Monumental Release of Juvenile Natator depressus Marks an Exciting Move Towards Conservation Efforts
Tuesday marked an exciting point in the conservation of Natator depressus, which is a vulnerable species with an unusually small range, found only in Australian waters. A group of these turtles were raised from hatchlings at Sea Life Sunshine Coast until one year of age before being released off Bundaberg coast. Not only were they released, but they were sent off with special solar-powered tracking devices in order to study their journey and habits. These trackers will remain on the turtles for three months, after which they will detach and allow each animal to continue growing. More hatchlings have been gathered in anticipation of continuing with the study in 2018.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Seychelles: A month of conservation work well done
Dominican Republic: Five men punished for sea turtle slaughter
Malaysia: Lion’s Club involved with sea turtle release
Crime & Punishment
India: Raid on nature center uncovers a Geochelone elegans
Health & Medical
AU: Beach tours coming to a halt following extreme heat wave
Sri Lanka: Magistrate takes action on behalf of turtle deaths
Species Facts…
Indotestudo forstenii is a highly aggressive species, and in a display of dominance can and will kill and mutilate their opponent; consequently, this Indonesian species can be difficult to breed at times.
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Photo from Peter Steyn.