It has been a great end to 2014, with an early start to the turtle hatchling season. Guests are getting the opportunity to see one of natures’ marvels first hand, with the island’s environmental officer, Mr Andre Labiche, guiding the way.
The Hawksbill season started a bit earlier in 2014, when compared to the previous year. The first nesting female tracks were recorded on the 8th of October 2014 whereas for the Nov 13- February 2014 breeding season, the first tracks were recorded on the 19th of October 2013. A total of 77 adult females successfully laid eggs around Denis Private Island from the 8th of October to the 31st of November of last year.
Interestingly, the Green Turtles have also been very active during this period, with a total of 47 tracks recorded from the 1st of October to the 31st of November. This, Mr Labiche finds of great interest and worth mentioning as normally October is outside the main peak breeding season for the Green Turtles. Out of the 47 tracks recorded, 13 females successfully laid eggs around Denis Private Island. This data shows the importance of Denis Private Island as a common nesting island for the species.
The first recorded hatchlings were detected on the 11th of December 2014 at Belle Etoile beach, which is located on north Eastern side of the island, and renowned as a great snorkeling site. These eggs, which had been laid 2 months prior, were successfully released into the sea by Mr Labiche and some very lucky guests.
Being at the peak period for hatchlings, there will be many more of them to see in the coming weeks.
For more details on diving on Alphonse or to hold space please contact Charlotte Chilcott or call us on 01980 847389.