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It’s nesting time for sea turtles, wildlife officials ensure safe haven
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By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
Once again, sea turtles have started to surface on the northwestern shores of Sri Lanka for nesting.
As large numbers come ashore at night, the officials of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and security forces personnel are doing their best to ensure a safe environment for these nesting turtles.
Sea turtles, which have been inhabiting the oceans for millions of years, are now a critically endangered species. Out of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide, five can be found close to the shores of Sri Lanka. The are; the Loggerhead Turtle (Olugedi kesbewa), Green Turtle (Gal/Weli kesbewa), Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dara kesbewa), Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Battu kesbewa), and Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Pothu/Leli Kesbewa).
The DWC says that apart from the Hawksbill sea turtle, the other four species can be sighted in the northwestern seas, and of them, the most frequently sighted are Olive Ridley sea turtles.
These turtles can be seen mostly in areas such as Ilanthadia, Alankudawa, Ethathala Thalawila, Kandakuliya, and Kalpitiya.
Wildlife officials said during this nesting period they protect the turtle nests on the beach as well as remove eggs from nests if they feel the nest is unsafe, and hatch them in a safe area.
Eranda Gamage of the Puttalam District Wildlife Department said that they pay special attention to providing safety to female turtles as well as the nests.
He said they focus mainly on the beach areas in Ilanthadiya and Kalpitiya, where the reptiles lay their eggs.
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