ADOPTION PROGRAM HANDBOOK

SEA TURTLE

SEA TURTLE adoption program

üMessage from Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, SARAWAK FORESTRY Corporation

üMessage from Chief Park Warden, SARAWAK FORESTRY Corporation

üPreface

1. Introduction

2. Locality & Site Map

3. Objectives of Sea Turtle Adoption Program

4. Benefits to participants

5. Legislation and Park Regulations

6. Program Itinerary

7. Travel Notes

SAdopt-A-Turtle Program

SAdopt –A- Turtle Form

SAdopt-A-Nest Program

SAdopt-A-Nest Form

üAppendix

CONTENTTABLE OF

Pulau Talang Besar Beach

Let us be more RESPONSIBLE!

Sea turtles are one of Earth’s most ancient creatures and the seven species found today can be dated back to its ancestors, seafaring 110 million years ago. These precious creatures will extinct if no effort is being made to protect and conserve them. Let us be more responsible!

Sarawak, being the largest state in Malaysia, has long been known to have a very rich living heritage of natural and biological diversity that rivals others in the world. Although they have been around for tens of millions of years since the Mesozoic and survived until now, human activities and natural threats have pushed these turtles to the brink of extinction.

Sarawak State Government is actively involved in championing our cause and there are legislations in placed to provide further protection, namely the National Parks and Natures Reserves Ordinance, 1998 and Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1998 and National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance, 1998 and establishment of Totally Protected Areas throughout the State.

Sea turtles face ever-increasing threats from a staggering array of sources as human populations grow, coastal habitats are developed, and marine habitats are degraded. SARAWAK FORESTRY is heavily involved in research concerning this creature and we hope to obtain the information necessary to counteract these threats and ensure its continued existence.

At SARAWAK FORESTRY, conservation is our commitment and we carry out our responsibilities with passion. Turtle Adoption Program is one of the many upcoming insignia of Sarawak’s innovative conservation program that seeks and encourages public involvement in conservation activities.

From our part, we are pooling our resources towards providing and ensuring a total protection for these turtles through enforcement of related laws, extensive network of protected areas and research and scientific studies. However, our efforts will be pointless without the support from the public and smart partnerships as exemplified in this program. I believe it will foster awareness thus expand the role that can be played by any individual.

Don't hide in your shell! Make a lasting impact on the survival of these seafaring turtle with SARAWAK FORESTRY’s Turtle Adoption Program. Enjoy the experience and immerse yourself in understanding conservation!

Datu Haji Len Talif Salleh

Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer

SARAWAK FORESTRY

SEA TURTLE adoption program

Selamat Datan

SARAWAK FORESTRY’s “Turtle Adoption Program” is our

way of sharing our highly successful sea turtle conservation

program and experience with the public. Our conservation

program shows remarkable result and appears to be working

extremely well. The number of turtle landings has stabilized

at 1,500 to 3,000 per year over a 10 year period, after sinking

to an all time low of under 1,000 in the early 1980s.

The Turtle Adoption Program is one of our extensive efforts in

the protection of wildlife in Sarawak. Others include ex-situ

and in-situ conservation works, research, conservation

education and many more. The Sarawak State Government

is actively involved in championing our cause and there are

legislations approved to provide further protection, namely the National Parks and

Natures Reserves Ordinance, 1998 and Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1998 and

establishment of Totally Protected Areas throughout the State.

The turtle conservation program, which is ongoing at Talang-Satang’s three large

islands and in Tanjung Datu and Similajau National Parks on the Sarawak mainland,

has become turtle safe haven. However, the protection and care of our sea turtles are

not the duty of SARAWAK FORESTRY solely. It is everybody’s responsibility to be

involved in conservation. Our team has volunteered countless hours in the name of

sea turtle conservation. The success of this program too, depends very much on the

support and cooperation of others.

By adopting, you are helping to protect these sea turtles and the conservation efforts

meant to sustain their existence in the future. These sea turtles have found sanctuary

here, with us and we hope that you will enjoy every second of your stay in the islands

and return home with pleasant memories and plentiful knowledge!

Thank you for your support.

Wilfred S. Landong

General Manager, PABC

SARAWAK FORESTRY

PREFACEThe Sea Turtle Adoption Program is a conservation initiative run by SARAWAK FORESTRY which allows you to actively participate in turtle conservation efforts by spending four days at the turtle conservation station on Pulau Talang-Talang Besar. The program offers hands on experience on turtle conservation. During your stay, you will join a team of dedicated professionals whose mission is to carry out sea turtle conservation programs on the island and thus help to conserve one of the world's most endangered species.

The Sea Turtle Adoption Program Handbook provides the necessarily information for you to participate in this program. The contents are meant to give you a general brief that will help in your preparation. It will give you basic understanding of the program objectives, benefits, l iving condit ions, activit ies, rules and regulations that you need to observe while you are on the island.

We hope that you will enjoy the program and have an enriching and memorable experience. We are looking forward for your contribution in our conservation efforts to save the sea turtles.

SEA TURTLE adoption program

INTR DUCTION

Sea turt les are amongst the world 's l o n g e s t - l i v e d c r e a t u r e s , w i t h m a n y reaching a lifespan of more than 100 years. Graceful “swimmers” that spend most of their time underwater, they have survived almost unchanged since the Triassic period, some 200 mil l ion years ago. However the breeding habits that have served them so well for so long are now contributing to their extinction.

It is commonly known that sea turtles mature slowly, only starting to breed between 15 to 50 years of age (Balaz, 1982; Bjorndal and Zug, 1995) and once they commence breeding, females usually produce eggs once every four or five years. It is commonly known that sea turtles do not lay their eggs on just any beach. Studies have shown that the sea turtles largely migrate back to their beach of birth, sometimes across distances of more than 3,000 km; how they find their way back to that particular beach is one of nature's great unsolved mysteries.

In Talang Satang National Park, the peak seasons for sea turtle nesting range from the month of May to September each year. Open f rom May to Sep tember, th i s conserva t ion d r i ven p rogram a l lows part ic ipants to act ively part ic ipate in Sarawak's turtle conservation efforts by spending four (4) days at the turt le conservation site on Pulau Talang-Talang Besar.

T h e S e a Tu r t l e A d o p t i o n P r o g r a m comprises of conservation activities such as beach patrols to locate turtle landings, monitoring sea turtle nesting activities, tagging and measuring turtles, transferring eggs to hatchery, releasing hatchlings, d a t a r e c o r d i n g a n d o t h e r i n - s i t u conservation activities.

Baby green turtle, just hatched.

Turtle lay eggs.

Ta l a n g - S a t a n g N a t i o n a l P a r k w a s establ ished wi th the pr imary a im of c o n s e r v i n g S a r a w a k ' s s e a t u r t l e popu la t ion . The park compr ises the coastline and sea surrounding four islands of the southwest coast of Sarawak; Pulau Talang Besar and Pulau Talang Kecil off Sematan, and Pulau Satang Besar and Pulau Satang Kecil off Santubong, near Kuching.

Talang-Satang National Park covers a total area of water bodies approximately 19,414 hectares. Beautiful shallow reef areas surround all the four islands. The reefs generally consist of several species of hard corals and colonies of soft corals. They provide shelter and resting grounds for sea turtles, and are also important fish breeding areas.

The Sea Turtle Adoption Program comprises of conservation activities such as beach patrols to locate turtle landings, monitoring sea turtle nesting activities, tagging and measuring turtles, transferring eggs to hatchery, releasing hatchl ings, data recording and other in-situ conservation activities.

S O U T H C H I N A S E A

KUCHING

Gunung GadingNational Park

Bako National ParkKubahNational Park

SemenggohWildlife Centre

Damai, Santubong

Tanjung DatuNational Park

PulauSatang

PulauTalang-talang

MALAYSIA

Talang-SatangNational Park

LOCALITY & SITE MAP

SEA TURTLE adoption program

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the programme is to showcase to the global community and public the success of the turtle conservation in Sarawak. The objectives of the program are:

üTo create awareness on the importance of sea turtle conservation

üTo impart knowledge on sea turtle conservation

üTo experience the island stay

BENEFITS

The program offers you the chance to learn more about sea turtle conservation through your active participation in various activities such as beach patrols, monitoring turtle nesting activity, tagging and measuring turtles, transferring eggs to hatchery, releasing hatchlings and data recording. Besides conservation activities, you will also experience an unforgettable encounter with sea turtles, unforgettable stays on the island with basic living condition and enjoyable nature-based activities. At the end of the program, you will gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are actually contributing to a valuable conservation project.

of SEA TURTLE ADOPTION PROGRAM

TO PARTICIPANTS

Baby green turtle, just hatched.Photo by Manuel Heinrich Emha

HEAD

nostrileye

nuschalscute

claw

vertebralscutes

Tail

costalscutes

forelimb(flipper)

marginalscutes

hind limb(hind flipper)

HEAD

Tail

inframarginalscutes

PARK RULES & REGULATIONS

The aim of the programme is to showcase to the global community and public the success of the turtle conservation in Sarawak. The objectives of the program are:

üDo not bring in or possess any weapon, explosive, poison or any contrivance of any kind used for taking, capturing, shooting, killing or destroying of any animal.

üDo not kill, injure, capture or disturb any wildlife or take or destroy any plant or egg or nest.

üDo not introduce any animal, or permit any domestic animal or introduce any plant therein.

üDo not remove any plant or animal, geological object or other scientific interests out of the park.

üDo not deface or destroy any object, whether animate or inanimate.

üDo not litter.

If you commit any of the above acts and if found guilty, you may be liable to be fined an amount of Five Thousand Malaysian Ringgit (MYR 5,000) or imprisoned for one year (both fine and imprisonment).

Within the specific site at Talang Besar's Island, you are required to comply and adhere to the following regulations:

üNo diving shall be permitted in aquatic area unless the diver is supervised by and guided by a park guide. Diving shall be limited from 8.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. each day but no diving would be permitted during inclement weather or dangerous sea conditions.

üAll SCUBA/skin divers must not touch or disturbed any marine creature or undertake water formation or intentionally move within five metres of a turtle.

üAll SCUBA/skin divers shall comply with all other directions, instructions or orders issued by the Controller or a Park Warden.

üNo vessel shall anchor in aquatic areas except at such places as may be designated by the Controller for anchorage.

üDo not enter the turtle beach between 6.00 p.m. and 8.00 a.m without the permission of the Park Warden with exception of any emergency case.

üDo not touch, disturb or injured any turtle or disturb any turtle nests or sit or ride on a turtle, or create or cause any nuisance which would drive turtle away from the turtle beach.

üDo not shine or focus any lights, whether from land or any vessel on a turtle beach zone.

SEA TURTLE adoption program

During your stay, you are required to observe and maintain a decent code of ethics and shall not:

üGamble, or become intoxicated by alcohol or any form of drugs.

üLitter or deposit any rubbish, refuse or waste, except in such bins or receptacles provided by the Park Warden for such purpose.

üCreate any nuisance.

üConduct yourself indecently or behave in a rude or unruly or aggressive manner.

If you commit any of the above acts, you may be removed or evicted forthwith from the national park.

PROGRAMTime Activities

Day 1

1400 hrsPM - Arrival at Pulau Talang-Talang Besar - Welcome brief - Park Warden

- session- At your own leisure

“Get to know”

1900 hrs - Dinner- Roll call - Park Warden- Technical briefing

2100 hrs “Turtle Watch”

Day 2

AM 0800 hrs - Breakfast- Rest- At your own leisure

PM 1200 hrs - Lunch- Turtle Management at Pulau Talang-Talang Kecil

1600 hrs “Beach Work”

1200 hrs - Dinner- Roll Call - Park Warden

2100 hrs Hatchery Management

Day 3

0800 hrs - Breakfast- Rest- Data Recording- At your own leisure

AM

1200 hrs Lunch

1400 hrs - Snorkeling- Hatchery Management

1900 hrs - Dinner- Roll Call - Park Warden

2100 hrs Adopt - A - Turtle

PM

Day 4

0800 hrs - Breakfast

- Session“Let You Know”

AM

1000 hrs Farewell and have a safe journey home

(Note: the schedule may be adjusted to suit weather conditions)

Adopt-A-Turtle

With adoption of one turtle at RM200, participants will receive:

- A personalized adoption certificate

- SARAWAK FORESTRY Gift

By adopting a turtle, it shows your contribution toward the conservation of these endangered species.

Yes, I would like to learn more about turtles and help conserve them!

I wish to adopt …......…………… turtle(s). Enclosed please find my cash/cheque

no …......…………… amount of RM …......…………… as my donation towards

adopting the number of turtle(s) indicated above.

(Note: Adoption costs: one turtle=RM200, two turtles=RM400)

Adopt-A-Turtle

Name: I.C/Passport:

Address:

City: Sate:

Country: Zip Code:

Tel no.: Fax:

Email:

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Please make your donation in favour of:

SARAWAK FORESTRY Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

Level 12, Office Tower, Hock Lee Centre,

Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim,

93350 Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia.

www.sarawakforestry.com

Adopt-A-Nest

With adoption of a nest at RM100, participants will receive:

- A personalized adoption certificate

- SARAWAK FORESTRY Gift

By adopting a nest, you are contributing to the conservation of these endangered species.

Yes, I would like to learn more about turtles and help conserve them!

I wish to adopt …......…………… nest(s). Enclosed please find my cash/cheque

no …......…………… amount of RM …......…………… as my donation towards

adopting the number of nest(s) indicated above.

(Note: Adoption costs: one nest=RM100, two nests=RM200)

Name: I.C/Passport:

Address:

City: Sate:

Country: Zip Code:

Tel no.: Fax:

Email:

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Please make your donation in favour of:

SARAWAK FORESTRY Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

Level 12, Office Tower, Hock Lee Centre,

Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim,

93350 Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia.

www.sarawakforestry.com

Adopt-A-Nest

Living Conditions

Living condition at Pulau Talang-Talang Besar is very basic. Accommodation provided is basic and you will have to share rooms with other volunteers. Toilet and bathing facilities are available. Water rationing might be required during dry season.

TRAVEL NOTE

What to Bring

You are advised to bring the following:

üSun block lotion and insect repellent

üSunglasses, cap

üField clothes: T-shirts, shorts, long trousers

üRaincoat

üSwimwear

üSnorkeling gear (snorkel, fin, mask)

üSandals

üPen flashlight and spare batteries

üToiletries

üPersonal Medication & First Aid

üSnacks for personal indulgence

SARAWAK

FORESTRY

Level 12, Office Tower, Hock Lee Centre

Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim

93450 Kuching, Sarawak

Malaysia

Tel: (+6) 082 348001

Fax: (+6) 082 488654

Website: www.sarawakforestry.com