Urgent Appeal: Help Us Stop Turtle Poaching in Sigending Before It's Too Late
By Dadang MujionoGreen turtle at Maratua Island. Photo ©shutterstock.com
Background
Though only 500 hectares, Sigending is a vital biodiversity hotspot. It hosts pristine mangroves, endangered proboscis monkeys (Bekantan), green and hawksbill turtles, manta rays, and saltwater crocodiles. It also serves as a key turtle migratory route to the Derawan Archipelago.
Recently, ten green turtles were brutally slaughtered—caught on video in direct violation of Indonesian Conservation Law. The footage is disturbing and emphasizes the urgent need to provide protection. Due to the disturbing nature of the footage, a screenshot below has been provided instead.
The turtle slaughtering occurred just 137km away from Derawan. Sigending is a 500-hectare biodiversity sanctuary that consists of pristine mangrove forest, feeding ground, and a migration corridor for Green and Hawksbill Turtles that connects directly to nesting sites in the Derawan Archipelago. In addition to turtles, manta rays and saltwater crocodiles also feed in this area. Most importantly, the sanctuary is home to the endangered proboscis monkey, locally known as Bekantan.
Our turtle rangers from the MALIPE Institute for turtle protection take regular measurements of the green turtles that come up to Balembangan Island.
After the local people saw it, they reported to the local officers, who are the fisheries supervisors, the navy, and the marine police officers. Following the report, the officers immediately visited the crime scene to investigate it and conduct further assessments. Subsequently, the officers reported to their direct supervisor in Samarinda, and the provincial authorities are now handling the case.
To avoid further poaching, officers from the provincial and the local level have arranged a new patrol team, consisting of officers from the provincial and local levels, and we aim to:
Reactive community patrols up to 4 times/week
Equip local community watch with surveillance tools and SMART Patrols
Document violations for legal action
Conduct education campaigns
Protect endangered turtles and their habitat
These endeavors would never happen without the support of GC and other potential donors.
Our field partners, who are the frontliners of this very critical place, are ready to commence their patrol to protect Sigending from illegal activities. They are very committed to protecting Sigending. Please support us and donate to Global Conservation. 100% of your donation will go directly to supporting field patrols, community training, and monitoring in Sigending, Berau.
