Inventory of Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest #13

 Nest 13 had us guessing, it was a long, beautiful crawl up past the new sand fence, but was it a nest? very little thrown sand and could be a small mound. This would become NMB Loggerhead nest 13.  This Nest would have been left in situ had it not been for the busy part of the beach with many bright lights behind the nest.  The NMB STP Volunteers carefully relocated this nest to a safer part of the beach to give the Baby Hatchlings the best chance in starting their journey of life.  

This nest incubated for 53 days before the major emergence.  This nest would stay as it is under the protection of the cage and poles for 3 full days after the major emergence.  These 3 days are required unless special circumstances with permission to give any Hatchlings the opportunity to make it out on their own. There was evidence that more Baby hatchlings came out of this nest on their own before inventory

Many NMB STP Volunteers have come to help; they will talk with fellow Volunteers and the many people who have come to the inventory.  All are anxiously waiting to see the results of how their dedication has paid off. 

A little about the story of this nest will be shared with all that have come to the inventory.  They will explain that 1 egg from every nest is used for the important DNA research.  This information will be entered into a national data base to help in the future conservation efforts.

All are welcome to look at the egg chamber and the hatched and unhatched eggs.  Many are amazed to learn that the Mother Sea Turtle will typically dig about 18-24 inches deep, sometime deeper depending on the species.  Is amazing to think she has dug a nest with just her two back flippers.  The top part of the egg chamber will be only 6-7 inches wide at the top and then wider at the bottom where her eggs will incubate, looking much like an inverted lightbulb.  

                                                      

The results of this Loggerhead Nest will be shared with everyone that has come.

The results of nest #13

103 eggs in this nest, 1 used for DNA Research, 102 relocated

94.1% Hatch success rate

96 Hatched eggs

6 whole eggs (unviable)

0 deceased Hatchlings

0 Live Hatchling

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 NMB or Briarcliffe areas please call

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT