Global News - December 2007

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Indian authorities introduce 'stiff security' to protect nesting turtles

Tue 11 December 2007 13:30 UK — Asia,Reptiles

Indian authorities have announced a series of strict security measures to ensure the safety of a rare turtle during its imminent nesting season.

Thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles are set to come on shore during December near to the Devi river-mouth to lay their eggs within the Gahirmantha sanctuary, the Calcutta Telegraph reported.

However, nesting numbers have fallen in recent years, with 147,000 turtles visiting the sanctuary last year, compared to 267,000 in 2005.

Local forest authorities have sought to protect the nesting animals this year by setting up camps along the area's beaches, maintaining a coast guard presence in the sea near the area and ensuring eggs are protected from both poachers and predators once they're laid.

"There are 16 protection camps, including three on the sea, which have been set up with forest guards and police," A K Jena, Divisional Forest Officer of the Rajnagar Wildlife Division, told the newspaper.

The sea turtle population has been put under threat from its meat, blood, carcass and eggs being sold overseas, the website explained, with China, Tibet and Bangladesh offering markets for poachers and illegal traders.

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