Chennai: As many as 121 hatchlings were released 15 feet away from the high tide line in Neelankarai beach on Thursday, when the temperature of the nest was recorded to be 32 degrees Celsius and the temperature outside the hatchery was found to be 36 degrees Celsius, a less than ideal temperature for turtle hatchlings to come out. And yet, the hatchlings strove to crawl out of their nest and into the ocean.
“Temperature plays a major role in determining the sex of the hatchlings. If the temperature of the nest is between 25 to 30 degrees, most of the hatchlings will be born as males and if the temperature is between 30 to 35 degrees, the hatchlings are born as females. But, if the temperature rises above 35 degrees, the eggs get boiled, and the hatchlings won't survive. Hence, it is extremely important to maintain the nest temperature below 32- 33 degrees,” said Dr Supraja Dharini, a marine specialist and chairperson, Tree Foundation.
To protect the hatchlings from the harsh climate, conservationists place coconut thatch/ palm leaves above their respective hatcheries and in-situ nests to reduce the temperature. Further, they sprinkle water on the thatch and the gunny sacks placed around the hatchery when it becomes too hot. In addition to all that, they also check the temperature outside and inside the hatchery and in- situ nests every morning, afternoon and evening regularly, using an external thermometer.
Working jointly with the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu, TREE Foundation's Sea Turtle Protection Force Members (STPF's) have gathered nearly 424 nests along the Kancheepuram coast, Tamil Nadu till date. Each nest contains nearly 80 to 120 eggs. After 48 to 52 days, the baby hatchlings emerge from these nests and set out on their journey into the ocean.
