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| 10 young fishermen from Kolavi beach in Iringal village, Payyoli, Kozhikode |
If we were to read a newspaper report that sea turtle is one of the most endangered species, that by the next generation they may be wiped out from the face of the earth, that indiscriminate killing of these animals coupled with the use of their eggs as food is contributing to this alarming projection, what would we do?
Well, read on to find out what 10 young fishermen from Kolavi beach in Iringal village, Payyoli, Kozhikode did. They discussed in what way they can help the situation and decided to put an end to the theft of turtle eggs at Kolavi beach. Thus for the last 4 years these young men have been standing sentinel to the turtle eggs.
Between December and March the turtles come up the beach to lay their eggs. Beyond the high tide line, about 2 feet below the ground, the turtles lay the eggs. They return immediately to the sea, leaving the eggs to hatch in the heat of the sun. But predators and poachers locate these eggs from the foot prints of these giants.
The ‘Turtle Protection Trust’ formed by these 10 men shifts the eggs to a safer place as soon as they are laid and then guard them for 45 to 55 days till they are hatched.
Once the eggs are hatched, the young ones make a beeline for the water, no matter in what direction they are placed. The joy in the eyes of young children when they see the hatchlings march to the sea, is a common occurrence now.
The ‘Turtle Protection Trust’ has been baffled by one question. What food is eaten by the young turtles? Since they do not know the answer, the young turtles are sent into the sea immediately. Perhaps if they knew the answer, they could protect the young ones till maturity. Henc they are interested in knowing more about sea turtles.
These young fishermen spent sleepless nights at the beach with no selfish motive.
Courtesy: Biju Iringal, Kerala Kaumudi
Contributed by: Administrator
