Mother turtles die in 'dog bite' on St. Martin's

OUR CORRESPONDENT | Published: January 24, 2024 23:26:07

A mother turtle lying dead on St. Martin's island in Cox's Bazar — FE photo

Cox's Bazar, Jan 24: Mother turtles which came to St. Martin's island from the Bay to lay eggs in winter were reportedly dying one after another in 'dog bites'.
During a visit, the FE correspondent found some dead turtles lying on the sea beach in Baliadi on Tuesday.
Locals said sea turtles were facing a life threat from stray dogs on the coral island.
"Stray dogs attacked and killed sea turtles when they came to lay eggs in Baliadi," a witness said.
However, environmental organisations have called for effective measures to protect the sea turtles on the island.
Hundreds of mother turtles come to lay their eggs on the deserted beach. After laying eggs, they go back to the sea. Now, they are getting a proper atmosphere to lay eggs.
"Stray dogs attack the mother turtles on the island, leaving them dead," a local said.
Meanwhile, the dead turtles lying on the beach are emitting stench. None has yet taken any step to remove the dead turtles.
Many tourists were found taking pictures of the turtles while many are hurriedly leaving the north point of the beach.
Monir Ahmed, a tourist visiting the beach, said three big turtles were found lying dead at two points on the beach.
Local tourist traders of St. Martin's said more than five sea turtles that came to lay eggs on the sea beach have died in the attack by dogs in the last week.