Save the Gili Turtles & Help to Build a Hatchery

As the season for turtle nesting approaches, we at Project Penyu Gili Eco Trust are gearing up and getting ready to ensure the safety and protection of Gili’s infamous turtles. Turtle nesting season typically runs from April to September, and our preparations are in full swing.

Preparations for the New Season:

We are ensuring that we have an adequate number of nest protection cages and are developing new educational materials. Our team’s training is being updated, to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the season, and we are in the process of recruiting and training new volunteers for turtle tracking. Additionally, we are updating the map of available nesting spaces and hotspots for turtles. Last year, little over 50% of the 7.2km of coastline were suitable for nesting turtles. The rest has either been built on, too badly eroded, or illegal coastal defences have been set up that blocks turtles from entering the beach.

Key Considerations for Nesting Sites:

When turtles select their beaches for nesting sites,they need to be sure there are no walls or obstructions present, the nesting sites should be high enough above the tide line and free from loud music and bright lights at night.
The turtle mum’s also need to ensure that the site is safe from flooding, high tides or rains. 

What Our Team Will Be Doing:

Our team will be training more staff in local bars to be aware of nesting turtles. We will be educating them about the importance of headstarting and the issues surrounding it. Additionally, we will be offering a call-out service for turtles in trouble, or landing on the beach late at night, and teaching the local community and staff members in Bahasa Indonesia.

Success Stories and Challenges:

Despite challenging weather conditions, including heavy rains and winds, we were able to protect a nest laid by a hawksbill female turtle in January. Thanks to the quick actions of the dedicated staff at Rabbitjump beach club, the eggs survived and hatched successfully. 

Unfortunately, due to beach erosion, another female turtle recently attempted to lay eggs outside Lava Bar but couldn't find a suitable spot. We assisted her back to the ocean and hope she returns to lay eggs in a safer location.

Future Plans:

We are working closely with Hotel Lumi to build a conservation center for turtles. This center will serve as a safe sanctuary to protect turtle eggs until they hatch, allowing for their immediate release into the wild.

As we prepare for another season of turtle nesting, we are grateful for your continued support. Together, we can make a difference in the conservation of these magnificent creatures. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

We encourage you to share this report with all of your turtle loving friends to help support our project!

Thank you again!

Sian Williams & Team Project Penyu

Links:

• Turtle nest excavation video