Kelantan beach sees first turtle hatchlings in 30 years
PASIR PUTEH: The discovery of hundreds of newly hatched turtles at Pantai Pachakan here has surprised villagers, with the nesting site believed to be the first recorded in the area in 30 years.
PASIR PUTEH: Villagers' discovery of hundreds of newly hatched turtles at Pantai Pachakan beach has shocked the local community, marking the first such occurrence in the area in 30 years. The nesting site is now being hailed as a potential indicator of turtles returning to Kelantan’s shores to nest and lay eggs.
Director of the Kelantan Fisheries Department, Ismail Ibrahim, informed villagers about the hatchlings near an eatery, situated approximately 20 meters from the shoreline. The discovery was reported to myKomuniti Perikanan (myKP) Pasir Puteh at 9.30pm yesterday.
Ismail revealed that 183 hatchlings and eggs were found. Of these, 156 were released into the sea to aid conservation, while the remaining eggs did not survive the hatching process. Further investigation into the nest revealed that the damp and compact sand might have hindered eggs buried deeper from successfully hatching.
The Kelantan Fisheries Department had previously recorded turtle nesting on several beaches in Pasir Puteh and Bachok, albeit decades ago. Reports of dead turtles washing ashore were rare occurrences. The discovery of natural nesting site after such a long gap is seen as significant, prompting the department to enhance monitoring and public awareness efforts following the hatchlings' rescue operation.
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