Last spotted in Sep 2019, the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle has once again nested on Sentosa’s beaches.
*Updated (1 Nov 2021): a group of eggs have hatched and released into sea.
Beachgoers may have spotted two wooden sheds painted in bright blue at Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach, complete with information on all you need to know about the Hawksbill Turtle.
Hawksbill turtles have a low survival rate, with only 1 in every 1,000 to 10,000 baby turtles making it to adulthood thus these are temporary “homes” that the team at Sentosa Development Corporation has carefully built over the in-situ nests to keep the eggs safe from natural predators such as monitor lizards and crabs, human encroachment, as well as other potential disturbances during the incubation period.
How Can You Help?
Be quiet and keep a distance from the turtle and do not make loud noises or shine a torch at the turtle. Scaring them will hinder them from laying eggs and cause it to return to the sea.
Definitely do not dig up the nest, and if you see turtle tracks on beaches, leave them as they are! This allows researchers to gather information.
Updated 1st November: Off They Go!
85 critically endangered Hawksbill turtle hatchlings emerged from their nest on Sentosa’s Siloso Beach on 31 Oct 2021. The hatchlings were safely released into the sea at about 6.30am on 1 Nov 2021 after a check on their health by Sentosa Development Corporation’s (SDC) Environmental Management team.
The Hawksbill turtle eggs at Siloso Beach hatched 58 days after their nest was discovered on 3 Sep 2021. Today’s hatching marks the sixth time since 1996 that eggs of the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle have hatched at Sentosa.
There's another nest at Palawan beach that is expected to hatch in the next few weeks.
More About Sentosa's Flora and Fauna
Did you know that 70% of Sentosa island is a natural rainforest and home to native wildlife such as the Common Palm Civet, colourful Bee-eaters and Green-crested Lizard, as well as the more commonly known peafowls, monkeys and monitor lizards.
You may have seen peacocks around the island, but did you know Sentosa has a population of more than 60 peacocks with the first pair being introduced in 1980.
And the best-kept secret, Tanjong Rimau, is home to a variety of marine creatures – at low tide, red egg crabs, octopuses, nudibranchs and more can be seen. Long tail macaques are also occasionally sighted.
Exploring Nature On Sentosa
There are 3 trail on the island that families may consider embarking on to explore nature on Sentosa. These are the Sentosa Coastal Trail, Sentosa Nature Discovery Trail, and Imbiah Trail.
Click through each link to find out more!
