Chile

 

 

This week's baby animal is dedicated to my baby sister, Abby. I've been missing her more than normal lately and the sea turtle has always been her favorite animal.

 

Eastern Pacific Green Turtles, are often found in the coastal waters of Chile. They grow to be nearly 700 pounds and can be up to 5 feet in length. However, in order for the turtles to grow to their full potential, they must overcome many obstacles.

 

Mating takes place every two to four years. Females leave the sea to nest and usually choose the same beach their mothers used to lay her eggs. The lay 100 to 200 eggs in a pit they dig with their flippers, fill it up and go back to sea. After about two months, the eggs hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the baby turtles' long, dangerous journey to the water begins. Predators like crabs and sea gulls are always on the look out during this short time.

 

 

 

Hatchling Fun Facts:

• The developing hatchlings do not have sex chromosomes so their gender is determined by the temperature within the nest. Average temperatures (83-85 degrees) produce an even amount of male and female turtles, warmer temperatures produce females and colder temperatures produce males.
• Artificial beachfront lighting can be a major problem because it attracts these tiny creatures inland away from the water.
• Once out of the nest, hatchlings face many predators including ghost crabs, birds, raccoons, dogs, and fish.
• It's estimated that only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to sexual maturity (adulthood). 

 

These little guy are warriors. Watch them in action!