Island Hikers

Turtle Watching In Matura .................Sat 7thMay'11
 

The Matura Beach  six miles in length  is a favorite nesting ground for the Leather Back Turtles. Turtles mate every two to three years and the nesting season is between February and August. A Turtle can lay as many as 70 fertile eggs and 40 infertile small eggs .During a nesting period the turtle falls in a trance this is when she is most vulnerable to predators.The nesting process takes an average of two hours  and a female can nest as much as seven times in one season with intervals of  9 days apart.The incubation period for the eggs are 60 to 70 days and the sex of the hatchlings is determine by the temperature of the sand. The turtle main diet is Jelly Fish and a turtle can stay as long as one hour submerged under the water with out surfacing for oxygen.   
As a precaution never shine a torch light directly at a nesting turtle face this will scare the turtle and stop the nesting process.While a turtle is digging its nest it is best to remain silent ,keep all lights to a minimum and stay behind the turtle.Torch lights should have a red filter over it’s face  .The trained tour guide will tell you when the  laying process has began by approaching the turtle cautiously from behind.If all seems well he will then permit you to view the eggs.
Praises to Nature Seekers of Matura who act as tour guides and patrol the beach protecting the Leather Back Turtles and their hatchlings .Unfortunately many of them get trapped in fisherman nets and drown.(as seen in picture) .
 
Assembly 6.00pm Eric Williams Medical Complex Mt Hope
 
Please call to register and book transport
 
Cost for tour and to acquire permits $50.00
 
optional Maxi taxi transport provided $70.00 additional 
 
For details contact Mario 749-2956 or islandhikers.com