AN UPDATE ON CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT OF THE GREEN TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) ON PANGUMBAHAN BEACH, SUKABUMI, INDONESIA

Abstract

Conservation of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) on coastal Pangumbahan (located at S 07°19' 46.1" dan E 106°23' 50.4") has been conducted since 1973. Efforts to improve knowledge and techniques, as well as enhanced management to increase the number green turtle eggs produced, hatched and successfully released as hatchlings are ongoing. Other improvements include: (i) hatching and letting the hatchlings live temporary in tub before immediately release into the sea; (ii) applying semi-natural outdoor systems for hatchery with bronjong; and (iii) improving skills of field workers to handle eggs and hatchlings, and involving local and Central Government in community base surveillance. The number of nesting turtles fluctuated and reached its peak in 2013, showing an increase of up to 3, 245 individuals. The number of eggs since 2001 has also fluctuated, with the lowest number occurring in 2011 with 13, 211 eggs, and the highest occurring in 2013 with 1, 123, 651 eggs. The number of eggs hatched reached 100 % in 2008, and has maintained 100 % hatching rate up to 2013. The number of newly hatched turtles successfully released into the sea also fluctuated, and reached its peak in 2013 with 633, 272 hatchlings. The important and active roles of coastal Pangumbahan communities in green turtle conservation, as well as substantial support from the district, province and Central Government, are key factors in the success of green turtle conservation in this area.