Melaka Hawksbill Turtles Might be Extinct as Their Nesting Grounds are Destroyed by Tourists and Development

Our actions will always affect other creatures on Earth. Whether we are trying to build a more comfortable home for ourselves or widening our roads, if we don’t think of animals around us, they would be impacted.

Channel News Asia recently highlighted a serious issue involving the endangered hawkbill turtles in Melaka.

If you were to visit Melaka now, you could witness a lot of tourist activities by the beach and land reclamation projects being done to develop the state further. While good for the economy, this has endangered the lives of hawksbill turtles living there.

Source: Mongabay

The turtles are facing difficulties laying their eggs because their nesting areas on the beach have been destroyed. The ones that are available tend to have glaring lights dotting area at night, disrupting their egg-laying behaviour. The turtles tend to just return to the sea, without laying any eggs.

Source: CNA

WWF official, Ms Siti Norazliyana told Channel News Asia that she witnessed a turtle returning to sea without nesting after making seven attempts. She said,

“She really wanted to lay her eggs, but because of the lights on beach and the location, she could not.” 

Source: NST

WWF has reported that Hawkbill turtles used to make 500 to 600 nestings in Melaka, which is the highest concentration within the peninsular. The number, however, has dwindled severely over the past few years because of the land reclamation as well as beach activities among tourists.

WWF has partnered with the Fisheries Department of Melaka and proposed to the state government to establish a proper sanctuary for the turtles. Both parties have suggested a 1KM beach near Padang Kemunting to be gazetted as a turtle sanctuary.

Source: CNA

Ms Doreen Wee from the Fisheries Department of Melaka explained,

“Once it is gazetted, activities like fishing, camping, picnic activities and sea sports will not be allowed. I hope that the state government will support our cause.”

It’s high time that we do something to ensure the environment and the animals are safe from the effects of our actions. Although it might seem that those in power can only make the decisions, we as the public, also have the power to make a change. Let’s work towards making the environment better for our animal friends by making our voices heard. Or else, one day, we won’t be able to gaze upon their beauty ever again.

Also read: Bunch of Men Take Turns to Ride Endangered Turtle As It Struggles to Crawl Back to the Sea