Collaborative effort adds turtles to protected areas
IN a conservation effort, Pursat provincial governor Khoy Rida recently released hundreds of big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) into the Prek Ta Chan community protected area. The turtles were handed over by Bakan district fisheries officials and local fishermen.
“Gratitude to the district’s fisheries officials and fishermen for contributing 50 turtles, responding to my call for their release in the protected area. Our count now stands at 289,” he shared in a social media post.
Hay Thura, director of the Pursat provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, noted on January 9 that this was not the first release of this turtle species.
The governor has previously released them in different protected areas, including lakes and conservation zones in the province.
“The big-headed turtle is an [endangered] species, and we’re dedicated to protecting and conserving them. Our approach involves releasing them in their natural habitat. Despite their long lifespan, we’re actively working to prevent their illegal capture for consumption,” he said.
He mentioned that the release of big-headed turtles was not tied to any specific event, just a collaborative effort with the fishing community and relevant officials.
Chum Huot, president of the Lover Environment and Society Association, said that releasing turtles into protected areas makes a significant contribution to protecting wildlife from extinction in Cambodia.
In December 2023, Rida contributed 107 turtles to the Srey Choek fishing community for release in the protected area of Prek Ta Chan, located in Kandieng district’s Kanhchor commune.*