TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Over 300 endangered turtles hatch in Singapore

More than 300 hawksbill turtles have hatched on beaches in Singapore this month and been released into the sea, in a boost for the critically endangered creatures.

News Desk (Agence France-Presse)
Singapore
Sat, September 29, 2018

Share This Article

Change Size

Over 300 endangered turtles hatch in Singapore This handout photo taken on September 19, 2018 and released on September 28, 2018 by Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) shows baby turtles at the beach on Sentosa Resort Island in Singapore. More than 300 Hawksbill turtles have hatched on beaches in Singapore this month and been released into the sea, authorities said on September 28, in a boost for the critically endangered creatures. (SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION/AFP/-)

M

ore than 300 hawksbill turtles have hatched on beaches in Singapore this month and been released into the sea, authorities said Friday, in a boost for the critically endangered creatures.

They hatched on three beaches across the tropical Southeast Asian country, according to the National Parks Board, which oversees parks and nature reserves. 

Over 100 turtles hatched on Sentosa Island, a popular tourist destination, according to the organization that manages the island. After their nest was discovered in July, a barrier was erected around the site to protect it from monitor lizards and crabs

It was the fourth time since 1996 that eggs of the critically endangered turtles have hatched on Sentosa.

The other turtle nests were discovered at a beach on the east coast and on Satumu island south of the Singapore mainland, the parks board said. A total of 321 turtles hatched over a 10-day period from September 15.

Read also: Indonesia, home to six rare turtle species

Hawksbills get their names from their narrow pointed beaks and are found throughout the world's tropical oceans, mainly around coral reefs.

They are threatened by damage to their natural habitats from pollution and coastal developments, and are also targeted by poachers.

Their body parts are used to make turtle soup and their shells are crushed into powder for use in jelly dessert. The Hawksbill shell is also used to make products like combs and ornamental hairpins.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the turtles as critically endangered.

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.