Protect the Turtles of Malaysia

Placement number: 0214
Location:     Malaysia 
Preferred Languages: English
Date:  March to September
Minimum Period : 4 weeks

This project is a collection of Turtle conservation projects in Peninsular Malaysia, funded by volunteer contributions and coordinated by conservationists employed by WOX. Our strength lies in the unique collaboration of conservation organisations and individuals who exchange knowledge, advice and ideas towards turtle conservation in this part of the world. Each project has the shared vision of increasing the size and health of Turtle populations, bringing them back from the brink of extinction. By working together in this way we’re able to address the issues affecting the plight of the Turtle and develop solutions for their long-term survival through shared knowledge.

A green turtle swims up to 1,000 miles to the beach they intend to lay their eggs on. After finding the beach it takes 1 hour for the turtle to reach a suitable place and they then spend 3 hours laying their eggs before the further 1 hour return trip back to the sea.

After all this hard work it is disheartening to know that turtle eggs are considered a delicacy in Malaysia and have been for many years. The high price of sea turtle eggs has many locals collecting them to sell to local markets. As a turtle conservation volunteer in Malaysia on the data that you collect and record will help to protect the turtle eggs and the future of this green turtle species.

Role of Volunteer

Turtle Monitoring

Volunteers count and observe Green turtle landings at the cove. You will patrol the beach on alternate nights, map areas of observation, note and map turtle observations using data sheets and check for turtle laying eggs in sand nests.

Beach Care

Volunteers will be asked to help maintain the river creek. This is essential and will ensure that the turtles have easy access to the beach in order to lay their eggs. Additionally a certain amount of beach care needs to be carried out as sea detritus (drift wood, seaweed, rubbish) is often washed up on the beach overnight.

Dive Courses

During weeks 1-3 you will carry out your dive course. The course you take will depend on previous diving experience (we can teach complete novices to experienced divers) but the courses that can be taken as part of the programme include: Open Water PADI, Advanced Open Water PADI, Emergency First Responder and Rescue Diver PADI.

Volunteer Stories

Angus Hinks - August 2007
"The beach is amazing and I'm not joking when I say it is like ‘The Beach' film - absolute paradise and rainforest vegetation. White sand, clear blue water and huge areas of coral housing so many colourful fish including, barracudas, parrot fish, black tipped sharks and of course Neeeemo!"

Cost

Travel

You will be picked up from Kuala Lumpar International Airport by a volunteer co-ordinator.