Bening a nation that values and protects its natural resources, Sri Lanka is carrying out numerous ambitious conservation projects to care for endangered animals. Among them, turtle conservation projects in Sri Lanka deserve special credit. Here is one of such conservation projects that are being undertaken at Galle. Do read on to know more.
Overview
Located a few kilometres away from Galle lies the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery which has been started over 40 years ago. The hatchery collects and incubates turtle eggs that have been laid on the southern coast subsequently releasing the hatched turtles back to the sea. The hatchery releases over 7000 turtles into the sea annually and it also treats and cares for injured turtles and nurse them back to good health.
Why should there be hatcheries?
Turtles are under constant threat from humans and so are their eggs. Turtles usually swim vast distances to lay their eggs. Once they reach the beach, they drag themselves up to the sands and dig nests to lay their eggs. Once they have laid the eggs, turtles return to the ocean. The eggs they laid on the beaches are left unprotected and they face a high risk being damaged by humans and other causes before they hatch. This is where hatcheries come in! they collect the eggs and care for them until they hatch.
What types of turtles lay their eggs on the southern coast?
Five out of seven sea turtle species can be spotted on the coasts of Sri Lanka and they are the ones who lay their eggs on the beaches. The turtle species are namely, green turtle, loggerhead turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle and leatherback turtle.
How can you visit here
If you are stationed at any of the Ahungalla hotels that are located at proximity to the hatchery the likes of Heritance Ahungalla, you can visit here easily by public transport or by opting for a chauffeur service from the resort. you can also reach here by taxi or a tuk-tuk from Galle.
