UNAIR NEWS – The capture of endangered species by residents has been a particular concern to the academics of Universitas Airlangga especially marine rare animals. Previously, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) UNAIR handled nine rare turtles which were going to be sold by residents.

The allegations arose because the legs of some turtles broken and perforated so they could be carried or sold for consumption. However, FKH acted swiftly to save the endangered species. The nine turtles were from Sapudi Island, Sumenep.

Eight of nine turtles were released into their habitat on Wednesday, December 6. However, there is one turtle that must be treated intensively because of injury in its right front flipper. The turtle with scales and greens received treatments from FKH Animal Hospital for the past two weeks.

Muhammad Yunus, Drh., M.Kes., Ph.D., as a lecturer of FKH UNAIR as well as members of the team, stated that the turtle’s front flipper were broken, even almost broken. So, treatment was needed so the turtle will not suffer or be prey to predators while in the habitat.

Yunus added, the treatment was done intensively, by giving Adhenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and antibiotics. Therefore, the animal with the latin name Chelonia mydas was ready to be released on Friday, December 22.

“During the treatment at the FKH Animal Hospital, this turtle can already swim in the artificial pond we provide. So, today this rare turtle can be released into its habitat, ” he said.

Yunus added that there should be education for the community about protected endangered animals. He noted, there were at least five to six cases of arrests occurred in various regions, them, Sapudi Island, Sumenep; in Probolinggo, the handling of whales; and in Teluk Lamong Balongsari, turtle handling.

“In addition to turtles, we have handled cases of whaling and dolphin,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the release of the turtle was done in Kalanganyar Beach Sidoarjo. There were Coastal and Marine Resources Management Center (BPSPL) and the Natural Resource Conservation Center (BKSDA). (*)

Author: Akhmad Janni

Editor: Feri Fenoria