St Vincent and the Grenaldines

Have you heard that sand temperature can determine the gender of some turtles?

Several species of turtles including the huge Leatherbacks come to St Vincent and the Grenadines to nest.

The temperature of the sand, depending on location, sand color, and placing, will determine which sex the turtles will hatch as. No genes are involved. The exact temperature that makes the difference depends on the species of turtle.

The temperature span from all to develop as males or females is as little as 4°C/7°F. If the climate warms and the sand with it, more females will be born.