For the first time in 75 years, hatchlings of the world’s smallest sea turtle species have been found on the Chandeleur Islands, a chain of barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico off New Orleans. Wildlife experts have documented more than 53 turtle crawls and two live hatchlings navigating towards the sea, said Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. The hatchlings are Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, an endangered species predominantly found in the Gulf whose population had dropped to only several hundred females. The discovery of the hatchlings in Louisiana is significant as 95% of nesting takes place in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The peak of sea turtle nesting season runs from June through July, with most hatchlings emerging 50 to 60 days later. Additional nests may be discovered in the weeks to come. Wildlife experts have also discovered the threatened loggerhead sea turtles nesting on the islands.

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