Prepared by: Environmental Secretariat, College Representative Council (MPK), Ten Colleges, Session 2020/2021, UPM

Prepared on: January 10, 2021

Sea turtles belong to the group of reptiles that inhabit the tropical seas
and subtropics around the world. Sea turtles are estimated to have inhabited
earth for over 100 million years. Therefore, sea turtles are known
as living fossils. Among the turtle species include green turtles
(Chelonia mydas), scaly turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), turtle
Ridley Kemp (Lepidochelys camp), leopard turtle (Lepidochelys
olivacea) and starfish turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).

In recent times, sea turtles have experienced a decline in population
which is dramatic. Naturally, new turtles hatch more
susceptible to death threats compared to such animals
crabs, birds, and other reptiles such as lizards. Area development
Excessive coastline has reduced turtle habitat for
lay eggs. In fact, there are still irresponsible parties who
willing to catch turtles for their own benefit. This matter
because their eggs, meat, skin and shells can be sold on
very high price.

In Indonesia, green turtles are one of the species of turtles
most exploited by locals for its meat.
In addition, they still use turtles in traditional rituals.
To meet market demand in Bali, thousands of sea turtles were killed.
Meanwhile in Malaysia, illegal egg consumption and consumption
Extreme fishing gear has caused the death of turtles
and reduce their landing on the coast.

In Australia, the Mon Repos Reserve is a popular tourist attraction in
where visitors can visit the turtles located on the beach
a small town in Bargara. Mon Repos Reserve is managed by
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). Under surveillance
QPWS rangers, tourists are taken to the beach to see turtles on
night time. QPWS will describe the process of laying turtles,
audio-visual demonstrations of hatching turtle eggs, history,
biology and evolution as well as turtle breeding problems. In this case,
Malaysia needs to emulate Australia's efforts in preserving and
conserve turtles.

In conclusion, all parties must be united in the effort
protect and conserve marine turtle species. If all parties
play their respective roles, the issue of turtle exploitation will be able to
gradually reduced. The media plays a role in improving
community awareness as well as disseminating knowledge about turtles
sea. It is hoped that the government, not the government, the sector
private, individual or community will generally continue to work hard for
protect sea turtles.

What is the role of society in reducing this problem?

Society plays an important role in protecting species
sea ​​turtles. For example, society should not use
products made from sea turtle shell-like shells
glasses as well as buying food based on sea turtles. In addition
that is, we should not throw garbage into the sea. This matter
for fear that turtles will consider garbage especially plastic
as food. Society should also avoid to
disturbing sea turtles that are laying eggs to avoid
them to stop laying eggs because of the feeling of being threatened.

Date of Input: 24/01/2021 | Updated: 24/01/2021 | rahiza