Green turtles brought back from the brink of extinction

"Green turtles have been rescued from the brink of extinction thanks to global conservation efforts. The marine reptiles - once hunted for their eggs, decorative shells and to be used in turtle soup - have been listed as endangered since the 1980s. Now initiatives to preserve the species, such as releasing hatchlings on beaches and protecting eggs, mean they are no longer facing the threat of extinction. Data shows the green turtle population rebounding in a feat being hailed a major conservation victory by scientists."

"It comes after the Daily Mail launched its 'Banish the Bags' campaign back in 2008 with a front page image of an endangered green turtle tangled in a trail of plastic bags. Our crusade led to the introduction of a 5p charge on plastic shopping bags which resulted in more than nine billion fewer being used every year. Dr Nicolas Pilcher, of the Marine Research Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Malaysia, said yesterday:"

Green turtles have recovered from near extinction due to coordinated global conservation measures. The reptiles, once hunted for eggs, shells and meat, were listed as endangered from the 1980s but have benefited from actions such as releasing hatchlings and protecting eggs. Population data indicate a significant rebound, moving the species from 'endangered' to 'least concern' on the Red List. Public campaigns and policies reducing plastic bag use contributed to habitat improvements. Remaining threats include historic overexploitation, overfishing and climate change, with localized declines in hatching at sites like Raine Island. Arctic seals face increased risk from sea ice loss.

Read at Mail Online