Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Endangered royal turtle rescued from fisherman

Endangered royal turtle rescued from fisherman

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
A female 14kg royal turtle, one of a critical endangered species which was released into the wild last year, was caught by fisherman last week. WCS CAMBODIA

Endangered royal turtle rescued from fisherman

A female 14kg royal turtle, one of a critical endangered species which was released into the wild last year, was caught by fisherman last week. Luckily, she was rescued thanks to the Wildlife Alliance’s local network, according to Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia.

The turtle was returned to the WCS Cambodia Turtle Conservation team in Sre Ambel district of Koh Kong province.

The turtle was confiscated from a local fisherman at his home by wildlife alliance rangers stationed along the Chi Phat River immediately after they were alerted by their local network. It was reported that the fisherman had accidentally hooked the reptile.

WCS said that according to data obtained through a microchip implanted in her back leg, the female was released into the wild in 2021. She weighed 8kg at the time. According to the date, the turtle had travelled more than 100km to the southwest from where she was released.

“Without the collaboration with the wildlife alliance and funding from the European Union, this critically endangered and national reptile of Cambodia could have ended up as part of the trade in illegal wildlife. The reptile is secure at WCS where she will receive a health check. She will be returned to the wild soon,” WCS said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Wing Bank opens new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004

    Wing Bank celebrates first anniversary as commercial bank with launch of brand-new branch. One year since officially launching with a commercial banking licence, Wing Bank on March 14 launched a new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004. The launch was presided over by

  • Girl from Stung Meanchey dump now college grad living in Australia

    After finishing her foundational studies at Trinity College and earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne in 2022, Ron Sophy, a girl who once lived at the Stung Meanchey garbage dump and scavenged for things to sell, is now working at a private

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Wat Phnom hornbills attract tourists, locals

    Thanks to the arrival of a friendly flock of great hornbills, Hour Rithy, a former aviculturist – or raiser of birds – in Kratie province turned Phnom Penh tuk tuk driver, has seen a partial return to his former profession. He has become something of a guide

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one