EnglishTurtles are ancient reptiles with an average clutch size of 100 eggs—some go as high as 138. But survival is an uphill battle for the hatchlings. They face various obstacles, including anthropogenic (human) threats.
The impacts of these threats are immense. Out of seven turtle species, six of them are classified as threatened and endangered. Since they’re keystone species that play a major role in marine ecosystems, it’s critical to reverse their population decline and ensure safe nesting environments.
You can also help Paso Pacifico save a nest by donating today!
What Do Turtle Eggs Look Like?
Turtle eggs typically look like ping-pong balls, though they can also be misshaped—slightly oblong or elongated. They’re soft but leathery which keeps them from breaking when they’re dropped in the egg cavity.
Eggs have a bluish-white hue when they’re freshly laid. Within two days, however, they “chalk over,” taking on an opaque, cream-to-white shade.
How Long Does it Take for Turtle Eggs to Hatch?
Sea turtles have an incubation period between 45 and 75 days. This varies across species, mainly due to the temperature and humidity in the nest.
Temperature also affects sexual differentiation. According to research, eggs that intubate below 81.86° Fahrenheit produce male offspring. Conversely, temperatures above 88.8° Fahrenheit increase the chances of female hatchlings. Temperatures between the two can result in an even mix of male and female turtle hatchlings.
With global temperatures on the rise, there is a risk of a skewed sex ratio. An Australian study found that 99% of turtles are now born female. It’s not a matter of grave concern at present. However, a couple of decades down the line, we may not have enough males left to fertilize the eggs.
What to Do When You Encounter Turtle Eggs on the Beach
Turtle eggs begin developing immediately after they are deposited in the nesting cavity. Any disturbance, accidental or otherwise, can affect the survival of hatchlings. Help them repopulate with these best practices:
Do: Leave it Alone
It’s tempting to get a closer view of the turtle’s nesting habitat out of sheer curiosity. But human interference can greatly endanger their survival.
So, if you see a track or stakes, keep your distance from the eggs. This due diligence is essential because turtles are a protected species. Even accidents with the nest can put you in the crosshairs of the law.
Do: Call the Local Wildlife
Egg harvesting is illegal, but that hasn’t deterred people on the Pacific Coast from collecting eggs for human consumption. If you find turtle eggs in an exposed nest on the beach, contact the state wildlife authority immediately. They will track and monitor the nest to help conserve the species.
Do: Keep the Area Clear
Avoid placing beach accessories like lounge chairs, umbrellas, and towels near a marked turtle nest. They can become obstacles for the hatchlings, keeping them from making their way to the ocean. To protect these delicate ecosystems, always maintain a distance of at least 5 feet.
Also, clean up food and other leftovers on the beach. Litter can attract unwanted pests like raccoons and dogs that may destroy the eggs.
Do: Fill the Holes
Digging holes in the sand can be fun, but it’s not safe—not for you, and certainly not for the turtles. They can be unstable, causing them to collapse under pressure. Sand holes can trap turtles. If they aren’t filled, they can become hindrances that keep newborn hatchlings from emerging from their nests.
Don’t: Set Up a Nest Cover
The smuggling of sea turtles has drastically increased, mainly because of culture.
If you set up a protective enclosure, you could end up alerting poachers to the presence of turtle eggs. One study found that artificial covers can also make it easier for predatory mammals to locate the nest and devour its contents.
Don’t: Dig Up the Nest
Digging a turtle’s nest can be harmful to the eggs and the hatchlings inside. It could cause movements in their original position. The change in orientation could result in the death of the developing turtle embryos.
In addition, it could lead to a premature release. This might push them into the predator-rich ocean before their bodies can develop properly. Keep in mind that you can’t keep baby turtles in a bucket. It depletes the energy reserves they need to navigate to deep waters.
Don’t: Touch the Eggs
When it comes to sea turtle eggs, look, but don’t touch. Avoid handling turtle eggs with your hands as it could lead to the transmission of pathogens. A 2014 study established that experimental handling can affect development and lead to early-stage embryonic death.
Research also suggests it can affect their ability to imprint on the geomagnetic signature of their natal area, affecting their return.
Don’t: Shine a Bright Light
These shelled creatures use the moon’s reflection on the water’s surface as a compass. Introducing another light source can confuse the baby turtles, making it more difficult for them to find their way into the water.
Aside from disorienting newborn hatchlings, artificial light also reduces nesting success. Studies show it also stimulates the activity of predators like ghost crabs, making them even more susceptible to being eaten.
So, when you come across turtle eggs, keep your camera’s flash turned off. If your home is close to the shore, close the drapes and blinds.
In Which Pacific Coast Countries Can Turtle Eggs Be Found?
Several countries on the Pacific Coast have turtle nesting sites. Some of the most productive nesting grounds are in Nicaragua and El Salvador.
Nicaragua
Of the seven living species found on Earth, some 120,000 turtles from five species lay eggs on Nicaragua’s coast—mainly on the beaches of La Flor and Chacocente. Among them are olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) and the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
Nesting mamas bring new generations to life under the watchful eyes of an army troop. The goal is to prevent nearby communities from stealing the eggs which are considered a local delicacy.
Though it feels extreme, this initiative is essential after the 2018 fiasco. Around 2,000 sea turtle nests were raided by residents around the La Flor Wildlife Refuge following a national political crisis. They also intercepted shore-bound turtles, killing at least six of them.
El Salvador
El Salvador has many nesting sites, including Montecristo Island, Jiquilisco Bay, Los Cóbanos, and Punta Amapala. The country has established a sanctuary for a range of turtle species, such as green, leatherback, and olive ridley turtles.
It is also home to the critically endangered hawksbill and accounts for 90% of the nesting activities in the eastern Pacific, alongside Nicaragua.
However, a high demand for turtle shells has pushed these delicate creatures to the brink of extinction. Ensure their survival by supporting Paso Pacifico’s marine conservation efforts.
Make a Difference With Paso Pacifico
Sea turtle populations are declining. Paso Pacifico is working to put an end to illegal trade through the InvestEGGator. This GPS-GSM tracking device mimics the look and feel of real sea turtle eggs. When placed into turtle nests, it can remain undiscovered, providing us with real-time maps of the poachers’ routes.
We also offer round-the-clock protection in an important nesting site in Nicaragua. Our rangers have protected 50,000 turtle eggs to date! Help us amplify our efforts by donating to our July fundraising campaign.