‘Tortuguitas’ Olive Ridley Hatchlings

Just when you thought the magic was over, the beach again is filled with life.

Hatchlings with their eyes barely opened peep their heads out of the sand. As if in deep sleep the turtles wiggle their way through the sand to reach the surface. It’s been estimated that approximately 10 hatchlings are required for a successful emergence out of the sand.

One of the most fascinating aspects of sea turtles is the temperature dependent sex determination. Olive ridley turtles in Costa Rica are found to produce 100% males at 27.0˚C and 100% females at 32.0˚C. The pivotal temperature that produces 50:50 ratio of male to female hatchlings is at 30.5˚C.

Source: Sea Turtles, James R. Spotila