SANDAKAN: Two turtle landings during the day has got wardens excited on Pulau Libaran off here.
On Tuesday, a green turtle came to shore at about 11am and laid 80 eggs, followed by another of the same species that came to lay 61 eggs at about 8am.
Friends of Sea Turtles Research and Education or FOSTER advisor James Ahlin said this was a new phenomenon and has not occurred since the Taman Hadiah turtle hatchery was set up on the island three years ago.
James said sea turtles, green or hawksbill or even leatherback have been reported to nest or lay eggs during the daytime but it is considered rare.
Harun William, the honorary wildlife warden who has been with the Taman Hadiah turtle hatchery since it started, has experienced hawksbill turtles coming ashore to lay eggs during the day three times over a year ago.
“I have not seen any green turtles coming ashore during the day before though,” Harun added.
Alexander Yee, the president of FOSTER, is encouraged by the incident.
“Regardless if its green or hawksbill turtles, I am just glad sea turtles are coming ashore to lay their eggs.
"It is indeed encouraging to see an increase in eggs laying incidents. We will continue to be on Libaran to protect and conserve our sea turtles.”