Every year, a large number of turtles come to the beaches of the Arab Peninsula to lay their eggs. The peak season for turtle migration in Oman is between April and August of each year. Approximately 20,000 turtles visit Oman's beaches, particularly those in the east, to deposit 50,000 to 60,000 eggs.
Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz in the Al Sharqiyah region, Masirah Island, the Ad Daymaniyat Islands, the coastlines of the Dhofar region, and other beaches in the northeastern portion of the country are some of the most well-known beaches in Oman where turtles lay their eggs.
One of the main turtle breeding sites close to the Indian Ocean is Ras Al Jinz, a natural turtle sanctuary. Ras Al Hadd is also said to be the second most important turtle nesting site, with 50 to 60 distinct turtles laying eggs there each day. In addition, 52 turtle nests can be found at the Shangrila Barr Al Jissah Resort, one of Muscat's most well-known hotels.
Turtles construct deep nests at night to lay their eggs. Late at night, turtles emerge from the ocean. They find a suitable spot by crawling over the sand, and then they start digging a large hole for their eggs. They dig the hole using the tips of their webbed feet. After laying their eggs, they cover the nest with sand and are usually back in the water by dawn.
After around 55 days, the eggs hatch, and the newborn turtles begin their trek to the sea, which is difficult and dangerous; they must avoid being grabbed by hungry foxes, crabs, or seagulls along the route.
There are seven distinct species of sea turtles around the world. Among the sea turtles that frequent Omani oceans and beaches are the Green Turtle, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback Sea Turtle.
The first type of turtle is the leatherback, which is the world's largest turtle. It is commonly known as the lute turtle, which does not come to the beaches but can be observed by boats and diving in Oman. Leatherback sea turtles are the world's largest species of marine turtle, and they may reach a height of 6 feet (183cm). The word "leatherback" refers to the absence of a hard shell. It is instead coated with greasy flesh. As a result, the leatherback turtle is easily distinguished.
The second type is the Green Sea Turtle which is distinguished by its striking green shell. Green turtles are huge sea turtles named after the greenish tint of their cartilage and fat. Adult green turtles are 3 to 4 feet long (83 to 114 cm). It is an endangered species, with only about 85–90,000 nesting females left around the globe.
The third type is the Olive Ridley turtle which is the most common sea turtle in the world. The Olive Ridley, commonly known as the Pacific Ridley, is the world's second smallest marine turtle, reaching around 2 feet in length (61 cm). The olive tint of its shell inspired the name. Also, it is well known for its mass nesting, in which hundreds of females deposit their eggs on the same beach.
The fourth type is the Hawksbill turtle, a severely endangered marine turtle species. It is highly endangered, with less than 25,000 nesting females left. It is one of the smallest sea turtles, reaching 2.5 or 3 feet (71 to 89cm) in length, and distinguished by its narrow head and scales in front of the eyes.
The fifth type is the loggerhead turtle which lays eggs on land less frequently than other varieties of turtles. Females lay eggs every 2 to 4 years. The loggerhead turtle, as the name implies, has a huge head and a powerful jaw.
Muhammad Al-Raziqi, an Omani photographer, explains that “the right time to take pictures at Ras Al Jinz Reserve is during the turtle breeding season, during which it is easy to spot them.
Muhammad has been part of the Turtle Commandos program, which documented the movements of these gentle sea creatures.
“It is easier for anyone interested to watch the sea turtles through the Ras Al Jinz Reserve Center. With its museum and well-guarded beaches and the wealth of knowledge of its staff, it has become an important destination and tourist attraction," Muhammad added.
"Beyond the sea turtles, Ras al Jinns is a beautiful place surrounded by astounding mountain formations and rocks that were formed by wind and sea waves," he said.
"During our film documentation, I took photos using my drone camera. But even from the ground, it is a beautiful experience everyone must try. I recommend visiting the place and seeing the sea turtles up close," he added.
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