Rare Sea Turtle Nests Found At Thailand’s Beaches During Lockdown

Many leatherback nests found

Rare Sea Turtles Nest

Image adapted from: Sea Turtle Status and Chiang Rai Times

In light of COVID-19 in Thailand, the government decided to bar people from entering beaches in an attempt to curb the infections.

As beaches in Phuket and Phang Nga became deserted, environmentalists discovered 11 leatherback sea turtle nests in the areas. It is the highest number of nests in the country in 2 decades, reported Reuters.

According to National Geographic, Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtles on earth and considered a vulnerable species worldwide.

More leatherbacks caught laying eggs

leatherbacks lay eggs

Image credit: Chiang Rai Times

Since January, many leatherbacks have been spotted laying eggs at beaches in the south of Thailand.

Thai authorities have proceeded to relocate them to a nursery, to protect them from thieves, before releasing the baby turtles to the sea once the eggs hatch.

baby leatherbacks thailand

Newly-hatched leatherback turtles at a beach in Phanga Nga
Image credit: Bangkok Post

In Thailand, leatherbacks are protected by the Wildlife Protection Act as they’re deemed to be an endangered species. Illegal possession of its eggs may lead to 3 to15 years in prison and/or ฿1 million fine.