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Côn Đảo is the first location to successfully implement a sea turtle conservation program. Therefore, visiting Côn Đảo from April to November each year offers a unique opportunity to witness turtles laying eggs.
Côn Đảo – The Pioneer in Sea Turtle Conservation Success
Located in the southeastern part of the East Sea, approximately 185km from Vũng Tàu, Côn Đảo National Park was established in 1993, featuring a protected forest and marine reserve. Traveling to Côn Đảo not only offers famous destinations but also serves as a paradise for sea turtles. Annually, during the peak nesting season, around 400 green and hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
Certain areas, such as Bảy Cạnh Island, Cau Island, and Tre Lớn Island, see a high number of nesting turtles. After each nesting season, approximately 150,000 hatchlings are rescued and released back into the sea. This meaningful activity plays a crucial role in conserving this rare species listed in the world’s Red Book. The conservation efforts also provide a unique experience exclusive to Côn Đảo, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Sea turtles reproduce year-round, but the peak nesting season begins in April. During this period, turtles migrate from feeding grounds to nesting areas. Mating typically occurs during migration and near nesting beaches. After mating, males return to feeding areas within 2 to 4 weeks, while females come ashore to lay eggs. Following a resting period of 11 to 13 days, they lay eggs again. On average, a female turtle nests three times, with a reproductive cycle spanning 1 to 5 years.
A Unique Experience During the Turtle Nesting Season
At Bảy Cạnh Island and Cau Island, tours are available for visitors to witness turtles laying eggs and releasing hatchlings into the sea, catering to Côn Đảo tourists. Forest rangers are also trained in tourism services to guide visitors. Since 2019, Côn Đảo National Park has invested in a camera system to significantly aid wildlife protection. However, patrols are still necessary to monitor nesting turtles, ensure the safety of egg nests, and relocate eggs to incubation facilities.
Sea turtles are highly sensitive to sound and white light, so all activities must be conducted in darkness. On average, each mother turtle lays between 80 and 120 eggs. After laying, the turtle uses its flippers to cover the nest before returning to the sea. Once the mother turtle departs, the eggs are carefully collected and moved to incubation pools. After 45-60 days, the eggs hatch, and the baby turtles are released into the ocean.
The release of hatchlings typically occurs in the morning after the sun has risen. During the release, it is crucial not to touch the baby turtles, especially their bellies, which store essential nutrients. Once released, the hatchlings must learn to survive, as larger predators await to turn them into breakfast. To experience this meaningful activity, plan your Côn Đảo trip this summer!
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnMay 22, 2024
