As far as illegal sea turtle smuggling and trade goes, Bali unfortunately takes the cake in Indonesia.
Our Island of the Gods ranks number one in the country for the most cases involving the endangered animals, according to a report by Tribun Bali.
“Based on our data, in 2015 there have already been more than 50 cases of turtle trading foiled,” said director of Biodiversity Conservation, Bambang Dahonoaji.
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For instance, Dahonoaji cited to Tribun Bali a case where 2,000 hatchlings were to be exported to China.
“The hatchlings were kept in a box about to fly to China via Jakarta,” he said.
One case, on June 5, the Center for Natural Resource Conservation (BKSDA) handled a case where green sea turtles were to be sold after they were broiled and preserved in a freezer.
Sumarsono, of BKSDA, says the demand for turtle meat is not coming from within Bali—likely taking a jab at other countries in the region that are known to have an affinity for turtle meat.
Let’s hope Bali can keep its sea turtle population alive and avoid extinction.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
