Nesting site and hatching of the Hawksbill turtle along Thirunelveli coast of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Mapping of the nesting sites of turtles along south Tamil Nadu Coast including the islands of Gulf of Mannar was undertaken. In pursuance of this study, every year during the nesting season in this area, from September to early February periodically walking trips in the night hours were made along the coast, backed by the knowledge accumulated over the past by the local fishermen. It is believed that heavy jolting of eggs during transport, clayey soil of the pit where they were buried and sprinkling of water on eggs must have had some effect on the hatching, rate of the eggs.