Catch the Loggerheads in Action via HD Florida Keys' 'Turtle Cam'

Head on down to the Florida Keys' for a look into the "turtle cam," which gives viewers the opportunity to observe loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat.

According to National Geographic, these turtles are the most abundant of all marine turtles throughout the United States. However, because of human development and pollution, the creature's nesting areas throughout the Atlantic, Indian, Mediterranean and Pacific oceans, have taken quite the hit. Since the late 1970s, the population has been cut as a result. 

Along with a danger to the species' living areas, the turtle's reproduction rate is also a reason for its decline. After laying eggs, a female loggerhead typically does not produce any more for the next two to three years.

Around mid-April to October is when the females crawl to the beaches and lay close to 100 eggs. They usually go out during the night, at which time they lay their eggs and cover them with sand. Soon after, they return to the waters.

With the help of the "turtle cam," funded by the Keys Tourism Council and approved for installation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, researchers can actively view the turtles without interrupting their regular routines.

According to Harry Appel, president of Save-a-Turtle non-profit organization based in the area, the webcam has "infrared IR-emitting light" that will not distract any of the actions that the turtles are doing when guided by the moonlight.

The camera is now primarily focused on a nest and eggs that are expected to hatch in the next couple of days.

"What people are more likely to see on the webcam is first a small miniature volcano cave-in and then a mad rush of turtles all coming out at once," Appel said, via CBS Local Miami. "It could be 50 to 75 of them coming out of that hole and heading for the most ambient light they can, which is the moon."

Researchers said they hope this new viewing will raise awareness about loggerhead protection and encourage help for the future.