Abstract:
Hatching success was calculated as the percentage of the total eggs in a clutch that
which hatched (Rees et al., 2004). A study of hatching success and green turtle eggs
mortality was done at Cherating Turtle Sanctuary Centre, Pahang from 13
th
October 2006
51
to 21
December 2006. This study was carried out at the hatchery. Objectives of this
study were to determine the hatch success and hatch failure of relocated nests and to
examine nest predations and problems encountered by relocating eggs to the hatchery. A
total of 31 nests were excavated in this study. Average of hatching success for the
hatchery study is 93%, while the percentage of hatch failure is 7%. The eggs mortality
mainly caused by the nest predators which are from ants and termites, about 5% and
undeveloped eggs about 2%, where the egg contained no sign of an embryo. Problems
occurred during transferring nest where when carrying the bucket to the hatchery, take care
not to rotate it, as quick rotation may kill the eggs. Besides, it is preferable to move the eggs
within 2 hours of laying in order to avoid the disorientation during the replanted process.
Special care is needed when handling eggs that are more than 2 hours old. The delicate
embryonic membranes and blood vessels of older eggs are easily torn if the eggs are
rotated or jarred. Dislodgement of the embryo results in death.
