TurtleCare volunteers worked tirelessly to safeguard the future of endangered baby turtles during the recent severe weather.
Wildlife Conservation Team Leader Kate Hofmeister said their quick action and commitment ensured many nests were relocated to safer areas, giving hatchlings a better chance of survival.
“With the ex-Tropical Cyclone sitting off the Sunshine Coast, dedicated volunteers worked quickly to assess the vulnerability of the 50 nests yet to emerge from the 124 clutches laid this season.
“Volunteers successfully relocated 31 nests, moving 4,000 eggs to safer, higher locations in the dunes.
“Unfortunately, one nest on Bribie Island National Park was lost due to erosion,’’ Mrs Hofmeister said.
“Extreme weather conditions, such as extended periods of rainfall, waves overtopping or submerging the clutch, and dune erosion, pose significant threats to developing eggs,” she said.
Their proactive measures ensured the nests were not at risk and significantly minimised the effects on the remaining turtle nests.
“TurtleCare’s primary objective is to leave nests in their natural state, however, this is not always feasible when nests are threatened by severe weather,” Mrs Hofmeister said.
“Thanks to the incredible dedication and hard work of our volunteers, there are now just over 30 nests left to emerge for the rest of the season.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Report turtle tracks, new nests and emerging hatchlings to the Turtle Care hotline or Coolum and North Shore Coast Care.
For sightings on the southern end of the coast call 0437 559 067 and for sightings from Maroochydore north call Coolum and North Shore Coast Care on 0478 435 377.
Switch off your outside lights from 8pm as light pollution is disorientating for turtles and hatchlings.
Make sure you take your rubbish with you from the beach, so the turtles have a clean environment to lay their eggs in.
