Adopt a turtle nest to aid species conservation, urges Sabah Parks

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Parks is calling for more people to sign up as turtle nest adopters to continue conservation and protection of the endangered species.

According to Sabah Parks assistant researcher Muhammad Hasran Assan, turtle conservation in Sabah started more than 10 years ago but the adoption programme was only introduced in 2016.

“Previously, we had tourists asking how they can be part of our conservation efforts, and that is how the Sabah Parks Turtle Nest Adoption Program came about,” he said in a video posted on the Sabah Parks Facebook page.

He said in Sabah, three islands have been identified as turtle islands – Selingan, Gulisaan and Bakkungaan Kecil.

“There are various types of turtles here including the Green and Hawksbill turtle,” said Hasran.

To be part of the nest adoption programme, one needs to pay a RM150 conservation fee for each nest from a single mother turtle, he said.

He said participants would get photos of hatchlings being released into the sea, a certificate and a T-shirt as a token of appreciation.

Based on records, sea turtles are among the most endangered marine reptiles in the world with studies showing that out of 1,000 hatchlings, only one survives until adulthood.

Anyone who wishes to be part of this programme can send an email to [email protected].

This is part of the many programmes lined up in conjunction with Sabah Park’s 60th anniversary this year.

The other activities include a Sabah Parks Young Rangers programme, virtual tours, Pulau Tiga Adventure Series video montage, and other related programmes. More information can be found at the Sabah Parks official Facebook page.