Conservationists in Cambodia are celebrating the hatching of more critically endangered turtles in recent months than the past three years combined, owing to a preservation drive and a halt on sand-dredging.
Some 23 rare royal turtles have hatched recently in southwestern Koh Kong province, the only place in Cambodia where the turtles can be found, including on a river beach not been used for nesting in 13 years.
The hatching of 23 of the 51 eggs found is boosting hopes of survival for a threatened species that was designated Cambodia’s national reptile and was believed to be extinct two decades ago.
