Helping hand for Hawksbills

QATAR | Friday, 28 June 2013 | Views [316] | View Smaller Image

Protected: A fence separates the nests from people and predators alike. Having incubated for nearly sixty days, there are subtle indications suggesting that the first nests of the season have already hatched and the turtle rangers are back to lend another helping hand. They wait until just before sunset before they start opening the first nest.

Fuwairit beach, northern Qatar: During spring, dozens of female hawksbill turtles emerge from the sea and onto this beach to lay their eggs in the sand. Now about two months later the beach, one of the most popular weekend getaways in Qatar, is at it’s busiest. Despite the masses of people, jet-skis and BBQs, the nests are fine. They have been re-located to a safe zone by a group of dedicated volunteer turtle rangers.

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The dig: Performed by Mr Ahmed Chikhi (aka “Chikhi”), businessman by day and turtle ranger by night. Because the hawksbill turtle is critically endangered, some extra measures are taken to ensure that the hatchlings reach the sea safely. This includes a controlled release, where the little ones are carefully aided through the last layer of sand and later into the sea. No turtles are dug out until the rangers are certain they have hatched and already started making their way towards the surface.

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Helping hand for Hawksbills

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