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Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Nesting Protection Program in Kuta, Bali
While strolling along the beach in Kuta, Bali, I noticed a huge Sea Turtle statue. Coming closer I saw a large fenced in area with many signs inside. This was the location of the Bali Sea Turtle Society.
They have a large number of volunteer rangers that patrol the beach while the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles come in to lay their eggs. Once the eggs are safely buried and the turtle is on its way back to the Sea, they take measurements and tag the turtle, so that they can check how often it returns in following years. Afterwards they take the eggs and bring it to a safe location in or next to the huge Turtle pictured above. Their they have people guarding the location 24/7 to ensure that the eggs aren't stolen or eaten by natural predators.
Once the eggs hatch, they release the baby turtles back into the Sea. This is done as an event, where tourists can take a turtle in a small plastic bin, bring it closer to the shore and then all are released together. This is for one good for the turtles, because due to the large number of people, the birds, the natural predators at this stage, stay away. In addition it is good for public relations reasons, helping to spread the word that the turtles need protection.
One baby turtle on its way to the Sea
Some turtles are quicker than others
There they go! Even though only a few of them will survive, they at least stand a chance to grow up.
More information about this project can be found here.Labels: pictures, preservation, traveling, turtles, vacation
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