The Kemp’s Ridley and Loggerhead turtles rely on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico for foraging and migrating, and on Gulf coast beaches for nesting. Because sea turtles are highly migratory, local conservation efforts are rarely sufficient; if turtles are protected on only part of their migratory pathway, they are still vulnerable in areas which they are not protected. It is important that conservation efforts are asserted on an international scale in order to benefit these vulnerable species.
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)
Kemp’s Ridleys become sexually mature at a relatively young age of seven to fifteen years. These turtles nest between April and June, sometimes laying one to four times a season, and may nest every year. They regularly nest during the day, laying clutches that average 110 eggs; babies often emerge after 45 – 55 days of incubation. The Kemp’s Ridley is the most endangered of all the turtles, and uncommon on Alabama beaches.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Loggerheads reach sexual maturity at 20 – 30 years of age. They nest between May and August at night, usually every two to three years, and may lay between one and seven nests a season. Clutches typically contain between 100 – 126 eggs, which incubate for 45 – 95 days before the hatchlings emerge. This is the most common turtle species nesting on Alabama beaches.
Also occurring in gulf waters are Leatherback and Green Sea Turtles.
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)
Kemp’s Ridleys become sexually mature at a relatively young age of seven to fifteen years. These turtles nest between April and June, sometimes laying one to four times a season, and may nest every year. They regularly nest during the day, laying clutches that average 110 eggs; babies often emerge after 45 – 55 days of incubation. The Kemp’s Ridley is the most endangered of all the turtles, and uncommon on Alabama beaches.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Loggerheads reach sexual maturity at 20 – 30 years of age. They nest between May and August at night, usually every two to three years, and may lay between one and seven nests a season. Clutches typically contain between 100 – 126 eggs, which incubate for 45 – 95 days before the hatchlings emerge. This is the most common turtle species nesting on Alabama beaches.
Also occurring in gulf waters are Leatherback and Green Sea Turtles.
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