BULELENG, mybalinews.com – As many as 22 endangered turtles have been found mysteriously by local resident on the beach in north Bali on Friday.
Buleleng Police are investigating the discovery that was allegedly tried to be smuggled.
The turtles were found on the beach in the area of Banjar Dinas Kembang Sari, Pemuteran Village, Gerokgak, Buleleng, Bali, on Friday. Buleleng Police confirmed the discovery of the 22 turtles.
The protected animals were found alive, bound, and covered with brown sacks. It is suspected that these turtles were being smuggled into Bali.
“It is true that this incident occurred,” said the Buleleng Police spokesperson, Adj. Sr. Comr. Gede Darma Diatmika on Friday (24/1) evening.
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Among the turtles, there were 2 Hawksbill turtles and 20 green turtle. Hawksbill turtles is a critically endangered species from the Cheloniidae family. Meanwhile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is also protected animals.
“There were 22 turtles found in total, 2 hawksbill turtles and 20 green turtles,” Darma said.
Buleleng Police
He explained that the turtles were discovered on Friday (24/1) around 6.30 a.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA) by a local resident that was walking along the beach. When the resident arrived at the location, he noticed several recent footprints and saw several turtles tied by their legs.
“Upon noticing this, the resident immediately reported the turtle discovery to his friends and then to the head of the local hamlet. It was further reported to the police to check the turtles whereabouts,” he explained.
Following the incident, the Buleleng Police immediately went to the scene, filed a police report, and initiated an investigation. The case is being handled by the criminal investigation unit of Buleleng Police. (mybalinews/KAD/ERV)
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