Following the 4th night from hatching [1] for Johanna the turtle’s first nest at Ramla Bay, Gozo, members of the Wildlife Rescue Team Malta inspected the nest which revealed that 26 had hatched successfully.
The inspection was carried out in the presence of Nature Trust – FEE Malta officials, Nature Trust – FEE Malta – Gozo Section officials and ERA – Environment & Resources Authority officials.
The nest contained a total of 57 eggs. Out of these, 29 were not fertilised, 2 were fertilised but stopped developing, and the remaining 26 hatched successfully.
Johanna laid this nest on the 18th of June, her second on the 29th of June and then her third on the 15th of July. Next came Turtle Angela who laid her nest on the 28th of July.
Johanna’s first nest contained a total of 57 eggs. Out of these, 29 were not fertilised, 2 were fertilised but stopped developing, and the remaining 26 hatched successfully.
Although these are not the results we wish for, lack of fertilisation is something natural, and also helps us assess the health of the male turtles in our seas. From the total nest there was a 45% hatch rate. Out of the fertilised eggs, 93% hatched.
Wildlife Rescue Team Malta said that unfortunately, this phenomenon is being encountered across all countries and could be a result of either fewer males, or males not eating enough fatty food to aid in sperm production.
It added that none of this work would be possible without the over 300 volunteers between Malta and Gozo, who monitor the nests day and night.
This was the third nest to hatch on the Maltese Islands this season. There are now three nests still to hatch at Ramla Bay.
Photos: Wildlife Rescue Team Malta