Local authorities in Singapore have released 119 critically endangered Hawksbill turtle hatchlings at Sisters’ Island Marine Park Turtle Hatchery last Sunday.
While sharing the good news on the release of the hatchlings, the country’s Minister for National Development Desmond Lee wrote on Facebook: “I hope these baby turtles will grow and return to our shores soon.”
The tropical nation is usually visited by mother turtles during the nesting season every year between the months of June and September. The eggs subsequently hatch after about two months, although only a handful from each clutch of 100 to 150 eggs survive until adulthood.
According to the National Parks board’s website, the threats that hawksbill turtles face are marine pollution, loss of habitats for nesting, and getting caught in fishing nets.
In addition, poachers hunt the sea creatures for their shell, which is sometimes used to make jewelry or their eggs. In some cases, turtle hatchlings are sold illegally to be kept as pets in aquariums.
National Parks also relocated turtle eggs from places with high human traffic and light pollution to the nation’s hatchery located in the protected marine park.
The Animal Reader is an animal news organization. We need your support to create news stories where animals are the focus. Big or small, it would mean a lot if you could sponsor us.