Frontier Borneo, Season 1 Episode 7, 2017.

Summary

Frontier Borneo's undercover mission with advocate Alex Yi exposes the illegal turtle egg trade in Sunder Can. Despite warnings, a network of gangs continues to profit from this lucrative black market. Alex's efforts to gather evidence are thwarted, but he remains committed to protecting the endangered species. On Liboron Island, a local hatchery offers an alternative income, combating poaching. Night patrols by Alex and his team aim to safeguard nesting turtles, illustrating the critical battle for survival against poaching.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Alex Yi is on an undercover mission in Sunder Can, Borneo, to gather evidence of illegal turtle egg trade.
• 🚫 A signboard warns the public against buying or consuming turtle eggs, indicating the illegality of the trade.
• 📹 Alex and producer Mark set up a hidden camera to capture evidence of the illegal trade.
• 💰 Turtle eggs are highly lucrative on the black market, with a nest fetching over 20 USD.
• 🔍 Alex believes the trade is organized by a network of related gangs, with accomplices keeping watch and signaling buyers.
• 🤔 The use of an 'OK' sign is a covert way for sellers to indicate they are selling turtle eggs.
• 🚫 Alex's approach to sellers is met with caution and suspicion, leading to the sellers closing ranks and refusing further interaction.
• 🏝 Alex travels to Liboron Island, a turtle nesting hotspot where eggs are frequently poached and smuggled into the city.
• 🐢 Alex has set up a turtle hatchery on Liboron Island, providing an alternative income source for locals and combating egg poaching.
• 🌱 Only one in a thousand turtle hatchlings reaches adulthood, highlighting the importance of every saved egg.
• 🌙 Alex and his team patrol the beach at night to protect nesting turtles and their eggs from poachers.

Q & A

What is the mission of Alex Yi in the script?

Alex Yi is on an undercover mission to secure evidence that shows the illegal trade in turtle eggs is still rampant.

Why is there a signboard advising the public not to consume or buy turtle eggs?

The signboard is there to discourage the consumption and purchase of turtle eggs, likely due to their endangered status and the illegal nature of the trade.

What does the 'okay' sign symbolize in the context of the turtle egg trade?

In the script, the 'okay' sign is used as a covert signal by sellers to indicate that they are selling turtle eggs, as the sign resembles the shape of a turtle egg.

What is the potential jail term for those caught in possession of turtle eggs illegally?

If caught in possession, they could face a jail term of up to five years.

What is the economic situation in the Sunder Can area that leads people to engage in turtle egg poaching?

The area has a limited economy, with livelihoods primarily based on making fish nets to sell, fishing, or collecting turtle eggs.

What is the significance of the turtle hatchery set up by Alex?

The turtle hatchery is a program run by locals that provides an alternative income source and helps combat egg poaching by protecting the eggs and increasing the chances of hatchlings reaching adulthood.

What is the approximate weight of the mature green turtle mentioned in the script?

The mature green turtle mentioned weighs easily 130-140 kilos.

How many eggs did the green turtle lay in the script, and what is the significance of the number 78?

The green turtle laid 78 eggs, which is considered a good and auspicious number in Chinese culture.

What is the market value of one turtle egg in the script, and what would be the total value for 78 eggs?

The market value of one turtle egg is two ringgit, making the total value of 78 eggs about 156 ringgit, equivalent to 35 US dollars.

What is the primary goal of Alex and his team during their night patrols on Lebron Island?

The primary goal of Alex and his team during their night patrols is to keep landing turtles safe from poachers and ensure the eggs reach the hatchery.

What is the survival rate of turtle hatchlings mentioned in the script?

Only one in a thousand hatchlings reaches adulthood, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.