Field Notes (2): Tuesday, 29 July 1pm, Little Turtle Love Bay

Head of Found Deceased Hawksbill Turtle

Location: Little Turtle Love Bay

Date: 29 July, 2015

Time: 1:35 pm

Species: Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), female

Circumstances: A deceased hawksbill turtle was found in a dried-out wetland area, approximately 175 feet from the water's edge. The turtle appeared to have crawled into the wetland to nest but became disoriented or exhausted and ultimately succumbed to dehydration in the scorching sun.

Observations:

• The turtle's carapace length was approximately 120 cm.

• The turtle died with eggs still inside her, indicating that she had not successfully laid her clutch.

• The area where the turtle was found is characterized as a dried-out (seasonal) wetland, which may have contributed to her disorientation and dehydration.

Potential Causes:

• Disorientation due to environmental factors or nesting instincts

• Exhaustion from inability to get out of the steep bank of dried up wetland bed

• Dehydration due to exposure to scorching sun and lack of access to water

  
  

Recommendations:

• Further investigation into the causes of this incident may be necessary to inform conservation efforts.

• Measures to protect nesting sites and reduce human impact on turtle habitats may be warranted.

• Local communities and stakeholders should be educated about the importance of turtle conservation and the potential threats to these animals.

VNW

for Fish 'N Fins Inc.