Turtles
Cape Domett turtles hatch more males
Scientists says more male flat back turtles are hatching from nests at Cape Domett.
Turtle tracks
Sex in turtles is determined by sand temperature, and Cape Domett turtles hatch in winter, where increased rainfall is making the sands cooler.
Meanwhile, hotter summers are making beaches in places like Broome hotter, and more females are hatching.
It is hoped the boost in male numbers at Cape Domett will help make up the sex imbalance when they are old enough to mate in several decades’ time.
Science Network WA [read this story]
Hedland: Turtle monitoring continues
The environmental group Caring for Hedland has been monitoring nesting turtles for 10 years.
Turtle tracks
The program operates from October to March at Cemetery Beach and Pretty Pool.
Science Network [read this story]
Eighty Mile Beach: Turtles nesting
Many turtles are attempting to lay eggs at Eighty Mile Beach, but returning to the water without nesting.
Turtle tracks
Wildlife officers are asking the public not to disturb the turtles as they attempt to lay.
WAToday [read this story]
Cable Beach: Turtle nursed to health and released
A flatback turtle found near Fremantle has been released at Cable Beach.
Turtle on Cable Beach
The juvenile turtle, which was in poor health, has been rehabilitated at the WA Aquarium.
It has been fitted with a satellite tracking device.
news.com.au [read this story]
Turtles may nest further south
A new study shows climate change may cause sea turtles to start nesting further south.
While turtles prefer to lay eggs close to where they hatched, cyclones sometimes force them to use an alternative beach.
Global warming may then result in sands warm enough to incubate their eggs in new rookeries.
Dirk Hartog Island is the southernmost rookery for loggerhead turtles.
Science Network [read this story]
Perth: Sea turtles appear on beaches
Small sea turtles are washing up on beaches in Perth and the South West.
Photo courtesy Rod Hartvigsen
This includes approximately 10 loggerhead and two greenback turtles found in the past two months.
They are believed to have become tired by tropical storms, and then caught by the strong Leewin Current.
WA Today [read this story]
Cable Beach: Driving restrictions to protect turtles
Cable Beach will be partly closed to vehicles for the next four months.
Photo courtesy Rod Hartvigsen
Cars will be banned between 8pm and 6am, and for two hours before and after high tides.
The shire enforces these measures to protect turtle nests and hatching baby turtles.
A newly-hatched turtle trapped in a wheel-rut on Cable Beach
You can read a shire media release here:
Eighty Mile Beach: Indigenous rangers key to marine park
Karajarri Rangers have played a key role in setting up the new Eighty Mile Beach marine park.
Turtle tracks
They have also been actively involved in the DEC’s marine turtle monitoring program.
The government is now negotiating with the group to contract out part of the new park’s management.
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