‘Human chain’ saves turtle hatchlings
WORKERS involved in restoring the water connection between Turkey and North Cyprus formed a “human chain” to protect turtle hatchlings being eaten alive by birds.
The incident occured recently on Karşıyaka’s Güzelyalı Beach, where female turtles have created dozens of nests this year.
The contractors working on behalf of Turkey’s State Hydraulic Works General Directorate (DSİ) alerted the Karşıyaka Turtle Watch (KTW) and protected the hatchlings until KTW volunteers arrived.
KTW deputy chair Carole Hodge told CyprusToday: “The KTW team, [which had been] due to walk Güzelyalı Beach [that] morning, were alerted by the DSİ workers that a nest had ‘popped’ earlier and about 40 hatchlings were making their way to the sea.
“The workmen, from Kuala Lumpur, were aware that they were in danger walking in daylight, and escorted the green turtle hatchlings to the sea to keep them safe from birds who like to eat baby turtles.
“When the KTW team arrived and excavated the nest, they discovered 64 empty shells inside the nest, from the hatchlings that had made their way to the sea, 21 live turtles and 19 eggs that hatched later. A very good result and thanks to the DSİ workers for their prompt action.”
The KTW also shared details of the incident on their Facebook page: “Not only are these workers fixing the water pipeline, they are also being extremely cautious whilst carrying out the work by ensuring the safety of the turtles and protected nests at all times.
“They called [KTW] to say that they had stopped work in order to prevent baby turtles from being pre
dated by birds.
“Our patrol team arrived on the scene as soon as they could after receiving the call this morning to see the DSİ workers and contractors . . . standing in a human chain, guarding the hatchlings from hungry birds.
“These guys saved a lot of baby [turtles] from being eaten and luckily the baby turtles are now swimming in the Mediterranean Sea on their lifelong adventures.
“KTW volunteers then ensured the remaining hatchlings in the nest made it to sea safely to join the rest of their flippered family!”