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Juara Turtle Project
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Research has shown that world population of sea turtles is declining at an abnormal rate and that sea turtles need protection against extinction. Sea turtle sanctuaries are a very active form of protection.
Little Planet has the privilege to witness and participate in the daily
operations of the Juara Turtle Project - a project that helps to protect an average of 10,000 sea turtle eggs each year.
Originally established as a five year conservation project by the Fisheries Department of the Malaysian government, the Juara Turtle Project has progressed significantly since 2005 under the direction
of John Amos, owner and operator of The Lagoon and Riverview Resorts. The ultimate goal of the project is to support and increase the existing
turtle population of Tioman Island through direct action and
education.
John and his team have improved and relocated the hatchery with support from United World Colleges (UWC) South East Asia. The enhanced hatchery allows John to control the temperatures and depth at which the turtle eggs are reburied – a factor which can affect the sex of the hatchlings and, consequently, the reproductive capacity of the turtle population.
Making a difference
John and his team also purchase turtle eggs which are valuable in Malaysia and sold as a delicacy. More than 10% of the eggs purchased are Hawksbill turtle eggs which are considered 'Critically Endangered' by the World Wide Fund for Nature. A hatching rate of over 85% is achieved suggesting that conditions are just about perfect for the eggs.
By organizing beach monitoring, egg
transplantation, protection and constant clean up initiatives, the Juara Turtle Project helps the turtle population to
overcome many of the problems that challenge their survival.
The Tioman Turtles
Tioman Island is home to four of the world's seven known species of sea turtles, including critically endangered species such as the
Hawksbill sea turtle. The Juara Turtle Project provides Little Planet an opportunity to gain conservation experience and knowledge about these remarkable species.
By actively supporting the turtle population and
promoting understanding and stewardship, the Juara Turtle Project
contributes to the health and stability of the area's incredibly diverse
marine environment.
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