Global warming is already having a huge impact on our turtle populations, as the temperature during their incubation directly influences the sex of an individual. This has long been an area of concern, with average global temperatures predicted to continue to increase, leading to female-only offspring, also known as ‘feminisation’.
During this trip, the team conducted drone flights to survey the sex ratio of turtles in the area. While the final numbers aren’t in yet, preliminary results suggest that turtle hatchlings in the area may already be experiencing feminisation.
Sadly, this comes as no surprise, as earlier ecological reporting up north suggests that, at times, the sand is so hot that the turtle eggs are cooking!
Your turtle adoption is supporting important mitigation strategies to help ensure turtle populations stay resilient.
WWF-Australia and partners have started ambitious, innovative work to improve the chances of baby turtles’ hatching and reducing the impact of a warming climate. For example, they recently trialled the positioning of cages directly over a nest (see image on the right) in the hopes this will both protect eggs from predators and cool the sands.
The team is now working on several scientific reports focusing on the hard science behind this, which will be available in inclusive language to make this information as accessible as possible. These are due for publication later this year, so stay tuned!
Overall, this is very inspiring work, only made possible by your invaluable support.