Eggs from endangered sea turtle stolen from Thai beach

Source: AP

BANGKOK (AP) — A community in southern Thailand has offered a reward for catching whoever stole dozens of unhatched eggs of an endangered turtle species.

The Pacific Leatherback turtle eggs were stolen before dawn Sunday from a beach in the southern province of Phang-nga, said Pratom Rassamee, head of the provincial Marine and Coastal Resources office.

“This theft is a grave incident for both marine biologists like me and local residents near the beach,” said Thon Thamrongnawasawat, one of Thailand’s top marine biologists. “We believe around 50 or more precious eggs are gone.”

Outraged local residents donated 50,000 baht ($1,660) for a reward to catch the thieves, and the sum was matched by provincial authorities, bringing the total to 100,000 baht ($3,320).

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