BANG SAPHAN DISTRICT, June 3, 2024: The National Parks Department has intensified its efforts to protect sea turtle nesting sites in In Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Mr. Somjet Jantana (นายสมเจตน์ จันทนา), Director of the Conservation Area Administration Office 3, Phetchaburi Branch (สำนักบริหารพื้นที่อนุรักษ์ที่ 3 สาขาเพชรบุรี), announced that patrols have been organized to monitor green sea turtle (เต่าตนุ) nesting in Ao Thian (อ่าวเทียน) and the Prachuap Port Company Limited (บ.ท่าเรือประจวบ จำกัด) area, Moo 3, Mae Ramphueng Subdistrict (หมู่ที่ 3 ต.เเม่รำพึง), Bang Saphan District (อ.บางสะพาน) since May 28, 2024.
During the patrols, which continued until 1 a.m. on June 3, a green sea turtle nest was discovered at Ao Thian, located outside the jurisdiction of Ao Siam National Park (เตรียมการ อุทยานแห่งชาติอ่าวสยาม). The turtle had distinctive marks on the rear left flipper and was found without a microchip. This turtle, previously recorded nesting in 2020, has now been implanted with a microchip number 900219001878515, marking it as the second nest of 2024.
The details of the nest include a body width of 84 cm, length of 97 cm, a nest width of 20 cm, and depth of 31 cm, located 16 meters from the sea. The flipper trail measured 95 cm, and a total of 129 eggs were found. The park officials have set up a protective enclosure and will monitor the site 24/7 to safeguard it from potential disturbances by animals and humans.
Green sea turtles (เต่าตนุ) are known to nest primarily during the warmer months, with peak nesting seasons varying by region. In Thailand, nesting typically occurs from May to September. These turtles prefer sandy beaches for laying their eggs, often returning to the same beach where they were born. Female green sea turtles can lay multiple clutches of eggs in a single season, each containing around 100 to 150 eggs. The hatchlings emerge after about two months and make their way to the ocean, guided by the moonlight. Conservation efforts, such as those in Prachuap Khiri Khan, are crucial for protecting these endangered creatures from threats like habitat disturbance and predation.
Author: TriCove.Asia
TriCove.Asia Administrator.