1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program

  • Home
  • Our Team
  • Get Involved
  • Newsletters
  • Contact Us
  • Resources and Activities
  • More
    • Home
    • Our Team
    • Get Involved
    • Newsletters
    • Contact Us
    • Resources and Activities
  • Home
  • Our Team
  • Get Involved
  • Newsletters
  • Contact Us
  • Resources and Activities
Turtles

Why Turtles Need to Nest on Land?

During Spring, many turtles emerge from the water to lay their eggs. Their eggs are often eaten by predators like introduced foxes. It is a great opportunity to watch them in their natural environment. Below is some great info on what they are doing and why they are doing it. Download TurtleSAT Android  iOS 

Video

Female turtles emerge from the water during the nesting season (Spring for most species in southern Australia) and walk for some distance. Most are looking for the highest point in an open area so their eggs can avoid floods and be kept warm by the afternoon sun. Once they find their spot, they will use their back legs to dig a hole about 10-20cm deep. Look at this South Western Snake Neck Turtle get into it. They are actually quite precise with their digging. Thanks to Tessa's Reptile Service

About Us

The Hole

 For the eggs to survive and have a chance of hatching, turtles must lay their eggs in soil and sand. The hole is well constructed and open. 

Eggs Breathe

 As they are developing, the embryos breathe air through a membrane in the eggs, and so they cannot survive if they are continuously covered with water.  

Finishing Up

Once the female is done, she will carefully place soil over the top of the hole and then pat it down by lifting up and thumping it with her plastron (the bottom of her shell). She will then leave and the hatchling will emerge several months later. In some species, they will remain underground for over a year. 

About Us

There is one turtles that nests underwater

 Northern long-necked turtles create their nests underwater at the end of the wet season in northern Australia. Embryonic development remains arrested until floodwaters recede in the dry season and the ground dries. Hatchling emergence presumably coincides with heavy rain or flooding at the beginning of the following wet season. 


Copyright © 2021 '1 Million Turtles' - All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Get Involved
  • Contact Us
  • Resources and Activities