Turtle power: Endangered species fights to survive

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
  • 325th Fighter Wing public affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  They break through their shell and the white sand immediately surrounds
them.

Their small flippers flap against each other and the gritty surroundings as they fight to reach the surface.

They have a one mission that echoes through their entire body. Get to the water and swim out to sea!

Shortly following this process of their birth, many of these baby sea turtles will not reach their salty destination and the ones that do, may not live long enough to return to the sandy beaches where they were born.

"Out of every 1,000 eggs that are laid, maybe one turtle may make it to adulthood," said Dr. Jack Mobley, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron Natural Resources wildlife biologist.

Why do these turtles have it so tough?

Part of the reason is nature, but the other is humans.

There is not much that Natural Resources can do about nature taking its course, but they try to limit the effects humans have on the hatching process.

From mid-May until the beginning of October, sea turtles like the loggerback and the occasional leatherback or green sea turtle, will come onto Tyndall's beaches to lay their eggs. Each season is different, but the natural resources team stays persistent in checking the 17.7 miles of beach every day of the season and spot checking for early clutches (nests) prior to the season starting, said Mr. Mobley.

"We go out and look for turtle tracks and nests early each morning and make sure the nests are safe," said Donald Jenkins, Natural Resources conservation officer.

"We expect 50 - 70 clutches each season, but we have had as many as 99 in the past," said Dr. Mobley.

This year has been off to a slow start, with 18 clutches so far, but that doesn't necessarily mean there will be less than the average clutches this year. The season is very rough to predict, he explains.

Even the incubation period for the egg is hard to predict.

"Most hatch 60 days after they are laid, but warmer weather could make them develop quicker," said Dr. Mobley. "Ours averages a little longer at 62-63 days."

Natural resources will check the clutches after the eruption of turtles hatch and assist any of the turtles that were unable to get out of the nest.

But even in the incubation period buried under the sand, many threats oppose them.

Predators, like coyotes, love to eat the eggs before they hatch, tides may wash away a nest that is too close to the water, people may damage the nests and eggs by stepping on them or disturbing the eggs.

To help lessen the dangers, Natural Resources will move nests, if needed, further away from the water and put a screen over the nest to keep the predators and people out of the nest.

When the turtles do hatch, they can get out of the screen and head towards their home by light of the moon, but it is very easy for the turtle to get confused by other bright lights coming from inland.

To help in this matter, Natural Resources will limit the amount of light near the beach by changing the lights, shielding them, or removing them if able.

"Anything we can do to increase their chance of survival while on the beach, we do," said Dr. Mobley. Persons visiting the Tyndall beach can also help the livelihood of these small creatures.

"If you come across what you think is a track, stay away from it, and contact Natural Resources" said Mr. Jenkins. "Also, contact us immediately if you come across a turtle that is injured or dead."

For more information or to make a report, contact Natural Resources at 283-2641.