The Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) and Nature Trust Malta (NTM) are thrilled to announced the confirmation of the eighth loggerhead turtle nest of 2024 at Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo. The nest was discovered in the early hours of this morning, marking a significant moment in this year’s nesting season.
Remarkably, this nest was laid by the same turtle that previously laid the sixth nest of the season. After the turtle safely laid its eggs, ERA officers promptly arrived on site to ensure the nest was protected.
The public is reminded to avoid any interaction with turtles during nesting attempts, as noise and light can disturb the turtles, potentially causing them to abandon their nesting efforts. Any sightings of turtle activity should be reported immediately to ERA or NTM.
The loggerhead turtle, known in Maltese as il-fekruna l-komuni (Caretta caretta), is a globally endangered species protected by national and international laws. Capturing, disturbing, or harming these turtles or their eggs is illegal and can result in significant fines. The nesting site at Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra is also a protected area under Maltese and EU legislation.
To report turtle activity, contact ERA at 2292 3500 or NTM at 9999 9505. For volunteering opportunities, reach out to NTM at [email protected].
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