Turtle eggs ‘safe’ after rainstorms
Water from the storms passed near the nest. Photo: Christopher Borg
The Ġnejna turtle eggs seem to have been untouched by the torrential rains earlier this week, which left the island strewn with uprooted trees and battered cars.
Tuesday morning saw hundreds of people clearing debris, and many wondered whether the same heavy waters had whisked away the fragile eggs.
Concern increased when pictures of Ġnejna Bay taken after the storm went viral.
Water flowing down the valley onto the sand seemed to have created a furrow right where the eggs were located.
But not all hope is lost. Nature Trust president Vince Attard said this channel formed two to three metres away from the 79 eggs, which the loggerhead turtle originally laid some two metres from the water’s edge on June 20.
The nest, which became a major attraction, was relocated because the eggs were too close to the sea and risked being washed away if the water became rough.
Eleven weeks later, the eggs were at risk again from the storms, but Mr Attard told The Times that “first indications show the nest is intact”.
This was confirmed by a planning authority spokesperson, who added that the only way to be 100 per cent sure was to dig it up – which cannot be done before the protection period stipulated by Mepa is up.
The eggs’ future will be decided after tomorrow, 79 days after the turtle arrived on the bay.
Ġnejna and Golden Bay were popular nesting sites for turtles in the past.
The last recorded nesting was in 1960 in Golden Bay but in that case the mother was killed and the eggs were stolen.
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10 Comments
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Mario Camilleri
Sep 7th 2012, 13:31
What amazes me is that we humans especially MEPA and the experts know much more than the turtles themselves whom have been doing this for millions of years.
Mr Ernest Vella
Sep 6th 2012, 23:08
Nittama li ma nibqghux bil-bajd tal-frieken fir-ramel, ghax xi hadd mar iccaqlaqhom min fejn halliethom ommhom donnu ghax jifhem iktar mill-hallieq!!!
Mr Stephen Camilleri
Sep 6th 2012, 19:22
I think we all should give credit to the organisation for doing its utmost for these eggs to hatch. If they had to air these hatchlings live on TV crawling their way to base, it would surely be a national sensation.
Ivan Falzon
Sep 6th 2012, 17:12
Not all hope is lost.
Well 'til tomorrow anyway, when the eggs' future will be decided.
Peter Pace O'Shea
Sep 6th 2012, 12:22
All this, to protect the unborn turtles and is to be commended. In practically all the EU members states and other so called civilised countries, laws are passed to kill the unborn child in the mother's womb. 'Excuse them for they know not what they are doing' - we all know who, dying expressed this wish.
Michael Schembri
Sep 7th 2012, 06:25
If there was a like button I would hit it.
Victor Rodenas
Sep 6th 2012, 12:16
Turtle`s eggs shells are quite strong but I suggest that if another turtle lays its eggs in Malta and the eggs have to be relocated, some clean sand be brought to cover the nest.
R Mallia
Sep 6th 2012, 09:27
if the eggs weren't removed while the turtle is laying them than they won't hatch. If the turtle buried and covered the eggs and then they were dug and gotten out, there is a big chance of them not hatching. They are very sensitive.
vincent Lia
Sep 6th 2012, 11:45
When the eggs were dug out no attempt was make to protect them from cooling down with the sea breeze. If the eggs were to hacth they would have done so during full moon, give or take a couple of days so that when they hatch they can see the shimmering horizon with the moonlight.
E. Cuschieri
Sep 6th 2012, 11:45
Your comment is 100% inaccurate! If they're moved by someone who knows how it's the same as a turtle laying them. Breeders do it all the time. The eggs would've been lost a long time ago if they had been left where they were. Do some reasearch before you comment eg. look up Malaysia turtle program as a starter or check out breeding turtles on youtube.
Please choose the reason of your report below: