This year looks promising for the return of our three endangered species of Sea Turtles.

We have Three Endangered species of Sea Turtle: the Leatherback, Olive Ridley, and Eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtle.

We have four leatherback nests now, marked and protected.  It makes all of us excited to have these great giants here and nesting.   These have been noted to be the most endangered species of Sea Turtle here in the East Cape.  It can take up to five decades before they return to nest after hatching.   We will report on the release of these Leatherback hatchlings in about 65 days.  This is the normal period for the eggs to develope and hatch.  The mortality rate can differ on the size of the nesting hole created.  How far the egg drops can be a factor, depening on how severe the impact when it hits the bottom of the nest. Some of the eggs wont make
form the very start. It is amazing to see the struggle and survival of these turtles.  

There has been release of Olive Ridley hatchlings this last week.  Due to the colder weather, the incubation period was lengthened by 20 days.  These babies are smaller and less active.  It takes a lot of patience and nurturing to ensure that they arrive to the sea.  We are devoted to rescuing each and every hatchling that we can and it is wonderful to see these babies enter the water.   In this most recent nest we counted 90 eggs and hatchlings.  44 turtles were released into the sea of cortez.  The nest was located in Buenos Ares, Baja California Sur, Mexico.   The mother Olive Ridley turtle layed the eggs in a path of danger.   Our organization decided it was best to relocate the clutch of eggs to a safer nesting site close by.  We are delighted to see that our efforts have given these little ones a good headstart on their journey to the feeding grounds in the Pacific Ocean. 

Spectators

Olive Ridley Baby Turtles

We were able to mark the turtle nest and we hope to protect it during the turtle egg incubation period. Leatherback turtle eggs usually hatch in about 50 to 75 days from the day they are laid. The incubation period varies depending on the weather conditions with dry and warm weather shortening the sea turtle egg incubation time. This can also decrease the survival rate of the turtle eggs. Leatherback turtles can lay up to four times a year and the number of eggs usually varies from 45 to 160.

The Leatherback turtle is the largest species of sea turtle and it’s been known to weigh as much as a ton. The Leatherback turtle’s scientific name is Dermochelys Coriacea.

Photos courtesy of rustinpc (1 – 2 – 3)

The rescue also turned into an opportunity to teach and give people a first hand experience of helping the sea turtles. There were a number of hotel guests and other vacationers on the beach who were able to see the hatching and were introduced to some of the difficulties these sea turtles have for their survival.