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.