Inventory for protected endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #7

 This nest was found by the NMB STP Volunteers as they were doing their morning sunrise patrol walks.  A Beautiful long crawl right up to the Dunes.  If this body pit had not been right in the middle of a public parking area it would have been the perfect spot to leave this nest. Because of the unsafe location of this Nest, it was moved a little away from this walkway.

This Nest had 146 eggs in it; one was used for DNA research, so 145 eggs were relocated. This nest incubated for 53 days.

The cage, poles and rope are taken down around this endangered Sea Turtle nest so the inventory can be done.

Many NMB STP Volunteers have come to help; they are all excited to see how their dedication has paid off for these endangered Sea Turtle Hatchlings.  The NMB STP are in their happy place as they share their passion and knowledge with between fellow Volunteers and all that have come to see the inventory.

A little information about what this inventory is, what we are doing and why is given to all that have come.  A brief story about this nest,and how it is an endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest.

Great news as all of the live Baby Hatchlings made it out of the egg cavity before the inventory.  A whole unviable unhatched egg is shown to all that have come to this inventory.  Loggerhead Sea Turtle Eggs are about the size of a ping-pong ball, they are also very pliable.  This will help as the egg drops on top of the others at this Nesting Loggerhead is laying her eggs, so they don't break.

146 eggs in this nest, 145 relocated.

97 % hatch success rate

140 hatched eggshells

      5 whole unhatched eggs

3 deceased Hatchling

no live Hatchlings    

All Sea Turtles are endangered; they are federally and state protected.  Special guidelines, training and permits are required to work with Nesting Sea Turtles, Nest, Hatchlings and Stranded Sea Turtles.

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

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT