World · Singapore Bureau
Leatherback turtles spotted in Terengganu waters after nine years
A nesting leatherback turtle has returned to Malaysian shores for the first time in nearly a decade, offering a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts in the region. Authorities have relocated 44 eggs discovered at the site to a protected hatchery facility.
LSN Singapore ·
The reappearance of leatherback turtles in Terengganu's waters marks a significant milestone for marine conservation in Malaysia. The critically endangered species, known for its long migration patterns across ocean basins, had not been recorded nesting in the state since 2015.
Wildlife officials discovered the clutch of 44 eggs during recent beach surveys and immediately transferred them to a secure hatchery where conditions can be carefully monitored and controlled. The relocation was carried out to maximise the eggs' chances of hatching and to protect them from natural predators and human interference.
Leatherback turtles are the largest living reptiles and undertake some of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom, travelling thousands of kilometres between feeding and nesting grounds. Their return to Terengganu represents improved marine habitat conditions and suggests that regional conservation initiatives may be gaining traction.
Conservation groups have emphasised the importance of protecting nesting sites and reducing ocean threats such as plastic pollution and illegal fishing nets, which pose significant dangers to the species throughout its lifecycle. The successful hatching of this clutch could pave the way for more leatherback nesting events in Malaysian waters.