A national park popular for leatherback sea turtles to breed has tightened its security after more than 50 eggs were stolen from a beach in Phangnga province.
Haritchai Ritchuay, the chief of Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang National Park in Thai Muang district, said on Monday the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation had ordered strict checking on the beach and visitors entering the park as it expected the creature will lay more eggs in the areas.
The order from the park head office in Bangkok followed the disappearance of about 50 turtle eggs from Khao Nha Yak beach, which is part of the park.
Park patrollers found evidence that a turtle had laid eggs on the beach around 4.30am on Saturday and reported the observation to their supervisor. When they returned to the spot, they found only two undeveloped eggs at the spot.
A sea turtle lays at least 50 eggs, according to Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine expert at Kasetsart University. In November, a turtle laid 104 eggs, 19 of them unfertilised, on a beach in the park.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has threatened harsh measures against the robbers, whose identities are still unknown to park officials and police.