Vulnerable turtles sighted on North Coast shores
Residents who live near nesting areas are encouraged to turn off external sea-facing lights for the next 60-70 days as hatchlings may be confused and head for the lights.
Local photographer Ralph Schröder recently stumbled upon the rare sight of a Loggerhead turtle nesting at a local beach.
An uncommon sight so close to Ballito, all nests’ exact locations are a closely guarded secret owing to the risk of poaching.
The Loggerhead turtles’ nesting season runs between October and March.
They usually nest at night, coming out of the water between 10pm and 12 am.
In the past, regular nesting sites have been noted at Nonoti and Zinkwazi, and between Chakas Rock and Tinley Manor.
Residents who live near nesting areas are encouraged to turn off external sea-facing lights for the next 60-70 days as hatchlings may be confused and head for the lights.
The Loggerhead sea turtle is considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Turtle nestings or hatchlings should be reported to KZN Wildlife or one of the stranding network partners to document and monitor the nest.
Over the nesting season females produce an average of 3.9 egg clutches, at intervals of 12–17 days and then become quiescent, producing no eggs for two to three years.
They always return to, or near, the beach where they hatched.
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