In Virginia Key, sea turtle eggs are a delicacy for raccoons. But the raccoon population is growing, threatening sea turtles, which are already vulnerable to climate change and beach erosion.
According to TJ Morrell, director of operations at MORAES, a turtle conservation charity, more than 2,000 turtles have been lost as a result. Some nests are partially eaten, others are completely destroyed, and more than 60% of nests in 2023 have been attacked by raccoons. However, both species are native to this small island located between Fisher Island and Key Biscayne, and it would be unfair to favor one over the other.
Morrell is therefore working on a solution to relocate part of the raccoon population to the Everglades, particularly around the Tree Islands. According to observations by ITEK (Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge), raccoons have been in decline there for eight years.
The MORAES association is looking for experts in biodiversity and wildlife, as well as $10,000 in funding, to carry out the transfer of the raccoons to their new habitat.
For more information: soflomoraes.com
