On June 20, 2024, Mr. Somjate Chantana, Director of the 3rd Conservation Area Management Office (SB.3), Phetchaburi Branch, was notified by Mr. Ekrit Duangmala, Head of Ao Siam National Park (in preparation) in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, of a significant event involving hawksbill turtles. Officials from the Gulf of Siam National Park, alongside the Siam Marine Resources Restoration Foundation, have been diligently monitoring the spawning activities of hawksbill turtles in the Ko Talu area of Bang Saphan Noi District.
On June 19, 2024, at 7:48 p.m., a mother hawksbill turtle, identified as “Mae Priang” through her microchip number 933.076400505267, laid eggs in a bay at Ko Talu. This event marked the third nest of 2024, located at coordinates 47 P 0560230E 1223853N within Ao Siam National Park’s jurisdiction. The inspection revealed that Mae Priang has a shell width of 77 centimeters and a length of 89 centimeters. She dug a hole 29 centimeters wide and 44 centimeters deep, situated 14 meters from the sea. The nest contained 139 eggs.
To protect the eggs from natural threats, particularly flooding from seawater, officials relocated the nest to a nursery pond managed by the Siam Marine Resources Restoration Foundation. National park officials are monitoring and collecting data on the nest 24 hours a day to ensure the safety and successful hatching of the eggs.
The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), is a critically endangered marine species and is protected under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act of 2019. It is also listed in Appendix I of the CITES Convention, highlighting its endangered status and the importance of conservation efforts.
Various officials and stakeholders are involved in these conservation efforts, emphasizing the collaborative approach needed to protect these rare marine animals and ensure their survival for future generations.
