Bustling sea turtle nesting season in Con Dao

Every year when June and July draw near, the beautiful island of Con Dao, southern Vietnam turns more frenzy than ever with the birth of thousands of rare individuals of sea turtles.
July 10, 2020 | 16:57
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A lot of people come to witness the baby turtle crawling to the sea
A lot of people come to witness the baby turtle crawling to the sea (Photo: Thanh Nien)

In Con Dao island, sea turtles often find their ways ashore during nesting season. Islets such as Bay Canh, Cau, Tre, Tai Lon, especially Bay islet are familiar places female turtles turn to lay their eggs.

Huynh Van Hung, an official from the Department of Culture and Information of Con Dao told Thanh Nien that every night, female turtles would choose a sandy spot in Ca Lon beach, Bay Canh islet to dig a nest measuring around 50-60 cm deep, 20 cm wide and start laying eggs.

Two cute baby turtles heading to the sea
Two cute baby turtles heading to the sea (Photo: Thanh Nien)

The newly-born turtle will then released to the sea and start their life-long journey in the wild. Each nest houses around 80 eggs, sometimes up to 200 eggs. Once done laying, the female turtles will head their way back to the sea. Forest rangers will then take those eggs from the nest to the hatching area for better protection. Normally, the eggs will hatch after around 45-60 days incubated.

It’s best to release the young turtle at dawn when the sun is not yet too bright. Baby turtles are put into a basket, brought to the sea before being returned to their natural habitat. Once out, the baby turtles will follow their instinct, crawl their way towards the vast blue sea, and start an independent life.

Bustling sea turtle nesting season in Con Dao
(Photo: Thanh Nien)
Bustling sea turtle nesting season in Con Dao
(Photo: Thanh Nien)
The baby turtles are put into a basket and brought to the sea before being released
The baby turtles are put into a basket and brought to the sea before being released (Photo: Thanh Nien)
The crowd makes it's more frenzy in the area
The crowd makes it's more frenzy in the area (Photo: Thanh Nien)
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