ALL-FEMALE TURTLE RANGER TEAM HELPS NEARLY 7,000 TURTLE HATCHLINGS SURVIVE<br />WITH PIX AND VID<br />By Shuk Yee Tsang<br />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.<br />Siân Williams, a 37 year old conservation dive instructor from Lombok, Indonesia, has spent over 12 years monitoring turtle nesting on Gili Trawangan.<br />She leads the Proyek Penyu turtle team and believes that they are Indonesia’s first all-female turtle ranger team.<br />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."<br />The dedicated animal guardians patrol beaches every evening after their day jobs.<br />The group witnessed the numbers dwindling throughout their childhood and wanted to take action.<br />They relocate nests, prevent disturbances, and guide hatchlings to the sea.<br />At sunrise, “Turtle Trackers” record tracks and nesting activity to keep the work running 24/7.<br />Gili Trawangan is a popular tourist spot with many beaches are now lined with bars, clubs, and businesses.<br />This puts turtle nests at risk. Despite this, the rangers continue protecting eggs and educating the community.<br />This season saw over 100 nests recorded, which is a big rise from the usual 40 according to Siân.<br />Siân said: "I’ve seen hundreds of turtles nesting, and it never stops being so special.<br />“Being an all-female team wasn’t planned, but it’s inspiring to see local women become guardians of their beaches.<br />" Females are underrepresented in marine conservation, and I hope this inspires others from Gili Trawangan, Lombok, and beyond to find their community and flourish.<br />"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.<br />“You don’t need to live next to the ocean to help save sea turtles.<br />“We are raising money for a safe incubation area where nest clutches can be relocated for incubation.<br />" When they hatch, they are moved immediately back to the beach where they were laid for a natural release."<br />ENDS
