Scores of sea turtle hatchlings released on beach in Gwa Twsp

By Admin 09 Apr 2023

DMG Newsroom
9 April 2023, Gwa

Nearly 150 baby sea turtles hatched in Kyeintali Township, Gwa Township, Arakan State, were released on the local beach, according to a turtle conservation zone official.

Kyeintali Township has three turtle conservation zones, and this year, 12 turtle egg pits were found in the turtle conservation zone. The hatchlings hatched from the first two pits were released into the sea on the morning of April 8.

“Last year, we only found two turtle egg pits, but this year we found up to 12 turtle egg pits, and they were well maintained. We released some turtle hatchlings from this year’s egg pit into the sea this morning,” said an official from the turtle conservation zone.

The turtles that were released into the sea are known locally as “Leik Hlaung”. The turtles go to the shore from January to March to lay their eggs, and hatch more than 50 days later.

The Kyeintali Turtle Conservation Zone was established in 2016 by civil society groups and fishermen, and every year they search for turtle nests in the village and preserve them.

There is a need for extensive turtle conservation zones in Arakan State as residents say the reptiles are facing the risk of localised extinction due to the killing of turtles, selling of their eggs, and illegal breeding practices.

“When we were young, we often saw turtle eggs and baby turtles. I haven’t seen that for a long time now. Therefore, there is a need to do a lot for turtle conservation in Arakan State,” said Ko Naing Oo, a resident of Thandwe.

The law of the Forest Department, which is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, stipulates that those caught digging up, killing or selling turtles or turtle eggs can be sentenced to a minimum of three years and a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Turtles are among a list of endangered wild animals designated for absolute protection by the state.