Hawksbill Turtle reder på Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives har taget skridt til at sikre rederne af hundredvis af æg fra en tilbagevendende Hawksbill Turtle, der har valgt den private ø-paradis vestlige kyster som sin redestrand.

“We are thrilled to have discovered the nest which is a good indication that the turtles feel safe and welcome at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

“The Hawksbill Sea Turtles are critically endangered and it’s our responsibility to protect our environment, ecosystems and keep these beautiful creatures safe. Education plays a big part in what we do at Kandooma helping our guests to understand the journey and how precious the nests are.”

Havskildpadder (Eretmochelys Imbricate) har den internationale naturbevarelsesunion (IUCN) rødlistestatus som kritisk truet. Skildpadderne menes at leve 30-50 år og varierer i størrelse fra 66 til 95 cm ved modenhed. Modenhed er ikke defineret af alder, den varierer og afhænger af fødevaretilgængeligheden. Skildpadderne, kødædende dyr, parrer sig cirka hvert andet år i afsondrede laguner ud for deres redestrande. De yngler to til fem gange pr. sæson, og på Maldiverne med det varme Indiske Ocean lægger hunnerne i gennemsnit 100 til 180 æg pr. rede. Inkubationstiden er cirka to måneder.

Mark forklarer, at skildpadderne går fra vandet op ad strandene til vegetationslinjen for at rede. Når der ikke er opdaget rede i gang, er lavvandede spormærker i sandet op til 85 cm brede med de afslørende symmetriske mærker, som forbenene laver, en solid indikation.

“Our team will now monitor the nests and as it becomes closer to the big day when the eggs hatch, the protective nets around the nests will be removed to allow the baby turtles to start their life’s journey. It’s pretty neat to see, albeit from a distance,” Mark said.

Mark forklarer, at feriestedet har nogle enkle regler på plads på øen vedrørende klækker, herunder ingen skarpt lys, ingen høje lyde, pas på, hvor du går, og hvis du ser en klækling desorienteret eller på vej ind i landet, så vend den forsigtigt rundt for at se mod havet og advare en af personalet. Rederne er indhegnet for at beskytte dem mod folk, der træder på reden, da det er blødt sand fra top til bund. De udklækkede skildpadder skal kravle ud af reden, da de efterligner svømning i havet.

“Only 1 in 1,000 will make it to maturity. The turtles have many predators, among them humans, sharks, triggerfish and grouper, while discarded nets known as Ghost nets as well as erosion are also a threat,” adds Mark.

Located in the South Male atoll just 40 minutes from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful, natural island paradise.  White sand beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for leisure pursuits and some of the best scuba diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas.  Families are well catered for with a choice of 2- and 3-bed villas and the Kandoo Kids’ Club with its fun activities programme.  Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives are explored.  Guests seeking time out and relaxation will enjoy sun-loungers and hammocks dotted around the island.  Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a tranquil escape for body and mind.

Mere info vedr Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldiverne