Mexico deploys drones to protect sea turtle nesting grounds

Mexican officials say they have begun flying two drones over sea turtle nesting grounds on the Pacific coast to better monitor and protect the sensitive habitats.

Federal prosecutor for environmental protection Guillermo Haro Belchez said Wednesday that the drones are watching over La Escobilla and Morro Ayuta beaches in Oaxaca state. Officials aim for "full coverage" of the area to help them fight poaching.

August marks the start of peak nesting season, and officials are working to safeguard the endangered reptiles. They are protected under Mexican law.

La Escobilla experiences more sea turtle nesting than any other location on Earth, with some 1.1 million nests there last year. About 36 million sea turtles were born in all of Mexico in 2014.