In April 2007, eleven leatherback turtles captured the imagination of the public worldwide as they “raced” from Costa Rica toward the Galápagos Islands. Known as the Great Turtle Race, this event tracked these critically endangered sea turtles, drawing attention to their fragile status and generating data on the turtles vital to efforts to study and protect them. But the Great Turtle Race is just one of many tools marine conservationists use to inform people about the status, biology, and lives of the seven sea turtle species. Due to human actions, once-plentiful sea turtle population levels plummeted throughout much of the twentieth century, stabilizing somewhat only after Archie Carr and Jacques Cousteau popularized their plight. With Saving Sea Turtles, award-winning author James R. Spotila picks up where Carr and Cousteau left off, going inside the modern-day conservation movement to tell the tales of today’s sea turtle conservationists. He provides a complete overview of sea turtle biology and life cycles, discusses the human and natural world threats they face, and examines the new methods and technologies humans are using to save them. Throughout, Spotila dots the narrative with stories of real-life heroes who risk life and limb to understand, track, and conserve sea turtles across the globe. Spotila has been at the forefront of sea turtle research and conservation for decades. His inspirational story of dedicated individuals, creative endeavors, and adventure reveals what is being done and what else we must do in order to ensure that these fascinating animals continue swimming in the oceans.

Describes efforts to protect sea turtles, particularly Kemp's ridley turtles, and help them reproduce and replenish their once-dwindling numbers.

Marine biologist James R. Spotila has spent much of his life unraveling the mysteries of these graceful creatures and working to ensure their survival. In "Sea Turtles," he offers a comprehensive and compelling account of their history and life cycle based on the most recent scientific data and suggests what we can be done to save them. Illustrated with stunning, full-color photographs. 0-808-8007-6$24.95 / Johns Hopkins University Press

The green sea turtle is a majestic creature that has been in existence for more than 100 million years. Today, however, green sea turtles are in danger of extinction because of the careless actions of humans. This volume presents facts about the green sea turtle's biology, habitat, mating and nesting habits, and diet, before describing the harmful human behavior that threatens its very existence. With beautiful colorful photographs and practical applications for helping to save this and other endangered creatures, readers will learn the importance of conservation.

Archie Carr, one of the greatest biologists of the twentieth century, played a leading part in finding a new and critical role for natural history and systematics in a post-1950s world dominated by the glamorous science of molecular biology. With the rise of molecular biology came a growing popular awareness of species extinction. Carr championed endangered sea turtles, and his work reflects major shifts in the study of ecology and evolution. A gifted nature writer, his books on the natural history of sea turtles and their habitats in Florida, the Caribbean, and Africa entertained and educated a wide audience. Carr's conservation ethic grew from his field work as well as his friendships with the fishermen who supplied him with many of the stories he retold so engagingly. With Archie Carr as the focus, The Man Who Saved Sea Turtles explores the evolution of the naturalist tradition, biology, and conservation during the twentieth century.

Sea Turtles: Field Research and Conservation is a comprehensive reference of experiences with sea turtle species from global experts. This book looks at the human side of protecting and studying these unique animals around the world, as well as the challenges involved, such as cultural differences and conducting research in remote locations. Led by a renowned expert in sea turtle conservation, this book addresses the largest issue facing sea turtle species currently; nearly all species of sea turtles are endangered due to poaching, fishing snares, climate change, and more. Chapters in this book range from the use of cutting-edge technology to learn more about this elusive reptile, to working with communities with long histories of sea turtle trade and consumption. It provides readers with firsthand accounts of sea turtle conservation efforts from conservationists based around the world and offers important suggestions and solutions for ensuring the future of these sea turtle species. Sea Turtles: Field Research and Conservation is the ideal resource for field biologist and marine conservationists, specifically those working in marine herpetology and with sea turtle species. Policymakers concerned with marine conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development, will also find this a useful reference for efforts and directions to enact change and save sea turtles from extinction. Offers examples of groundbreaking technology to conduct noninvasive sea turtle research Written by global experts working in the field to study and protect sea turtle species Includes human-to-human case studies and advice for collaborating with cultures and communities to save these endangered animals