Do’s and Don’ts When Caring for Turtle Eggs

We all know turtles! They’re amazing and very ancient reptiles. They also have many eggs (with an average clutch of 100 eggs). But do you know what to do if you find turtle eggs? Or how to care for turtle eggs? We’ll answer all of those questions today, especially since survival is an uphill battle for the hatchlings, facing many difficulties and threats that usually involves humans.

Do you know that six out of seven species are endangered? They 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 are ping-pong balls, although a bit more larger 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?

If you wanna know how to protect turtle eggs, you need to know how long it takes for them to hatch. The process of incubation usually lasts around 45 to 75 days, varying depending on the species, temperature or humidity.

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

Once they are deposited, they start hatching. 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 

Always avoid placing beach stuff like chairs, umbrellas or towels near a nest! Why? Because they can become obstacles that will keep them away from the ocean! It’s important to stay away, keeping 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 

We know that digging holes in the sand is fun, but not safe for the turtles. 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 

Always look, but don’t touch! Keep this always in mind since handling the eggs could lead to the transmission of certain illnesses or pathogens that the babies aren’t ready for. 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 cute turtles usually use the moon reflection on the water as a compass. So, this means that shining a bright light could confuse the babies, making it difficult for them to find a way to the water.

But that’s not all. It can not only disorient hatchlings, but also reduce the success of a nest. Many specialists have discovered that the lights stimulate the activity of predators, becoming more susceptible to turning into food for another animal.

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 is an amazing place of nesting sites. The Montecristo Island, Jiquilisco Bay, Los Cóbanos and Punta Amapala, for example. The country iis very famous as a sanctuary for many turtle species, like the olive ridley, green or leatherback turtles. Isn’t that amazing?

But that’s not everything you have to know: the country is home of the endangered species known as the hawksbill, which has 90% of its nesting activity in the Pacific and Nicaragua.

The demand for turtle shells has sadly put them into extinction. So that’s why we must address the issue. 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.

Filed Under: Wildlife Conservation