Author(s): Pushpa Palaniappan, Nur Nabila Naqiah Nazuhar and Muhammad Ali Syed Hussein

Abstract: There are 3 species of sea turtles that have been reported to nest in Sabah – the green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). The most abundant sea turtle nesting areas are on the east coast of Sabah, specifically at the 3 islands of the Turtle Islands Park in Sandakan (Selingan, Gulisaan and Bakkungaan Kechil); and Sipadan off Semporna. The Kuala Penyu district, located on the west coast of Sabah, was historically known to host abundant nesting turtles, and efforts are now being undertaken to revive the population of sea turtles in this area. This study quantified the nesting density of sea turtles from Kuala Penyu to Menumbok, and assessed the potential threats to these turtles. Interviews and beach surveys were conducted from December 2014 until March 2016 to gather evidence and local knowledge as well as historical data of the turtles in this area. It was found that nesting is very sporadic and only one hawksbill turtle nest was reported during the entire duration of this study. Also, the main threats to the turtles here are illegal harvesting of turtle eggs and incidental capture of turtles in fishing gear.

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