70 leatherback turtle eggs relocated to Rantau Abang hatchery
KUALA LUMPUR: Seventy leatherback turtle eggs were recovered after a turtle was found nesting at Pantai Jambu Bongkok, Marang, Terengganu, early today.
Seventy leatherback turtle eggs were recently relocated to the Rantau Abang hatchery after a turtle was found nesting at Pantai Jambu Bongkok, Marang, Terengganu. This marks the fourth recorded landing of eggs in Terengganu since September 1, bringing the total number of rescued eggs to 265. Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain confirmed the discovery, highlighting the ongoing need for monitoring and nest management to improve the species' survival chances.
The four landings from September to early October are a significant development in leatherback turtle conservation efforts in the region. The rescued eggs are now under controlled management at the TCIC hatchery to maximize their survival prospects. Adnan emphasized that the turtle was initially spotted by fishermen at 4am, leading to an excavation of the nest and the transfer of all 70 eggs to the hatchery by 6am.
The turtle's track measured approximately 2.17 meters wide. The first landing involved 44 eggs at Pantai Pasir Putih on September 1, followed by 81 eggs at Pantai Rantau Abang on September 13 and 70 eggs at Pantai Kuala Abang on September 22. All nests are currently being conserved by TCIC Rantau Abang and will be reburied at depths of 80cm to 100cm to mimic natural nesting conditions.
The incubation period for the eggs ranges from 55 to 70 days, depending on sand temperature and nest conditions. Adnan stressed that leatherback turtle conservation requires more than just nest management, including protecting nesting areas, continuous monitoring, and cooperation from local communities, especially fishermen. Disturbing or touching nesting turtles is strictly prohibited, and any sightings must be reported to the Fisheries Department to ensure proper conservation and protection measures.
Under the Terengganu Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 2021), offences related to turtle eggs, possession, sale, or disturbance can result in a fine of RM50,000 to RM250,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
