for turtle eggs probably started from the poverty and hunger, it is a easy way to get some food without having to grow or work on it. Who doesn't want that? With time, those people probably saw the benefits from those eggs(financial benefits) and didn't think about the consequences but on their own survival. There is many other ways to make your pancakes and that is probably what the government should teach.
To hunt hunters is probably not a good idea since if the general idea of poaching is not destroyed, no matter how many people you will catch, many others will be back to poach.
Eugenio Arranz
I can't believe people are this desperate for money. I'm pretty sure that ignorance and desperation play a huge role in the taking of these eggs but the thing is that some people just don't care. You can educate someone and tell them what they're doing to the sea turtles and the natural order as a whole, but that won't matter to them as long as there's money to be made. Certainly, those who actually care should do more to help. Don't just tell the government what to do and what laws to pass, act! Sometimes, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.
how detestable! gruesome, to think the genocide of hundreds even thousands of unhatched turtles, the horror. just so, a reaction fully expected by the masses of the eco-concious. pointless extinction, for merely improved pan cakes, a savory thought. but it dawns on me as I passionately type away becoming alight with this idea of injustice, and immoral consumption I contently chew on a pancake of my own and begin to ponder blissfully ignorant. who had to die so that I could enjoy this oh so delicious pancake? once I log off what will I or anyone for the matter DO for these turtles? simply rant and continue to munch on my pancake? will anyone even remember the plight of the leather back turtles as they lie in bed at the end of the day? will I even see a leather back turtle in my lifetime or that of my children? how can pancakes cause such the senseless death and and aided destruction of a species? selfishness, greed and financial profit. as long as people continue to demand the products of leather back turtles wether it be their eggs or themselves they will continue to be supplied. the sad truth is that this will continue to be so until initiative is taken on the turtles behalf. perhaps this is a responsibility best laid at the feet of the costa rican gorvenment and it people, where there's money to be had it will not cease. continuing from species to species until we are left depleted and barren, how then will we make our pancakes?
It is sad and unfortunate to read on how Costa Rican's are treating the leatherback turtles. Is hard to believe that their government hasn't done anything to stop this and doesn't have the required laws against this cruelty. With so many animals being on the verge of extinction, like the turtles it makes me sad that they are not taking measures in the animals rights.
Gloria Ayosa
Wow as if there weren't enough reasons to be disgusted at the human condition already. As a Vegetarian my point of view is obviously biased but just as valid. The fact that people are going to the beaches and taking the eggs from sea turtles right after they are laid is just appalling. Take a fictional situation where you are giving birth to your new born son or daughter (guys work with me on this jajaja) and right as you give that last push and your baby is born someone just comes up to you rips him right out of your hands stuffs that baby into a white bag and just walk off and you never see your baby again. Think of how horrified you would be at this. Well it works the same way for an animal. The basic difference in the "divine" chain between animals and humans is that animals don't posses reason but this is not a matter of reason it is a matter of motherly instinct, and in fact as humans we should have reason enough to understand why this is wrong that taking another sentient beings children just to make our batter taste better is utterly preposterous. I think in fact that the reason for this behavior in humans is not lack of understanding or even greed but just blindness that emerges from our selfishness. People are so blinded by what THEY WANT and THEY NEED that they turn a deaf ear to their natural given reason and just don't realize what harm they are doing. I don't think the problem here is the legislature against this kind of behavior in Costa Rica, although I am not denying that a change in the law would greatly help the situation, but it is however my belief that this kind of thing will keep happening while (a) there is money to be made and defenseless turtles to be taken advantage of or (b) Human beings learn to reopen their ears to their own reason and realize the harm they are doing with this kinds of actions (which is highly unlikely).
-Tomás E. Péndola
The basic difference in the "divine" chain between animals and humans is that animals don't posses reason but this is not a matter of reason it is a matter of motherly instinct, and in fact as humans we should have reason enough to understand why this is wrong that taking another sentient beings children just to make our batter taste better is utterly preposterous.
Agree, Tomas.
I agree with Madelayne, we as humans feel that we are in complete control of everything Earth has to offer. We take everything for granted and expect more of what is there to offer. Not keeping in mind the affect we have on this beautiful planet. I do believe they should put a stop on what's happening with the turtles in Costa Rica, it really is depressing knowing what is happening to these poor defenseless animals.
- Tashina Gonzales
I think this case is one of the thousands of examples of how we people see ourselves as the owners of the world and how we are destroying it. However, the poaching of turtle eggs is a very interesting illustration of the hypocrisy in people and the Costa Rican government, because to the world Costa Rica has an image of being one of the most protective countries towards the natural environment.
I agree with Mr. Triff that we shouldn’t waste time in looking at the cause of poaching; however, the enforcement of laws is not the only solution to stop this environmental disaster. What is required, not just to save species, but to help create a better world is the exercise of popular education and direct action. Personally, to write the congress or the president and wait for them to create and enforce laws is a very passive attitude as citizens of the world.
Therefore, if one really wants to change the idea of “where there is money to be made, there always ‘smart’ men seeking opportunities”, one needs, through education, help people understand how today’s system (wild capitalism) is affecting not just the animals, plants and the environment but also us humans. Once people start to realize how the system really works, we can start creating strategies in order to change our actual crisis.
In this day and time I believe that human beings in general have a problem in judging people, cultures, or even eating turtle eggs. I believe every person does something for a reason no matter how crazy or intense it is. I'm not going to say that I do not feel bad for these turtles and what these Costa Ricans are doing with them. However, I really do not know why they are actually doing this. You can say whatever you want about these Costa Ricans but unless you actually go to Costa Rica and meet with these people who are actually doing this; I believe you cannot say they're ignorant unless you actually find facts on why they are really doing this.
-Jacqueline Saka-
Humans has still a lot to learn from the nature.there are things that we will never be able to replace in our lives. these creature are the beauty of our world and it is a shame to let them instinct. preserving a species is such of wonderful thing to do but unfortunately for some people it does not matter at all.I just wish that the world could be a better place for species to have a chance to survive in harmony.
Steeve Philippe
I believe that this is just another example of human irresponsibility with nature and it's natural resources. at this rate the turtles will end up extinct; due to the ignorance of mankind. The Costa Rican government should realize that like the land, the animals of Costa Rica are a natural resourses they must be responsible with. Not only is it a resourse that's worth more alive than dead but, it's a nonrenewable one and if they want their childern's childern to enjoy these creatures then they should mange there precious resoure better; maybe by set limts on how many eggs can be taken a year, only taking them on a certain seasons, or better yet not taking them at all. They should learn from the mistakes of others who, because of ignorance, have lost such precious resources. Example: Australia and its lost of the Tazmanian Tiger which died out in 1936.
why does not being human not make you own your offspring? If we are to say that no life is more valuable then another then we must treat all the same, and punish those who do STEAL the turtle eggs....Being human gives us the responsibility to find other means of obtaining resources and not exploit and destroy other creatures who are not as capable.
I asked myself the same question, is it ignorance or poverty? I would like to believe it is poverty because of the economy and how hard it is getting for people to make a living, but it may also include ignorance because of them not knowing the consequences of their doings. Yet it intrigues me how far humans will go to achieve something, regardless of anything. Yes, the turtles cant fight for their rights but I feel like there has to be someone out there that can help with this invasion before its to late.
-Liony S. Arzu
I asked myself the same question, is it ignorance or poverty? I would like to believe it is poverty because of the economy and how hard it is getting for people to make a living, but it may also include ignorance because of them not knowing the consequences of their doings. Yet it intrigues me how far humans will go to achieve something, regardless of anything. Yes, the turtles cant fight for their rights but I feel like there has to be someone out there that can help with this invasion before its to late.
-Liony S. Arzu
At this point right now i can't process or even trying to understand why the people of cota rica is doing such a thing.my point is that they are not doing it because they don't have anything to eat but, instead they are simply doing it bacause it taste better than the other eggs. this should not be allow to go on much long or else, these creatures will be gone in they near future. So the Costa Rican government should do something to protact these turtles.
Since I am an animal lover, this is a very disturbing and heart-breaking thing to see. But the reality is that situations like these occur all around the globe. The examples of shark fining in Japan and other Asian countries, and also Japanese killing dolphins during river season, African hunting for land mammals for food rather than fish or Eskimos in the arctic bashing the heads of seals. Now in this article its didn't specify the actual use of the eggs, but i heard they are being eaten. With shark fins in japan, in some cultures in Asia believe that if one eats the fin of a shark they will have magical healing powers and not subdue to illnesses like cancer, simply because sharks don't get cancer, and consuming that fin of a shark with give you the abilities of a shark. There is a crisis in this world of food consumption. it's not only in countries like Japan that are sourcing for other animals for food. I wish certain situations like this one about hunting for eggs would happen
-Shantell Meneses
Wow, I was just blown away by this article. Turtles are an endangered species and ignorant people are speeding up the process! I can understand Costa Rica being a third world country and all but doesnt anyone know right from wrong? These poor turtles are not food. The goverment should really step up and stop these people before turtles become extinct!
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