The Wildlife Conservation Department has reported the sighting of the largest and most uncommon species of turtles, known as leatherback sea turtles, in the coastal areas of Kalametiya and Rekawa. These turtles are considered to be one of the five rarest turtle species in the world.
In light of this, the Wildlife Department has issued a warning to the fishing community, urging them to exercise caution while fishing as the leatherback turtles arrive at the beaches to lay their eggs. They have also advised the community to immediately contact the department if they come across any injured turtles.
It is worth noting that the Leatherback Sea Turtle holds a prominent position among the seven most iconic wild animals, as recognized by the Wildlife Conservation Department. This list includes the Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Elephant, Sloth Bear, Blue Whale, Black-necked Stork, Saltwater Crocodile, and Leatherback Sea Turtle.
Leatherback sea turtles are known for undertaking the longest migrations between their breeding and feeding areas among all sea turtle species, with some journeys spanning an average of 3,700 miles each way. They can be found in U.S. waters in the Northwest Atlantic, West Pacific, and East Pacific regions. Within the United States, the majority of nesting occurs in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A Wildlife Official has stated that these turtles have a unique behavior of returning to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. The turtles currently arriving at our beach areas are estimated to be over 100 years old, having swum more than 7,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean, completing the longest journey from the U.S. West Coast.
In a separate incident, wildlife conservators have discovered the carcasses of three large turtles washed ashore at Wedikanda in Ratmalana yesterday morning. The Range Conservator, Daman Liyanage, has mentioned that the cause of death for these turtles is yet to be determined.
Liyanage further explained that the turtle nesting season has begun, and it is likely that these three turtles died in the deep sea while on their way to the beach to lay their eggs. The turtles were of considerable size, weighing 50, 40, and 30 kilos respectively.
The Range Conservator has assured that he will submit a detailed report regarding this matter to the Mount Lavinia Ma.
