Turtles
...they may be losing the race...



There are 8 species of sea turtle in the world. ALL of them are in endangered status! Of these, 6 are found in Indonesia, and 5 in Raja Ampat.



There is nothing NOT to love about these wonderful creatures...


... including, according to people in Raja Ampat, the taste of their meat. I wouldn't know, and have no desire to.

This is only one of the many obstacles to conservation in Raja Ampat.

Turtle roast in Ayau, Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

Apparently the people of Raja Ampat (specific areas are more problematic than others) collect sea turtle eggs for consumption as well. Sea turtles (and their eggs) have enough natural predators of their own -- but humans have once again stepped in and tipped the balance. Turtle meat is a traditional source of protein of the people in Raja Ampat, but never occuring on such an exploitive scale... with population increases and changing attitudes (from reverence and use only in special ceremonies, to whenever, wherever), this practise is no longer sustainable!