Bengkulu develops turtle breeding center

Bengkulu develops turtle breeding center

BENGKULU: The local maritime resources and fishery office is
developing breeding areas for turtles to prevent the extinction
of the rare species.

"The protected turtle species will become extinct unless such
efforts are made because turtle egg poaching is rife in the
province," Tony Sarwono, the chief of the local maritime
resources and fishery office, said here over the weekend.

His office plans to breed at least four species of green
turtles, belimbing turtles, sisik turtles and lekang turtles.

"The habitat of the four turtle species will be developed in
the waters off the Muko-Muko regency in cooperation with locals,"
he said.

Those participating in the project will be allowed to take
some of the rare species' eggs, he added. -- JP