Do you know Malaysia’s Vulnerable Turtle Species?
Malaysia is a beautiful country which being home for 4 marine turtle species out of seven known in the world. These 4 species are green turtle (Chelonia Mydas), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata), Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys Olivacea) and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea).
Malaysia has played it purpose as nesting beaches for female turtle to lay eggs. It also has been feeding grounds for the turtles as we are full of coral reef and sea grass bed. Other than that, Malaysia also a migratory pathway between feeding grounds and nesting beaches for the turtles. As this been said, we can proudly say that Malaysia has been home to large green and hawksbill turtle nesting populations. These turtle concentrated areas are Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, Johor dan Melaka.
In this post, I will be focusing on leatherback turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea). You may take this opportunity to learn about this turtle. Leatherback sea turtle is largest of all living turtles. According to WWF Malaysia, the biggest recorded leatherback turtle was a male turtle with 256 cm long and weighed about 916kg. WWF has stated that the status of this turtle is endangered but in Malaysia, this leatherback turtle falls under category of critically endangered as its facing extinction in Malaysia now. Rantau Abang, Terengganu used to play role as nesting home of one of the seven largest leatherback population in the world. But the number has declined tremendously that is by more than 99% since 1960s.
Leatherback turtle’s diet exclusively contain jellyfish. While this turtle’s habitat is found in the open ocean. Survival threat of this turtle is commercial fishind and marine pollution. I have attached quick fact sheet about leatherback turtle from Sea Turtle Conservancy. I will attach the link also so that you can have look on the wonderful deeds they have been doing. https://conserveturtles.org/
If you wondering how to help these turtle you can make adopt a sea turtle. WWF have this adoption program which benefits a lot of critically endangered sea turtles. The link is attached. Have a look and do your part.
That’s all for now. Good day dears.
Photo by Ricardo Braham on Unsplash
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