Issues
Community events organised by WWF-Malaysia in partnership with the Department of Fisheries Malacca - Tun Teja
Local community key to conservation success
For decades, hawksbills have nested along the shorelines of Malacca. Inevitably, conflicting needs between the local community and turtles have escalated with the economic boom and resultant rapid coastal development. As a result, these marine animals are finding it more difficult to find a suitable beach to nest, to ensure their eggs are not threatened in any way. Hawksbills have also been found washed ashore dead during the nesting season yearly; believed to have been accidentally caught in fishing gear. As their population numbers are small and are slow to reach sexual maturity, any adult death is a tragic loss.
Turtle eggs are widely believed to be good for health and have curative as well as aphrodisiac properties. Little wonder then that they are a delicacy amongst the coastal inhabitants; resulting in egg consumption and sales that threaten turtle conservation. Tourists too, have been known to consume the eggs while on holiday in Malacca.
Nesting beaches are now prime recreational areas. Campsites, campfires, and presence of people and human activities at night deter turtles from nesting on the beach. Hatchlings are disoriented by lights; streetlights, tourist infrastructures, campfires, and will head towards them rather than the safety of the sea. Many will eventually die from exhaustion, dehydration and predation.
Improper and unguided turtle watching during tourist season also harrassed turtle when they nest.
Turtle eggs are widely believed to be good for health and have curative as well as aphrodisiac properties. Little wonder then that they are a delicacy amongst the coastal inhabitants; resulting in egg consumption and sales that threaten turtle conservation. Tourists too, have been known to consume the eggs while on holiday in Malacca.
Nesting beaches are now prime recreational areas. Campsites, campfires, and presence of people and human activities at night deter turtles from nesting on the beach. Hatchlings are disoriented by lights; streetlights, tourist infrastructures, campfires, and will head towards them rather than the safety of the sea. Many will eventually die from exhaustion, dehydration and predation.
Improper and unguided turtle watching during tourist season also harrassed turtle when they nest.
