A study on hatching success and green turtle (chelonia mydas) eggs mortality at Cherating Beach, Pahang

Abstract

Hatching success was calculated as the percentage of the total eggs in a clutch that which hatched (Rees et al., 2004). A study of hatching success and green turtle eggs mortality was done at Cherating Turtle Sanctuary Centre, Pahang from 13 th October 2006 51 to 21 December 2006. This study was carried out at the hatchery. Objectives of this study were to determine the hatch success and hatch failure of relocated nests and to examine nest predations and problems encountered by relocating eggs to the hatchery. A total of 31 nests were excavated in this study. Average of hatching success for the hatchery study is 93%, while the percentage of hatch failure is 7%. The eggs mortality mainly caused by the nest predators which are from ants and termites, about 5% and undeveloped eggs about 2%, where the egg contained no sign of an embryo. Problems occurred during transferring nest where when carrying the bucket to the hatchery, take care not to rotate it, as quick rotation may kill the eggs. Besides, it is preferable to move the eggs within 2 hours of laying in order to avoid the disorientation during the replanted process. Special care is needed when handling eggs that are more than 2 hours old. The delicate embryonic membranes and blood vessels of older eggs are easily torn if the eggs are rotated or jarred. Dislodgement of the embryo results in death.