Today we are diving into the fascinating world of sea turtles! As Africa is our area of speciality, the warm Indian Ocean that borders the East Coast of Africa is our playground.
Species of Sea Turtles
There are seven species of marine turtles: Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Flatback, and Kemp’s Ridley. Of these, five can be found off the East Coast of Africa. The Leatherback turtle is the largest species, weighing up to 900 kg (2000 lb), while the smallest in this region is the Hawksbill, typically weighing around 45-50 kg (100-150 lb).
The Magnificent Migration
Many marine turtles undertake long migrations, traveling thousands of miles between feeding and nesting sites, returning year after year to the very same site where they once hatched. This magnificent journey is a sight to behold, especially when the massive Leatherback females make their way ashore to lay their eggs. Why not plan your Zululand Diving & Wildlife Safari during this period? Sodwana Bay in South Africa is one of the few places in the world where you can witness this event. Egg laying begins in November, and Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles come ashore here until the end of January. According to Wikipedia, ‘recent estimates of global nesting populations indicate that 26,000 to 43,000 Leatherback females nest annually, a dramatic decline from the 115,000 estimated in 1980.’
The Hatching Process
The sex of turtle hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the sand where the eggs are laid. Warmer temperatures tend to produce more females, while cooler temperatures produce more males. In Sodwana Bay, the turtles begin hatching at the end of January, and the babies can be seen from then until April.
Threats to Survival
Very few turtles reach maturity, as they face numerous threats including habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and particularly fishing bycatch. However, of those that do, many can live for several decades, with some species reaching ages of 50 years or more in the wild.
The Importance of Sea Turtles
These remarkable animals play a crucial role in our marine ecosystems and are fantastic to encounter on a scuba dive. They are vital indicators of ocean health, so finding so many of these turtle species along the African East Coast is truly wonderful.
With their unique life cycles and ecological significance, sea turtles are truly treasures of the ocean.
