Inventory on Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #14

This nest started out as a beautiful crawl halfway up the Beach.  Because this nest was on a very busy beach with many bright lights from the high rises, this nest is relocated.  While carefully relocating these eggs we will take the opportunity to count them. there were 94 eggs in this nest, 1 was used for DNA studies, 93 relocated.

This little ghost crab was smart as he/she made their home inside the cage but did not bother the Hatchlings or eggs.

Many NMB STP Volunteers have come to help and interact with all that have come to the inventory.  When you stand back and look around at all that passion and happy laughter and talking going on, a warm feeling kind of comes over you, that like-minded conservationist will continue well into the future.  Many will now be aware on how everyone can make a difference in their everyday lives. You always dream and hope that an inventory, or an interaction with a volunteer may start the passion for someone else. 

                                                      

All will be given the story of how this nest was found along with how many eggs are in this nest.  A little bit about the DNA Studies and how important they are. The DNA can identify a specific mother, along with her future babies, siblings and so much more should they come back to nest.  The DNA can also tell us how many times she nested, what beach she nested on, how many years in-between nesting events and how many time she nested during a specific nesting year, and so much more, as long as the eggs were found and processed.

All will get to see and unviable egg while the inventory is going on.  Its about the size of a ping pong ball.  They are 

The inventory results

94 eggs in this nest, 1 used for DNA Studdies,93 relocated

86 % hatch success rate

80 Hatched eggshells

                        13 whole unhatched eggs (unviable)

0 deceased Hatchlings

0 Live Hatchlings     

All Sea Turtles are endangered; they are federally and state protected.  Special guideline's, training and permits are required to work with Nesting Sea Turtles, Nest, Hatchling or stranded Sea Turtles.

If you encounter a Nesting Sea Turtle, Hatchling or stranded Sea Turtle in NMB or Briarcliffe areas please call

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT