Volunteers Keep Close Tabs To Ensure Disorientation Does Not Impede Successful Hatch Of Sea Turtle Nests
Florida is just one of the sea turtle nesting hotspots along the North American coastline; however, despite providing the ideal conditions for females to deposit their eggs, development has contributed to a major problem for the thousands of hatchlings which attempt to make their way back to their ocean home. Thanks to the Turtle Watch on Panama City Beach, these tiny neonates are able to safely reach their ultimate destination. Dedicated volunteers keep close tabs on each one of the nests as they begin to hatch, since the distant lights of buildings that fail to observe the black-out protocol often cause the hatchlings to head in the wrong direction, unfortunately proving fatal for the young turtles. A shocking 72% of turtles are mislead by these lights and with the dire conservation status of these incredible animals, the species cannot afford to lose valuable offspring. Newly hatched sea turtles have even been seen crossing roads in an attempt to follow these lights and even if they are rescued by staff members, they have already wasted valuable energy that could have been used in their journey to the ocean. Many communities have made the switch to a beneficial form of amber lighting, which does not disturb the trek of the sea turtles, and in an experiment by the Turtle Watch staff, it was discovered that sea turtles which hatched in those locations had no directional issues post-hatching. As more and more cities implement lighting laws to protect the sea turtles, it will create a huge impact in the survival of all species of these ocean creatures.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
US: Sea turtle nests sustain damage due to unexpected beach conditions
Biology
USA: Studying the movement habits of Emydura Subglobosa
Education
Asia: Opportunity for students to experience conservation at work
Health & Medical
AU: A successful rehabilitation story
Miscellany
USA: Family celebrating return of beloved pet
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Photo from Irena Basiura.
