In Phang Nga province, at least 48 leatherback sea turtle hatchlings were recently observed emerging from their nest and making their way to the Andaman Sea, an annual occurrence that needs more supervision than in the past due to the influx of tourists to the coastline’s beaches.
The nest, which contained a total of 96 eggs, is located in the Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang National Park and been protected since the mother laid the eggs.
According to park officials, of the 96 eggs, only 48 were able to hatch and reach the sea on Monday night. 36 of the eggs were not fertilised, while 12 did not hatch. The officials believe that the nest was too deep, as it was 72 centimeters underground. They also mentioned that the eggs hatched 6 days later than the typical 55 day incubation period.
The unhatched and unfertilised eggs have been sent to the Phuket Marine Biological Centre for further research.
This is not the only nest that has been discovered recently, as on March 25, another nest housing 79 eggs was found in the same national park. Of those eggs, 42 were able to hatch and make it to the sea. Unfortunately, 34 eggs were not fertilised and three hatchlings died before they could leave the nest. The officials speculated that the nest was about a metre deep, potentially making it difficult for the hatchlings to climb out.
Leatherback turtles are a critically endangered species and are known for being the largest of all sea turtles. They are typically found in the Andaman Sea and are known to nest along the coast of Thailand. The presence of these hatchlings is a positive sign for the preservation of the species, and the work of the national park officials in protecting the nests and ensuring the safety of the hatchlings is crucial for their survival.
PHOTO: Nation Thailand
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
