Profauna Launches Hotline For Sea Turtle Rescue In Bali
ProFauna Bali office has recently launched a "sea turtle hotline" (+62 36 180 858 00). The 24-hour call center was set up due to the high number of calls ProFauna Bali received from foreign tourists, hotels employees as well as local Balinese, who needed helpful advice on how to approach or rescue sea turtles that were in the local area.
ProFauna's public service for sea turtle rescue also includes overseeing the release of baby turtle hatchlings. A total of 81 Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings, out of 112 laid eggs, were released on 23rd April 2008 by ProFauna Bali, together with the local people and foreign tourists.
In addition to the sea turtle protection program in Kuta, ProFauna also runs a similar program in Tegal Besar beach, Klungkung, Bali. In April 2008, more than 200 eggs were evacuated from three separate nest sites and relocated into incubation boxes by ProFauna team and the locals. In removing the eggs and placed in incubation, the eggs will be protected from predators and from being disturbed by human activity on the beach.
I Wayan Wiradnyana, ProFauna Bali Office Coordinator said,
"The eggs are estimated to hatch at the end of May or beginning of June. We give thanks to the local people who have been really helpful with our program."
Since 2003, the sea turtle nest rescue program has been carried out in collaboration with the government forestry department and the locals, some of whom are lifeguards and actively monitor the beaches. As always, ProFauna endeavours to raise the awareness and education of its activities and has given lectures and provided training on sea turtle nest resue to local residents.