Leatherback turtle returns, lays 81 eggs at Rantau Abang beach

The leatherback turtle, the world's largest species of turtle, made a return visit to Rantau Abang beach in Dungun early this morning. The Terengganu fisheries department confirmed the sighting, noting that it was believed to be the same turtle that had previously laid 44 eggs at Pasir Putih beach in Marang on September 1. Director Pang Nyukang reported that the mother turtle deposited her eggs between 1.30am and 2.30am, with the nest being discovered by a licensed turtle egg collector at 4am.

However, Pang clarified that the turtle had returned to the sea after laying the eggs and was not present when the nest was found. The tracks left by the turtle were 2.20m long, while the eggs measured 5cm in diameter. The eggs will be sent for incubation at the fisheries department's Turtle Conservation Centre Hatchery in Rantau Abang, with hatching expected within 50 to 70 days.

Pang also indicated that the mother turtle is anticipated to return to the Rantau Abang beach to lay eggs for the third time in approximately two weeks.