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Ningaloo Turtle Program/ Cape Conservati

Ningaloo Turtle Program/ Cape Conservati

Conservation of Marine Turtles and Their Associated Habitats

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Home/Resources/Turtles of Ningaloo/Hatchlings

Hatchlings


– LET THEM FLOW –

The fourth part of the turtle watching code of conduct.

It is vital for the survival of hatchling turtles!


Hatchlings take a geo-imprint of their location when they first emerge from their nests, meaning in 30 years time, when they have reached breeding age, these turtles return to their birthplace.

Being born underground, means hatchlings swallow a large amount of sand in their initial climb. The dash to the ocean gives these hatchlings time to empty the sand from their bodies.


Unfortunately,

Carrying hatchlings to the water can disorientate them greatly and puts them at even more risk when they’re in the ocean.

They need to do the crawl themselves to clear their lungs, get their muscles working and take a geomagnetic imprint of the beach, so they know to return here to nest 30 years later!

So, keep your torches off and keep their path clear.

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Ningaloo Turtle Program

PO Box 201
Exmouth
WA 6707

Ph: + 61 8 9947 8000
Email: ningalooturtles@dbca.wa.gov.au

Ngarnurra nhuna nhugurarrima Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigurdira ganyarajarri thanardi ngarrari

We acknowledge Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigurdira People as the original custodians of the land and water we manage

The Ningaloo Turtle Program appreciates the support from Woodside Energy and its joint venture Partner.

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