Green Turtle Deaths in the Waters of Malaysia Raise Alarms

Turtles have long been known for their longevity, but these days green sea turtles are causing alarm among Malaysian environmentalists for a reason that places that renowned longevity of the placid marine reptiles at risk: many turtles’ premature deaths. According to the Terengganu Fisheries Department, a total of 59 green sea turtles are known to have died last year around the state, while at least another 47 of them had done so the year before. The last of the turtles to perish in 2015 was a female that was found dead on a beach in Kuala Terengganu in late December. Alarmingly, 54 of the dead turtles were females and juveniles, which means that the viability of the remaining breeding populations in Malaysian waters has been further compromised, especially as many more green sea turtle deaths may not have been observed or reported. Overall, 55 of the animals whose deaths were recorded last year perished within the first six months of the year. Although green sea turtle populations are relatively stable in the waters of Malaysia, the reptiles are listed as endangered with their numbers having declined precipitously over the last few decades. Known as penyu agar to locals, the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests on the beaches and islands of Terengganu, Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, Johor and Perak.

Source: Clean Malaysia, feb 9, 2016
http://cleanmalaysia.com/2016/02/09/green-turtle-deaths-raise-alarms-ab…