A rare leatherback sea turtle was spotted in Kenting National Park on Tuesday and brought to a shelter for medical treatment, as rescuers hope to achieve the first successful rescue of the endangered species in Taiwan.
The turtle was carried by the tide to Wanlitong (萬里桐) in Pingtung County’s Hengchun Township (恆春), where it was discovered by beachgoers.
Since it was badly injured, residents and personnel from the National Museum of Marine Biology moved the 130kg turtle to the museum’s Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue Center for treatment.
Photo courtesy of a resident surnamed Hung
The largest of all living turtles, the leatherback sea turtle is classified as an endangered species in Taiwan.
It is found in oceans worldwide, with genetically distinct populations in the Atlantic, eastern Pacific and western Pacific.
The primary spawning grounds for western Pacific leatherbacks are in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Photo courtesy of a resident surnamed Hung
It is rare to find them in Taiwan, with only seven strandings having been recorded: five on Taiwan proper, and one each in Kinmen and Penghu counties.
All were already deceased except for one found last year in New Taipei City’s Fulong (福隆), which rescuers were unable to save.
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