World Status, Exploitation and Trade - WIDECAST

INDIAThe Andamans E. imbricata population is by far the largest in Indianterritory, and is of regional importance. Less information is available forthe Nicobars, but nesting appears to be relatively sparse.Nesting season Peak, nesting in the Andamans is believed to be from Aprilto January, with some nesting throughout the year (Bhaskar, 1984b).Foraging sites Little detailed information available, but suitablefeeding habitat is widespread in the group (Bhaskar, 1984b).EXPLOITATIONCommodity Four species of sea turtle are said to be exploited in theAndaman and Nicobar Islands for meat, eggs and shell. Host of the productsare used locally (Frazier, 1980a). Bhaskar and Whitaker (1983) reportedconsumption of meat and eggs, but did not mention utilisation of turtleshell.Hunting intensity There is said to be an "active" turtle fishery in theislands, and eggs are "eagerly sought" (Frazier, 1980a). Bhaskar (1980) saidthat on Great Nicobar, human, dog and pig predatlon left few clutches tohatch. Subsistence hunting by Indigenous Onge tribals (a small anddeclining group) Is at a sufficiently low level to have little or no effecton turtle numbers (Bhaskar and Whitaker, 1983). However, these authorsexpressed considerable concern over the mainly commercial fishery operatingaround South Andaman until at least the late 1970s; fishermen (of Bengaliorigin) reportedly may catch 5-20 turtles during fishing days, which arerelatively few after the onset of the south-west monsoon In late May (mostturtle nesting is said to occur In August). The Green Turtle is the maintarget species, and Maymyo and Wandoor on South Andaman were the mainslaughter and distribution centres.Hunting methods Turtles are harpooned, netted and caught on nestingbeaches (Frazier, 1980a). According to Bhaskar and Whitaker (1983), mostturtles are caught at sea, mainly by harpooning. The Onges use a woodenspear with detachable metal head.Historical trends Maxwell (1911), writing in 1898, said that "the greenturtle used to be captured in the Andamans and sent up to Calcutta in fairlylarge numbers some years ago and probably is so still". It is not known howpast levels of exploitation compare with those found at present. Thedomestic fishery on South Andaman was certainly continuing in late 1978,after the ban of October 1977 (Bhaskar and Whitaker, 1983).Domestic trade Most exploitation Is for subsistence use, but some meatand eggs are transported to Port Blair for sale. Eggs sell for US$0. 015each, meat for US$0.50 a kg, and shell for US$4.00 [a kg ?] (Frazier,1980a). Bhaskar and Whitaker (1983) do not report trade In shell, but notethat meat from the fishery in South Andaman fetched Rs.3-5 a kg aftertransport to Port Blair, and eggs, although mainly consumed by collectors,were occasionally sold for five palse each.LEGISLATION:The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) (q.v.) is effective in the Andaman andNicobar Islands.238