Now Reading
Terengganu wants to buy turtle eggs from overseas to increase population in M’sia

Terengganu wants to buy turtle eggs from overseas to increase population in M’sia

On Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast, the leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles are the three types of sea turtles that land and lay eggs.

via GIPHY

However, nearly all species of sea turtles are classified as endangered due to being slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin and shells as well as due to the effects of climate change and fungus infections.

According to Terengganu Fisheries Department, the last recorded landing of the leatherback turtle in Terengganu was in 2017 after it’s last recorded landing seven years earlier.

via GIPHY

FYI, female leatherback turtles lay eggs every 2-3 years. With as few as 2300 females left in the world, it makes the species the most endangered marine turtle on the planet.

So, they (the Terengganu Fisheries Department k, not the turtles) have proposed that leatherback sea turtle eggs be bought from overseas to be incubated and released into Terengganu waters to restore the population of the species in the state.

via GIPHY

The department’s director, Zawawi Ali said that leatherback turtles eggs could be obtained from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia as the beaches there record a high number of leatherback turtle landings.

“However, the proposal will be reviewed in a special seminar that will gather scientists and turtle-related experts in October.

If they agree with the proposal, we will seek cooperation from the state government to implement it.”

Zawawi Ali via Malaysiakini

Picture credit: Bernama

It’s important to note that Zawawi stressed that the department will be referring to advice of researchers about the viability of this option since turtle eggs are super sensitive.

Speaking of leatherback turtles…

A video of one being ridden by a group of men and children recently went viral on social media recently.

Picture credit: Yahoo Australia

The horrifying video, reportedly filmed on a beach in Indonesia, shows the clearly distressed turtle struggling to get away from the men while the group take turns riding it.

Eventually, the turtle manages to make it back to the water.

You can watch the full (and distressing) video below:

Save the darn turtles, guys.

Picture credit: Reddit

© 2024 The Rakyat Post. All Rights Reserved. Owned by 3rd Wave Media Sdn Bhd