As the year draws to an end, I feel compelled to write a concluding blog for 2008. Yes, as the title suggests, we do end the year on a high note and we look forward to the new year with some fresh ideas for the TRRG.
We touched the 600 mark in nests deposited in Chagar Hutang, the third highest since the egg protection program was initiated in 1993. A record of 606 nests were laid by the end of November and on the 5th of December 2008, I received a call from Mahadi that a new green turtle had landed on the 4th and successfully deposited nest number 607. Wow! She is the 78th neonate (first time nester) green turtle nester for 2008 and bears ID 2008G078. By this, you will also know that our workers from Redang continue to monitor Chagar Hutang throughout the monsoon period. Kudos to them for their dedication!
Chagar Hutang has become a popular place for day visits by organised groups, mostly from the Ministry of Education under their Marine Awareness Program. We have also received groups from local universities and the diving community. Our Turtle Gallery was opened in 2008 to enhance the learning experience for our visitors. In order to further our objectives in public education and to reinforce our turtle conservation messages to visitors, we have plans to develop outdoor exhibits in Chagar Hutang in 2009. This idea came from my recent visit to the Projeto Tamar Ibama outdoors turtle interpretative centre in Praia do Fortes, Bahia, Brazil. Some pictures from there are posted below to give you a rough idea of how our outdoors exhibits may look like. The last picture seems a little ambitious for us and we may omit that, but I must admit it is good for photo shoots. The exhibits will be placed in non-nesting areas and will not obstruct nesting turtles.
2009 will also see new developments in our river terrapin project in the Setiu River. For the first time, we will attempt incubation in the ground in both exposed and shaded nests. This has been made possible from our recent acquaintance with the residents/owners of that beautiful “glass house” opposite the nesting banks at Pantai Pasir Penarik. En. Nafizi has offered us a place a within his fenced-off compound to use as our outdoors hatchery. Some pictures of his traditional Malay house are posted below.
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- Praia do Fortes
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- Praia do Fortes
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- Praia do Fortes
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- Praia do Fortes
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- Praia do Fortes
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- Praia do Fortes
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- Praia do Fortes
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- Praia do Fortes
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- Glass house
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- Glass house
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- Glass house
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- Glass house
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- Goodbye 2008!
In terms of staffing, Pelf will continue working for the TRRG as its Research-cum-Outreach Officer in 2009. Soleha, Research Assistant for the Chagar Hutang project has left and we will be sourcing a new assistant to replace her. She has served us well and we wish her success in her life journey. Nurul is still working on her M.SC. and will continue to help in the head-starting work on river terrapins. Our occasional assistant in the river terrapin tracking project, James Tan will be leaving in a week’s time to Australia to further his studies and our best wishes go with him. Mahadi, Man and Fifi continue to work in the Chagar Hutang project in 2009. Gary will no longer be in our team. We are also appreciative that Fong and Zam are there to offer occasional help whenever needed.
Finally, an announcement about bookings for the Volunteer Program in 2009. We hope to launch the bookings page within the first two weeks of January 2009. Hence, look out for it!
I end this blog by wishing one and all happy holidays, a happy and productive 2009 and may it bring blessings to everyone and all the turtles and terrapins of Malaysia and the world!
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