Bali Authorities Relocate 106 Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Eggs to Enhance Survival Chances
DENPASAR, BALI — On Thursday, February 6, 2023, authorities in Bali successfully evacuated 106 olive ridley sea turtle eggs from their original nesting site near The Grand Villandra Resort in Tukad Mungga village, Seririt district, Buleleng regency. This significant action was taken to protect the vulnerable eggs from poachers and predators while providing them a safer environment for incubation.
Discovery of the Eggs
Local residents discovered the turtle eggs on February 3, sparking immediate concerns for their safety and well-being. The olive ridley sea turtle, also known as the Pacific ridley, is classified as endangered and plays a crucial role in maintaining the marine ecosystem.
Following the discovery, Buleleng Police spokesman Adjunct Commissioner Gede Darma Diatmika confirmed the decision to relocate the eggs to a sanctuary managed by the Turtle Conservation Group (KPP) located in Umeanyar, approximately 20 kilometers away along the northern coast of Bali. “Relocating the eggs to the sanctuary was to protect them from individuals with ill intentions,” Diatmika stated.
Coordinated Efforts for Conservation
The relocation process was a collaborative effort involving personnel from the Buleleng Marine and Air Police (Polairud) and officials from the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA). The initiative underscores the importance of collectively safeguarding protected species—a necessity emphasized by Edy.
“After coordinating with the BKSDA Bali, Villandra hotel agreed that the eggs be relocated to the safer KPP sanctuary in Umeanyar,” stated Adj. Comr. Putu Edy Wukaryawan, head of Buleleng Polairud.
Challenges to Hatching Success
The relocation was prompted by the unpredictable weather conditions that could jeopardize the eggs’ survival during the critical two-month incubation period leading up to hatching. However, the KPP sanctuary has expressed concern regarding the viability of the eggs. According to their estimates, only about 40% of the eggs are expected to hatch successfully, primarily due to unfavorable environmental conditions.
I Gusti Bagus Cakra Wibawa, head of the local Pokmaswas (community watch group) in Umeanyar, articulated a more cautious outlook, suggesting that the hatching success rate could be as low as 30%. “We moved the eggs from [the beach near] Villandra hotel because of unsafe weather. Only 30 percent are likely to hatch, so we had to relocate them to the sanctuary after more than 10 days,” he explained.
Legal Protection and Conservation Awareness
The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is safeguarded under Indonesian conservation law and is categorized as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The proactive measures taken by local authorities and community groups highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve this vital species and raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation.
As efforts continue to protect and nurture these eggs, authorities and conservationists remain hopeful for a successful hatching season.
For more updates on wildlife conservation initiatives in Bali, stay tuned.
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