CONSERVATION & CITIZEN SCIENCE
Scientists studying the leatherback sea turtles on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica are dedicated to saving a species whose numbers have dropped by more than 90 per cent since 1980. Leatherbacks are threatened by climate change, boat traffic, fishing gear and humans harvesting their eggs. You’ll walk the beach at night when turtles are active, attaching transmitters to track their movements. Female leatherbacks dig holes with their flippers and lay about 80 eggs that you will relocate from dangerous spots. Earthwatch (01865 318838; earthwatch. org.uk) offers a nine-day trip from £1,850, including accommodation in a local field station and most meals but not flights
MAKE FRIENDS WITH CHIMPS Tanzania
Help researchers habituate chimpanzees to the presence of humans on Rubondo Island Camp in the north of Lake Victoria. Guests head out on foot with local rangers and guides through the dense rainforest listening out for the chimpanzees’ calls. You will also join game drives and boat trips with birdwatching opportunities of more than 300 species, including the densest population of sea eagles in Africa. Audley Travel (01993 683827; audleytravel.com) offers a nine-night Tanzania itinerary taking in Rubondo Island from £6,250, including accommodation and most meals, international flights and transfers
NEVER FORGET AN ELEPHANT Thailand
This Asian elephant conservation volunteer expedition to northern Thailand takes place in the tropical highlands and Himalayan foothills in the shadow of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s tallest peak. There you will conduct close-encounter behavioural and other studies on Asian elephants and make an important contribution to elephant conservation in Thailand. The elephant herd studied lives in the forested area surrounding a remote hill tribe village where the expedition will be based.
Biosphere Expeditions (01603 251760; biosphere-expeditions.org) offers a nine-day trip for £1,572, including full-board accommodation in the local village but not travel