KUALA TERENGGANU, 11 Feb 2009: There has been an increase in leatherback turtle landings in Terengganu, especially at Rantau Abang in Dungun, with nine landings detected on its shores last year.
From the landings, 511 eggs were produced, of which 419 were incubated at the Turtle Information Centre in Rantau Abang.
Terengganu Turtle Sanctuary chairperson Datuk Mokhtar Nong said however, that the incubated eggs did not result in baby turtles.
“The eggs did not hatch, as it was believed to have been created by the female turtle without the male,” he told Bernama here today.
Mokhtar, who is also state secretary, said that two years ago, no leatherback turtles could be found nesting or landing in the area.
Besides leatherback turtles, he said there were 2,023 other turtle landings, which are hawksbill turtles (four) and painted terrapins (245).
He said 38 turtles and two painted terrapins died last year, due to the use of fish traps and nets.
“Setiu, Kuala Terengganu, Kertih and Kemaman have recorded the highest number of dead turtles,” he said. — Bernama
The Lord says
Haven’t they lifted the ban on collecting turtle eggs? I.e., they’ve earmarked some for public consumption?
I only get to enjoy turtle eggs in Indonesia. They sell them in the streets of Balikpapan.
Hopefully people will be able to enjoy this tasty traditional treat again.