A total of 67 hatchlings have emerged form the eighth nest of 2024 which was in Ramla Bay in Gozo. On Wednesday [1] evening over 50 hatchlings were the first out and made their way out of the nest earlier than expected.
On Saturday, following the 3rd night from hatching, members of Wildlife Rescue Team Malta inspected the nest in the presence of Nature Trust officials and ERA officials. The nest contained a total of 76 eggs.
Out of these, 7 were not fertilised, 2 partially hatched but passed away in the process and the remaining 67 hatched successfully.
The Team said that 2 of the hatchlings are being assessed by their vet to determine whether they need additional care.
From the total nest there was an 88% hatch rate. Out of the fertilised eggs, 97% hatched, the Team said.
This nest was laid on Thursday, the 8th of August [2] with the hatching happening in the early hours of Day 49 of incubation.
Wildlife Rescue Team Malta thanked all volunteers without whom none of this would be possible, as well as the Environment and Resources Authority officials for their assistance.
Photos: Wildlife Rescue Team Malta/ERA