Few things are more fascinating than having the opportunity to witness the wonders of sea turtle nesting in Equatorial Guinea, during their nesting season. With its pristine beaches and rich biodiversity, Equatorial Guinea has become a favorite nesting spot for turtles, making it a great destination for ecotourism.
The nesting season of turtles usually starts in late November and lasts until early March. This is the period when four different species of sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs and continue their remarkable life cycle. One of the most popular species is the leatherback turtle. It is known to have the largest and heaviest turtle shells in the world. They can weigh up to 550 pounds. They are also unique because they do not have traditional shells but a leathery carapace, lending them their name.
Green turtles are also commonly found in the nesting grounds of Equatorial Guinea. They weigh 300-400 pounds on average and have a hard shell that helps protect them from predators. These turtles can lay up to 200 eggs per season and make multiple visits to the beach to nest. If you visit the beaches during Green turtle nesting season. You may see up to 10 turtles laying eggs at a time.
Another type of turtle present is the loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. Loggerheads weigh up to 400 pounds and are known for being strong swimmers. Hawksbills, are notable for their beautiful shells, which have been used in the past to make jewelry and instruments. However, hunting hawksbills for their shells are now illegal, and their populations in Equatorial Guinea are now slowly recovering.
Due to the high number of turtle nesting grounds in Equatorial Guinea. The turtle conservation program is a priority for the country. The government has established several programs that aim to protect turtle nesting grounds and promote ecotourism. Travelers can see how these programs work and the efforts governments undertake to keep these creatures on the planet for generations to come.