Researchers in Aichi study risks of warm nesting sites for sea turtles

In Japan, the government and environmental groups are closely monitoring the nesting sites of endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Climate change has led to warmer incubation periods, resulting in a higher number of female hatchlings. The sex of a sea turtle is determined by the incubation temperature, with higher temperatures producing more females. Overseas, there have been reports of entire groups of hatchlings being predominantly female.

Experts are concerned that if temperatures continue to rise, loggerhead sea turtles in Japan could also face a similar fate. The disproportionate number of female hatchlings poses a serious risk to the species, potentially leading to their extinction.