BBKSDA Papua develops conservation plan for endangered pig-nosed turtles

The Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA Papua), in partnership with WWF-Indonesia’s Papua Programme, is creating a conservation Strategy and Action Plan (SRAK) to recover the endangered pig-nosed turtle population in southern Papua.

Following a focus group discussion involving indigenous communities, academics, and researchers, officials aim to establish measurable targets for population recovery. The species relies on freshwater ecosystems, including rivers and wetlands, but faces significant threats from hunting, illegal trade, egg collection, and habitat degradation.

Surveys conducted in 2023 indicate that pig-nosed turtle habitats span six regencies in southern Papua: Asmat, Merauke, Nduga, Mappi, Mimika, and Boven Digoel. The turtle is a protected species under Indonesian ministerial regulation and is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and listed in Appendix II of CITES.