Rare inexperienced turtle nest noticed in Abu Dhabi

A nest of inexperienced turtles has been noticed for the primary time in Abu Dhabi.

It was found in Al Dhafra area throughout the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) annual turtle survey.

Although inexperienced turtles are discovered extensively in Abu Dhabi’s waters, nesting exercise has by no means been reported earlier than.

“During one of our nocturnal turtle surveys conducted this year, we spotted a green sea turtle nesting at one of our core Hawksbill turtle nest locations,” mentioned Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD.

“The island where the nest was seen is characterised by multiple, small pocket beaches separated by rocky outcrops – a contrast to Oman’s long and wide beaches where green sea turtles nest in abundance, which is why this is an unexpected sighting,” he added.

.@EADTweets has recorded the primary inexperienced turtle nest in Abu Dhabi. Located in Al Dhafra Region, the nest was found throughout the marine evaluation and conservation programme’s annual turtle survey. pic.twitter.com/hnahpHMGuM

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) February 19, 2024

There are seven marine turtle species discovered worldwide, 4 of which will be noticed in Abu Dhabi’s waters, with a inhabitants of greater than 6,000 people – two of which, the Hawksbill and Green Turtle – are predominantly discovered right here, with two different species – the Loggerhead turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle – thought of occasional guests.

In Abu Dhabi, most Hawksbill and Green turtles have been noticed within the waters of Al Dhafra Region between the islands of Abu Al Abyadh and Bu Tinah, in addition to within the waters bordering the islands of Al Yasat and Muhayimat.

These areas provide intensive seagrass beds, marine algae and coral reef habitats.

Nesting takes place between mid-March to mid-June, and often, greater than 200 nests are reported throughout the nesting season.

Hatching happens between mid-June to early August. Females are fairly selective with regards to selecting their nest website and have usually been noticed rising onto a seashore for a number of consecutive nights earlier than discovering a perfect spot with gentle sand, secluded from human exercise.