well-protected baby turtles

What is a loggerhead turtle?

It is a sea turtle that is found in all the oceans, and even in the Mediterranean Sea. As an adult, the loggerhead turtle weighs around 140 kilos. And she can live to be 65 years old.
But she is victim of fishing and pollution. So, this species of turtle is classified as “vulnerable” by a global nature conservation organization. This means that loggerhead turtles need to be protected so as not to disappear.

An exceptional laying

In July, in the early morning, an employee of the town of Saint-Cyprien cleans the beach with his tractor. Suddenly, he sees a big turtle which returns to the sea. Amazed, he comes a little closer to observe it, then warns the town hall, as well as an association specializing in sea turtles.
Very quickly, a nest is found: the turtle laid eggs 30 centimeters under the sand. This is the first time that a loggerhead turtle has laid eggs in this French region!

A maternity ward under high protection

Right away, the city installs fences and a cage over the nest to protect it. Volunteers and police take turns day and night to monitor the area. They want to prevent walkers from walking on the nest, dogs from digging there, or birds from pecking at the little turtles when they are born.
A passage is created so that the baby turtles can reach the sea safely.

Welcome to the twists

On Tuesday, September 17, the first twists (that’s the name of the baby turtles) emerge from the nest. The births will be spread over several days. Around a hundred little twists are expected.
At birth, they measure less than 5 centimeters, and weigh only 10 to 20 grams. They are therefore very fragile. They should not be disturbed because for their survival it is very important that they can reach the sea.

Nathalie Michel