Leathery turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) conservation programme in Rantau Abang, The State of Trengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

The State of Trengganu in Peninsular Malaysia has a coast line of about 150 miles. The entire length of this coast is covered with clean sand, and is a perfect nesting site for marine turtles. There are four species of marine turtles and one species of estaurine turtle nesting on the beach during the non-monsoon months (February to October). These are:- Scientific name English name Malay name Dermochelys coriacea leathery turtle penyu belimbing Chelonia mydas green turtle penyu agar Lepidochelys olivacea Pacific Ridley penyu Lipas penyu karah. Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill turtle penyu pisek/ Estaurine turtles Callaqur borneoensis terrappin tuntung laut Of the five species, the leathery turtle is the largest and nests mainly on the 12 miles of beach with its centre at the village of Rantau Abang. The nesting season of the leathery turtle is specific starting in May and ending in September.