Two species of
marine turtles nest on the Karachi
coast, the green turtle (chelonia
mydas) and the olive ridley turtle
(Lepidochelys olivacea). The main
threats are commercial trade in
turtle skin, shell, medicines
and cosmetics, and destruction
of eggs by predators, especially
feral domestic dogs.
Other dangers to
turtles come from poachers, accidental
capture in fishing nets, and extensive
coastal development, which results
in human disturbance at the nesting
sites and pollution. WWF-P aims
to protect endangered marine turtles
and conserve their critical nesting
sites. The main focus of the work
will be on public awareness and
community participation, with
local communities being trained
in turtle management techniques.