Turtle nests under threat

Turtle hatchlings face many threats to their survival, even before they emerge from a nest. Increasing sea levels can shrink nesting beaches and may wash away turtle eggs close to the waterline. Increasing temperatures can skew sex ratios – leading to lower genetic diversity in adult populations – or kill turtles before they hatch.

Relocation can potentially reduce risks to turtle nests. However, moving a nest can also change conditions like sand moisture, temperature, vegetation, and nest depth, with unknown effects on the success and health of hatchlings after they leave the nest.

Effective conservation needs to maintain both the quantity of eggs that hatch and the quality of those hatchlings to give turtles the best chance of becoming healthy adults.

Measuring hatchling health

We are conducting relocation trials of 40 loggerhead turtle nests at Mon Repos Conservation Park near Bundaberg, measuring the effects of different relocation techniques on hatchling health.

Along with an unchanged control group, we will use three common relocation techniques for eggs:

• Predator exclusion cages – used to reduce risk from predators such as foxes and pigs.

• Higher ground – used to reduce risk of being flooded or washed away.

• Shaded hatchery – used to reduce temperatures.

For 20 hatchlings from each clutch, we will assess:

• Energetics – by measuring crawling speed, self-righting ability (how quickly a hatchling can flip over after being placed on its back), and swimming speed.

• Health – by measuring weight and size and identifying any mutations.

Guiding conservation of Queensland’s turtles

This project will identify how turtle egg relocation strategies can improve hatchling quantity without sacrificing quality, increasing the chances of turtles surviving and thriving after leaving the nest. We will use our findings to create updated conservation protocols for turtle monitoring and conservation programs across Queensland to support resilient and sustainable turtle populations.

These trials are a valuable first step, but more work still needs to be done. Additional funding is needed to work directly with communities to improve local conservation programs. Local data can be used to develop tailored approaches – and provide insights into different risks to turtle nests and hatchlings across our region.

Project details

This project is led by Dr Caitlin Smith in partnership with researchers from Griffith University. The project is funded by Sea World Foundation.

Photography by Styledia.