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The history of turtles on Tybee Island, GA

loggerhead turtle tybee island

Tybee Island, located on the coast of Georgia, has a rich history of turtles, including various species that continue to call the island home. The island’s history of turtles dates back to its earliest days, and continued protection efforts have ensured that these fascinating creatures remain an important part of the local environment.

The most well-known species of turtle on Tybee Island is the Loggerhead turtle. These turtles are known for their large size and distinctive reddish-brown shells. Loggerhead turtles have been nesting on Tybee Island for centuries, and their presence still plays an important role in the ecosystem of the island.

In fact, Tybee Island is one of the key nesting sites for Loggerhead turtles along the Atlantic coast of the United States. Each year, hundreds of Loggerhead turtles come to Tybee Island to nest and lay their eggs. This phenomenon has attracted attention not just from locals, but from people throughout the world, who come to observe the turtles and their nesting process.

loggerhead turtle tybee island
loggerhead turtle tybee island

Turtle conservation efforts on Tybee Island have been in place for many years. The Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project was founded in 2000 to help protect and preserve the Loggerhead turtle population. Since then, the project has worked tirelessly to monitor and protect the turtles and their eggs.

In addition to Loggerhead turtles, other species of turtle can also be found on Tybee Island. The Diamondback terrapin is a species that is native to the area, and can often be seen swimming in the tidal creeks and marshes. Green sea turtles and Kemp’s Ridley turtles have also been reported in the area, although they are much less common than the Loggerhead.

Diamondback terrapin
Diamondback terrapin

Overall, Tybee Island’s history of turtles is a rich and important part of the island’s environmental heritage. The ongoing efforts to protect and conserve these animals serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations.