A 60cm-long giant clam popular with divers in Kenting National Park was found dead on Tuesday, likely due to days of intense waves brought by Typhoon Doksuri.
After receiving a tip online, the Kenting National Park Headquarters sent a diver to retrieve the clam from Houbihu (後壁湖).
Although visibility was only about 1m to 2m, the diver was able to find the clearly deceased clam, which appeared to have already been eaten by fish, the headquarters said, adding that the diver retrieved the shell.
Photo courtesy of the Kenting National Park Headquarters
Since its shell is intact, the headquarters said it does not suspect poaching.
It was the same giant clam that went missing in 2020 and was later discovered more than 20m away, it said, adding that since it was found in inhospitable sand, it was likely moved by a diver.
Volunteers returned it to its original spot, where it remained until it was found on Tuesday, it said.
Photo courtesy of the Kenting National Park Headquarters
Photo courtesy of the Kenting National Park Headquarters
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