Islamic preachers in eastern Malaysia will deliver an unusual ecological sermon urging Muslims to protect migratory turtles that are threatened with extinction, conservationists said Monday. Worshippers are slated to hear the sermon Friday at nearly 500 mosques across Terengganu, said Rahayu Zulkifli, head of the World Wildlife Fund's turtle protection program in the coastal state. Hundreds of turtles nest on the beaches of Terengganu every year, including Olive Ridley, leatherback, green and hawksbill species – all listed as endangered or threatened with extinction. The preachers will warn against poaching turtle eggs and polluting the sea in hopes of protecting the aquatic reptiles, according to a copy of the sermon obtained by The Associated Press. Human activities, including shoreline development, fishing, pollution and the theft and consumption of turtle eggs, has increasingly imperiled the creatures. “Islam calls on us to responsibly safeguard the environment because it is Allah's most valuable gift,” according to the sermon. “Perhaps someday our grandchildren will no longer recognize this creature called the turtle.” Rahayu said conservationists worked with Islamic authorities to craft the sermon. The opinions of preachers are highly respected in Terengganu, a largely rural state with a Muslim-majority population. Sea turtles are air-breathing reptiles with streamlined bodies and large flippers. They inhabit tropical and subtropical ocean waters throughout the world. All seven species of marine turtles are listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Major threats to sea turtles include, but are not limited to: Destruction and alteration of nesting and foraging habitats; incidental capture in commercial and recreational fisheries; entanglement in marine debris; and vessel strikes.
