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Endangered green turtle found dead with wounds in Polewali Mandar
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Seven green turtles are released at Lasiana Beach in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on March 24. (East Nusa Tenggara Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA NTT)/-)
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green see turtle was found stranded and dead with wounds all over its body at Mampie Beach in Wonomulyo district, Polewali Mandar regency, West Sulawesi, on Thursday night.
The green turtle, which is listed as a protected species, was found by local residents and members of Komunitas Sahabat Penyu (Friends of Turtle Community) . The dead reptile reportedly had wounds on its neck and head as well as a damaged shell.
The community's chairman, Yusri, suspected that the turtle was beaten to death by fishermen as turtles, drawn to fishnets full of fish, are often seen during fishing activities, Yusri said.
"We will encourage all stakeholders, including local residents and the maritime police, to intensify joint patrol to protect turtles," Yusri said as quoted by kompas.com.
Yusri and student activists on turtle protection further conducted an examination of the dead turtle, including recording the turtle's measurements and analyzing its wounds. The dead reptile was buried so that its shell would not be illegally traded.
(Read also: Fisherman arrested for attempting to sell green turtles)
Friends of Turtle Community members and activists have recently intensified patrol efforts along the shores of Mampie Beach on the evenings to prevent anyone from stealing the endangered species' eggs, as many turtles typically lay eggs there in April.
