When not consumed by negotiations with Big Oil interests, the Cofan direct their energies to other pressing environmental issues. One immediate concern is the critical status of the populations of large river turtles. Today, both species are endangered. The Cofan launched an innovative experiment, capturing and raising turtle hatchlings as they emerge from the nest, then reintroducing them to the wild once they are large enough to escape most natural predators. Beginning with a release of 300 hatchlings in 1992, the project has grown many fold, resulting in the release of 3,400 baby turtles in 1998.
Indications suggest that the wild populations are making a comeback.
Recently emerged from their nests, turtle hatchlings await weighing and measuring. Debra Moskovits Cofan monitor smeasures hatchlings for the river turtle conservation project. Photo by Debra Moskovits Randy also established a successful ecotourism operation, and the Cofan are now exploring possibilities for raising and marketing native fish as food to supply a growing demand from tourist and colonist markets. Escapees pose threats to the survival of native fishes and pristine watersheds. The Cofan's firsthand knowledge of the habits and foods of game fishes brings a high probability of success to the project.