Chennai: As the world celebrates World turtles Day, some rare species of endangered sea turtles have been sent to the sea by The Mannar Gulf Biosphere Reserve Forest officers.
From Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari more than 10,500 sq km area has been announced as Mannar Gulf Marine Biosphere Archive by the Central govt in 1989.
Among the seven kinds of sea turtles in the world, five are living in the Mannar Gulf Biosphere Reserve. Turtles like Big-headed turtle and Green turtles are seen here. Some turtles eat the algae, seaweeds, and crabs in the sea. Some turtles go deep into the sea to eat jellyfish which are a threat to fishermen.
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These sea turtles often lay eggs on the seashore. Once the egg hatches, the baby turtle would go to the sea. During their breeding season, the turtles would come to the shore, lay eggs by digging a pit in the shore. The egg-laying process happens during the night. In the morning, the turtles would return to the sea.
To save the eggs, the Mannar Gulf Biosphere Reserve Forest officers would gather the eggs. They would wait until the egg hatches and after the process is completed, the newborn turtles will make their way to the sea. As today is World Turtles Safety Day, the Forest officers took an oath to protect the turtles by making the seashore plastic-free.
