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Deadly Collision Claims 67 Lives in U.S. Air Disaster | At Least 30 Dead and Many Injured in Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in India | Chinese President Xi Jinping Affirms Cambodia's Role as a Key Partner in China’s Diplomatic Strategy | Xi Jinping Concludes State Visit to Cambodia, Strengthening Bilateral Ties | Chinese President Xi Jinping Concludes Successful State Visit to Cambodia | Chinese Ambassador: US-China Trade Tensions Harm Developing Nations; President Xi Urges Investment in Cambodia and Expanded Market Access | Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Ships Bungo and Etazima Dock at Ream Sea Base for Four-Day Visit | Prime Minister Hun Manet Expresses Displeasure Over Criticism of Chinese Investments During Kampot International Tourist Port Inauguration | Asian Development Bank Collaborates with Cambodia on New Development Projects Worth Over $1 Billion |

51 Endangered Royal Turtles Released into Natural Habitat

  • Posted Nov 26, 2021 18:05 by Lundy
  • 2716
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Sihanoukville: The European Union (EU), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, have released on Friday 51 critically endangered Royal Turtles into the Sre Ambel River system in Chamkar Luong commune, Kampong Seila district of Preah Sihanouk province.

The 51 Royal turtles, globally known as Southern River Terrapin, were collected immediately after emerging from their nests along the Sre Ambel River and Kampong Leu River in Koh Kong and Preah Sihanouk provinces from 2006 to 2015 and sent to Koh Kong Reptile Conservation Center in Tuol Korki village, Tuol Korki commune of Mondul Seima district, where they have been cared for and prepared for a life in the wild, according to Som Sitha, WCS Landscape Project Manager.

Each turtle, 31 females and 20 males, ranging from 6 to 15 years old, was implanted with a microchip, and an acoustic transmitter attached to their shell. These measures will allow the conservation team to monitor each individual and track their movements through the river system.

The Delegate of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Director General of Fisheries Conservation, Poum Sotha has expressed his appreciaition to the local authorities, community and WCS team who worked together to conserve critically endangered turtles. And he encouraged all stakeholders to continue their efforts to conserve the threatened species, and those who still trade protected species will face legal action.

The EU is funding this wildlife conservation project, in which WCS and the FiA partner with local communities to counter illegal wildlife trafficking and to protect endangered species. In addition to supporting this work, the European Union is also a key development partner to sustainable fisheries management in Cambodia. Cambodia has an incredible wealth of species and habitats. The Royal Turtle is one of the species that need protection urgently.

The Deputy CEO at Mandai Nature Dr. Sonja Luz has said that it is heartening to see yet another release of the critically endangered Royal Turtle into their native habitat which signals the success of the head-starting facility and efforts led by WCS. The strong involvement from the local authorities and communities has also been critical in ensuring the turtles released can thrive in the wild.


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