SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION IN RANTAU SIALANG, INDONESIA: NESTING CHARACTERISTICS, HATCHING SUCCESS, EFFECTIVENESS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY PERCEPTION

Abstract

Sea turtle conservation efforts in Indonesia are regulated by several laws and government regulations. One of the embodiments of these laws and regulations is to provide the sea turtle conservation stations in various regions. However, studies related to the ecological characteristics of sea turtle habitat, the effectiveness of the sea turtle conservation station, as well as perceptions and attitudes of the local community toward sea turtle conservation, are still incompletely described. Hence, this study aims at monitoring the distribution and abundance of sea turtles, nest characteristics, program effectiveness, as well as community perceptions around the Rantau Sialang Sea Turtle Conservation Station, Indonesia. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews, direct observation and the station's administrative data. A total of 4,051 sea turtle eggs were successfully recorded during 2014-2020. The highest number of eggs was obtained in 2018, while the lowest was in 2014. Most sea turtle nest locations were distributed around the Rantau Sialang Sea Turtle Conservation Station. The diameter of the sea turtle nests ranged from 27 to 35cm. The slope of the nest ranged from 9 to 45°, while the depth ranged from 30 to 40cm. The performance of the Rantau Sialang Sea Turtle Conservation Station was categorized as effective with a score of 30. The parameters with the highest scores were the origin of eggs, hatchling release location, hatchling release time, sea turtle rearing facility and egg hatching facility. While the parameters with the lowest score were the hatching success and coastal monitoring. Taste, perception of its usefulness and local culture were the considerable reasons for consuming sea turtle eggs and meat in the local community around the sea turtle conservation station. This research provides valuable information that can be used as a basis for identifying threats to turtle populations in the Rantau Sialang conservation area.