China’s Yongxing Island in the South China Sea has witnessed the return of green sea turtles -- a protected species absent for nearly a decade -- after conservationists discovered four nesting sites of the rare marine animals.
Local conservationists said the earliest nesting site was built in mid June.
"We've now identified four turtle egg nests. The earliest batch of eggs was laid on June 13. The incubation period typically lasts 45 to 50 days," said Zhong Jiangtao, a patrol officer of Binhai Community in Xisha District, Sansha City.
To protect the turtle eggs, the conservationists have cordoned off the nesting areas with warning lines and signs to prevent accidental trampling. Meanwhile, they've intensified patrols around the nesting sites and used monitoring equipment to keep track of sea turtles coming ashore and their hatching progress.
"Sea turtles are quite picky in choosing nesting environments. We clean up the beach and remove marine debris almost daily, which will help attract sea turtles. We hope these conservation efforts will lead to an increase of nesting sea turtles on the Yongxing Island." said Feng Ming, a local community worker.
After a ten-year hiatus, the sands of Yongxing Island once again bear the tracks of nesting green sea turtles. And early last month, Zhaoshu Island, another island of the Xisha Islands, reported surge in turtle breeding activity, signaling measurable habitat expansion for green sea turtles across the big island groups.
"We haven't recorded any turtle nesting on Yongxing Island for nearly a decade. These green sea turtles' return proves our island's ecological conditions are improving," said Yu Yangfei, a staff member at the marine reserve management bureau of Sansha City.
There are seven extant species of sea turtles in the world, five of which have been found in Chinese waters.
The Xisha Islands constitute China's largest green sea turtle nesting ground. Data from this country's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shows annually growing numbers of nesting green sea turtles.
As of July 6 this year, 81 sea turtle nests have been found in monitored areas of the Xisha waters - 30 more than the same period last year.
South China Sea island welcomes back nesting sea turtle after decade-long disappearance
