AN environmentalist campaigning to safeguard endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica has been found dead in a suspected killing by poachers.

Jairo Mora was discovered face down with his hands tied on Moin beach, about 105 miles east of the capital, San Jose. Vanessa Lizano, the owner of the turtle sanctuary where Mora worked, said that the activist, who was looking after turtle nests, was on patrol with volunteers and they were attacked by armed men. Sea turtle eggs are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. It is understood poachers in Costa Rica can make up to $300 a day smuggling the eggs. Sanctuary staff have been subject to threats from smugglers.

■Costa Rica