Incredible drone footage has shown the world’s largest group of green sea turtles preparing to beach in Australia in order to lay their eggs.
As per reports, the turtles flock from all around the Pacific to their ancestral nesting grounds each year.
The footage of these particular turtles comes courtesy of the Queensland government, and is part of their project to asses the numbers of the reptiles heading towards North Queensland.
It’s said they usually make the journey to Raine Island around this time of year, creating the largest known rookery in the world.
As per scientific estimates, as many as 60,000 turtles will visit Raine Island this year, with their typical nesting season lasting from October to February.
Thanks to drones, authorities are now able to count the turtles in an easier, far less invasive way than has been used in previous years.
Andrew Dunstan, of the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, told 7News: “Trying to accurately count thousands of painted and unpainted turtles from a small boat in rough weather was difficult.
“Using a drone is easier, safer, much more accurate, and the data can be immediately and permanently stored.”
He continued: “This research is of prime importance to the understanding and management of the vulnerable green turtle population.
“In the future, we will be able to automate these counts from video footage using artificial intelligence so the computer does the counting for us.”
Green sea turtles are the only herbivorous sea turtle, and are classed as endangered.
What an astonishing video, and truly amazing to see so many turtles in one place!
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