The Guam National Wildlife Refuge, like most National Wildlife Refuges across the Nation, recruits volunteers who play a key role in meeting the mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System.
In partnership with the Government of Guam’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, the Ritidian Unit Refuge has been involved in the very successful Haggan Watch Volunteer Program. Two species of haggan (the Chamorro name for turtle) have nested on the shores of Ritidian Point. Volunteers monitor the beaches for both the threatened haggan betde (green turtle) and the endangered haggan karai (hawksbill turtle). During the nesting season volunteers look for turtle tracks and nests and help to provide valuable information necessary to the recovery of these sea turtles. Their work also helps increases public awareness of sea turtle conservation.
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A flightless bird, the Ko’ko is omnivorous and prefers mixed forest. It is easy prey for monitor lizards, cats, rats, and the brown tree snake. Breeding programs have been set up to eventually reintroduce this treasured bird to Guam.