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Turtles Swimming to Extinction in Malaysia

Turtle hatchlings. Image via depositphotos.

Turtles, some of Earth’s most ancient and resilient creatures, are facing an alarming decline in Malaysia. These majestic reptiles’ survival is threatened by the increasing temperatures resulting from global climate change. This article explores the dire situation of turtles in Malaysia, focusing on how rising temperatures skew sex ratios towards females, pushing the species towards potential extinction.

The Impact of Rising Temperatures

Sea turtles are incredibly sensitive to temperature, especially during the incubation period of their eggs. Unlike many other species, the sex of turtle hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the sand where the eggs are buried. Cooler temperatures tend to produce more males, while warmer temperatures produce more females. With global temperatures on the rise, this delicate balance is being disrupted, leading to a dramatic decrease in the number of male hatchlings.

The Skewed Sex Ratio

Sea turtle. Image via depositphotos.

In Malaysia, the impact of climate change is evident on the beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs. The increasing temperatures are resulting in overwhelmingly female populations. A study conducted by the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) found that over 95% of the hatchlings in certain nesting sites were female. This skewed sex ratio poses a significant threat to the future of sea turtles, as a balanced ratio is crucial for successful mating and reproduction.

Threats to Turtle Habitats

Green sea turtle moving out of the water. Image via depositphotos.

Beyond the temperature issue, sea turtles in Malaysia face numerous other threats. Coastal development, pollution, and illegal poaching have severely impacted their habitats. Beaches that once served as safe nesting grounds are now littered with debris, and the turtles often ingest plastic, mistaking it for food. The combined effect of these threats has led to a sharp decline in turtle populations, with some species like the Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles being critically endangered.

Conservation Efforts

Loggerhead sea turtle
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta). Image via
Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite the grim outlook, concerted efforts are underway to save Malaysia’s sea turtles. Conservation programs focus on protecting nesting sites, rescuing injured turtles, and raising awareness about the plight of these creatures. For instance, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, the Malaysian government has established several turtle sanctuaries along the coast. These sanctuaries are crucial in ensuring that turtle eggs are incubated in a controlled environment where the temperature can be regulated to produce a more balanced sex ratio.

Community Involvement

Green sea turtle
Green sea turtles have incredible lung capacity. Image via Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Local communities are also being involved in conservation efforts. Fishermen are being educated about turtles’ importance to the marine ecosystem and are encouraged to adopt turtle-friendly fishing practices. Additionally, eco-tourism initiatives are being promoted, where tourists can participate in turtle conservation activities, providing much-needed funding and awareness for these programs.

The Role of Technology

Sea Turtles
sea turtles have long flippers instead of the webbed feet to help them in water. Image via RomanDeckert, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Innovative solutions are being explored to combat the challenges faced by sea turtles. Researchers are experimenting with artificial shading and cooling systems for nesting sites to help maintain optimal temperatures for producing male hatchlings. Satellite tracking is also used to monitor turtle movements and identify critical habitats needing protection.

The Global Perspective

Sea turtle swimming. Image via depositphotos.

The situation in Malaysia is not isolated; it reflects a global crisis. Sea turtles worldwide are experiencing similar challenges due to climate change and human activities. International cooperation and stringent conservation measures are essential to ensure the survival of these ancient mariners.

How long have sea turtles been around?

baby sea turtle
Image by frazaofernando via Depositphotos.

Sea turtles have existed for over 100 million years, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs.

How many species of sea turtles are there?

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle
The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, known as Honu in Hawaiian, is revered in Hawaiian culture as a symbol of good luck, longevity, and protection, and it is considered a guardian spirit (aumakua) by some native Hawaiians.

Image by Jeremy Bishop via Unsplash

There are seven species of sea turtles: Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Kemp’s Ridley, and Flatback.

What do sea turtles eat?

Sea Turtle
Sea turtle swimming freely in the ocean while holding their breath, their heart rate slows significantly.

Image by Kris-Mikael Krister on Unsplash.

Their diet varies by species but includes jellyfish, seagrasses, algae, and crustaceans.

How far can sea turtles travel?

Sea turtle swimming close to a reef. Image by Jesse Schoff on Unsplash.

Some sea turtles migrate thousands of miles between feeding and nesting grounds.

What are the main threats to sea turtles?

Green Sea Turtle
Green Sea Turtle grazing seagrass in Akumal bay. By P.Lindgren – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27611674

The main threats include habitat loss, climate change, poaching, pollution, and bycatch in fishing gear.

How do sea turtles find their way back to the same beach to nest?

Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), 2 km south of Barra del Tordo, Municipality of Aldama, Tamaulipas, Mexico. By William L. Farr – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92405272

Sea turtles use Earth’s magnetic fields to navigate back to the beach where they were born.

How long can sea turtles live?

Loggerhead Sea Turtle. ukanda, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Loggerhead Sea Turtle. ukanda, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sea turtles can live for several decades, with some species living up to 80 years or more.

How many eggs do sea turtles lay at one time?

baby sea turtles
Image of three baby sea turtles. Image by maria isabella via Pexels.

A female sea turtle can lay between 50 to 200 eggs per nest, depending on the species.

How often do sea turtles nest?

Sea turtle
Image of a sea turtle up-close via Pexels

Most sea turtles nest every 2-4 years, laying multiple nests per season.

What is the incubation period for sea turtle eggs?

sea turtle
Sea turtle swimming in the big sea.

Image via Pexels.

The incubation period ranges from about 45 to 70 days, depending on the temperature and species.

What is temperature-dependent sex determination?

sea turtle
Sea turtle swimming in the big sea via Pexels.

It’s a process where the temperature at which eggs incubate determines the sex of the hatchlings.

How do sea turtles contribute to marine ecosystems?

Watch: Release Of Baby Turtles To The Ocean
Green Sea Turtle Hatchling making its first steps from the beach to the sea

Sea turtles maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, which provide habitats for other marine life.

What adaptations help sea turtles survive in the ocean?

Long head sea turtle
Image captured of a long head sea turtle. Image via James St. John, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

They have streamlined shells for efficient swimming, large flippers for propulsion, and specialized glands to excrete excess salt.

Are all sea turtle species endangered?

sea turtle
hawksbill sea turtle dive swim in the deep blue ocean in front of tropical coral reef background. Image via depositphotos.

Yes, all seven species of sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered due to various human impacts.

How can individuals help protect sea turtles?

Hawksbill Turtle – Eretmochelys imbricata floats under water. Maldives Indian Ocean coral reef. Image via depositphotos.

People can help by reducing plastic use, supporting turtle conservation programs, and advocating for policies that protect marine habitats.

Conclusion

Hawksbill sea turtle swimming in Indian ocean in Seychelles. Image via depositphotos.

The plight of sea turtles in Malaysia is a stark reminder of our planet’s broader environmental challenges. The skewed sex ratios caused by rising temperatures highlight the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change. Through dedicated conservation efforts, community involvement, and innovative solutions, there is hope that these ancient mariners can be saved from extinction. By understanding and addressing their threats, we can ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at the grace and beauty of sea turtles in Malaysia and beyond. I hope you enjoyed reading about the turtle that are swimming toward extinction. To read more stories like this, checkout the articles below:

Latest posts by Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology (see all)