Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has taken steps to protect its nests of hundreds of eggs following the return of hawksbill turtles who have chosen the western shore of the private island paradise as their nesting site.
“We are pleased to have discovered the nest which is good evidence that the turtles feel safe and welcome at Kandooma,” said Mark Ereturu, general manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Hawkturtles are endangered and it is our responsibility to protect our environment and ecosystems and keep these beautiful creatures safe. Education plays a big role at Kandooma, helping guests understand the journey and the value of the nests.”
The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricate) is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The turtle has a life span of 30-50 years and reaches a length of 66-95 cm at maturity. Maturity is not determined by age, but by food availability. The carnivorous turtles mate approximately every two years in secluded lagoons away from nesting beaches. They nest two to five times per season, and in the Maldives, with its warm Indian Ocean, females lay an average of 100-180 eggs per nest. The incubation period lasts approximately two months.
Mark explains that turtles move from the water up the shore to vegetated areas to build nests, and if you can’t see that nesting is in progress, the telltale signs are shallow footprints in the sand up to 85cm wide and the distinctive symmetrical marks made by their forelimbs.
“Our team will now be monitoring the nest and as the big day approaches when the eggs will hatch, we will remove the protective netting around the nest to allow the baby turtles to begin their life’s journey. It’s absolutely amazing to watch, even if from afar,” Mark said.
Mark explains that the resort has some simple rules for the hatchlings on the island: no bright lights or loud noises, watch where you walk, and if you see a hatchling looking disoriented or heading inland, gently redirect it back towards the sea and let a staff member know. The nest is surrounded by soft sand from top to bottom to stop people from trampling on it. The hatchlings have to leave the nest by pretending to swim in the sea.
“Only one in 1,000 survives to adulthood. Turtles have many natural predators, including humans, sharks, triggerfish and groupers. Other threats include abandoned nets (known as ghost nets) and erosion,” Mark adds.
Located in South Male Atoll, just a 40-minute boat ride from the airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful natural paradise. White sand beaches, swaying coconut trees and turquoise waters provide the backdrop for leisure and some of the best scuba diving in the Maldives. Choose from Garden Villas, Beach Villas, 2-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas. Perfect for families, the resort offers 2-bed and 3-bed villas and the Kandoo Kids Club with its fun-filled activities programme. Satisfy your healthy appetite and indulge in the flavours of the Maldives at 6 dining options. Sun loungers and hammocks dotted around the island provide a place to relax. Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a tranquil retreat for the body, mind and soul.
