Throughout Indonesia there are four different sea turtle species that lay their eggs on the beaches of the many different islands. Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are critically endangered with extinction on a global scale, whereas the status of Green (Chelonia m. mydas) and Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtles are less of a critical state, but still alarming.

The flatback turtle (Natator depressus) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) are frequent visitors of Indonesian waters to forage and migrate but don’t nest in the archipelago. Conservation efforts throughout Indonesia are attempting to reverse the current state of decline of sea turtles. Important nesting sites are being patrolled in order to protect the eggs from poaching and predation.

All sea turtles in Indonesia are threatened by the consumption of their eggs and meat. Fishery by-catch is also a major problem, where sea turtles get entangled in fishing nets of large commercial fishing vessels and are victim of unsustainable fishing methods for shark fins and aquarium fish.

TURTLES IN SUMATRA

Leatherbacks, Hawksbills and Green turtles all nest along the coast of Sumatra, one of the largest islands in Indonesia. Unfortunately, conservation efforts concentrating on the plight of these species are minimal and the only continuous monitoring programme is set up by Yayasan Pulau Banyak in Pulau Banyak, South East Aceh.

Currently there is insufficient data on the status of sea turtles in Sumatra and any information collected would add to a global data base to help joint conservation efforts. As Leatherbacks are known to migrate vast distances, the ones nesting in Sumatra could be found in different continents and/or countries. Knowledge on the migration routes of these animals could improve cooperation between countries working to save Leatherbacks from extinction.

The turtles in Sumatra face the same threats as in other parts of Indonesia, with the addition of the sale of jewellery made out of the shell of the endangered species. Trade between countries such as China and Taiwan in these animal products keep the demand of eggs, meat and jewellery.