Red lights?

On the totally awesome Great Turtle Race website, "Leatherback World: On the Brink" page, at the Ranger Station, it states that the ranger uses red light at night, standard flash lights with a red gel filter covering the lens. I was curious of what the red gel filter is and how effective is it on reducing the disturbance caused by ordinary flash lights on nesting turtles based on past experiences? Regards, Arvind

Arvind,

The red lights are made by putting a plastic cellophane like piece of red plastic over a regular flashlight. That gives the red light. Humans can see red light but scientific studies show that turtles cannot. In this way the scientists and rangers can measure and study the turtles without causing them any distress. The turtles do not see the red light. The red lights do not do anything to reduce disturbance from ordinary flashlights that are not covered. However, on the beach at Las Baulas Park no one is allowed to use regular flashlights that give off white light. If you use a white light it may cause the turtle to go back into the water. If you shine the light on the turtle it will disorient it and cause it to walk in circles.

Thanks for your question.

Dr. Turtle