137 leatherback turtle eggs found
Would you be excited if you saw a leatherback turtle on the shore during the walk? As a coastal city, Phuket commonly encounters marine creatures like turtles showing up on the shore and laying eggs.
Here is a pretty cool story: a leatherback turtle, which is the biggest turtle species in the world, had laid 137 eggs at Hat Mai Khao in Phuket. Let’s dive into the story.
A leatherback turtle laid 137 eggs at Hat Mai Khao in Phuket
Image credit: อุทยานแห่งชาติสิรินาถ – Sirinat National Park via Facebook
On 24 February, the officials responsible for overseeing the nesting of sea turtles of Phuket Marine National Park Operation Center 2 and the officials of Sirinath National Park discovered that a leatherback turtle had laid 103 fertilised eggs and 34 infertile eggs.
Image credit: อุทยานแห่งชาติสิรินาถ – Sirinat National Park via Facebook
The head of Khao Lampee-Hat Thai Mueang National Park arrived and examined the scene. The report indicated that this nest was identified as the second nest of the year. The depth of the egg hole was 70 cm, the width was 30 cm, and the size of the eggs averaged 5.30 cm.
Image credit: อุทยานแห่งชาติสิรินาถ – Sirinat National Park via Facebook
To safeguard the eggs, the authorities relocated them to hatch in the original nest, with officials keeping watch around the clock. Once the eggs have incubated for roughly 50 to 60 days and hatched, the turtles will be brought back to the sea.
Second time of discovering a leatherback sea turtle
After the first discovery on 14th February, this marks the second occasion a leatherback turtle has laid eggs on the shore. We trust that the eggs will be diligently cared for, and upon hatching, the turtles can safely return to their natural habitat.
For more news, check out a Thai cop putting on a dress to promote awareness, Tawanchai and Jo Nattawut having a rematch in June, and Pattaya Music Festival taking place throughout March.
Cover image adapted from: อุทยานแห่งชาติสิรินาถ – Sirinat National Park via Facebook