Stranded Giant Leatherback Turtle in Kupang Beach Rescued
Translator
Editor
29 July 2020 15:10 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A giant leatherback turtle (dermochelys coriacea) was reportedly stranded on the Kupang Bay beach after the endangered sea turtle had tangled with a fishermen’s fishing net.
The Kupang Natural Resource Conservation Center (BBKSDA) team in the area received reports of a beached endangered turtle when they conducted routine patrol.
The BBKSDA immediately mobilized its team for a rescue mission to free the 152-centimeter female leatherback turtle from the fishing net. At the site, the BBKSDA team were assisted by East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) locals.
“The turtle’s fore-flipper was wounded caused by the fishing net that coiled around it. But thankfully, the injuries were not fatal,” said Timbul Batubara, Head of the NTT BBKSDA on Wednesday, July 29.
The Kupang Bay area, according to Timbul, is a common nesting ground for sea turtles to lay eggs, especially in the Kelapa Tinggi beach. The stranded turtle is believed to have wanted to lay its eggs at the site where it was stranded.
He lauded the attempts shown by local residents who collectively attempted to save the endangered species.
Read: Dead Blue Whale in Kupang Inspected Before Giving Proper Burial
ANTARA
