ALL-FEMALE TURTLE RANGER TEAM HELPS NEARLY 7,000 TURTLE HATCHLINGS SURVIVE WITH PIX AND VID By Shuk Yee Tsang An all-female turtle ranger team is making a huge impact and has helped 6,472 hatchlings reach the ocean safely in the past year alone. Siân Williams, a 37 year old conservation dive instructor from Lombok, Indonesia, has spent over 12 years monitoring turtle nesting on Gili Trawangan. She leads the Proyek Penyu turtle team and believes that they are Indonesia’s first all-female turtle ranger team. She explains: “My heart is bursting with excitement for every landing, hatching or release; they make me so happy that even a tiny number of turtles have made it to the ocean safely with minimal interaction from people or predators." The dedicated animal guardians patrol beaches every evening after their day jobs. The group witnessed the numbers dwindling throughout their childhood and wanted to take action. They relocate nests, prevent disturbances, and guide hatchlings to the sea. At sunrise, “Turtle Trackers” record tracks and nesting activity to keep the work running 24/7. Gili Trawangan is a popular tourist spot with many beaches are now lined with bars, clubs, and businesses. This puts turtle nests at risk. Despite this, the rangers continue protecting eggs and educating the community. This season saw over 100 nests recorded, which is a big rise from the usual 40 according to Siân. Siân said: "I’ve seen hundreds of turtles nesting, and it never stops being so special. “Being an all-female team wasn’t planned, but it’s inspiring to see local women become guardians of their beaches. " Females are underrepresented in marine conservation, and I hope this inspires others from Gili Trawangan, Lombok, and beyond to find their community and flourish. "How lucky am I to live this life and do this for a job? With every cute video comes some criticism; some still believe baby turtles are too small and vulnerable to be released straight into the ocean. “You don’t need to live next to the ocean to help save sea turtles. “We are raising money for a safe incubation area where nest clutches can be relocated for incubation. " When they hatch, they are moved immediately back to the beach where they were laid for a natural release." ENDS
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