Green Options

Customs officials in Brunei discovered 4,150 marine turtle eggs - the contents of about 30 - 40 nests - in the largest turtle egg seizure so far this year.

Acting on a tip from the public, it was reported that customs officials at the Kuala Lurah Control Post were able to confiscate 4,150 illegal turtle eggs hidden beneath boxes of dried shrimp in a vehicle attempting to enter the country.

Three species of marine turtles - Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Green - nest in the area. Hawksbill Turtles lay about 140 eggs per nest, Olive Ridleys about 105, and Green Turtle nests contain about 100 eggs.

The lucrative black market in turtle eggs is so pervasive that turtle eggs can reportedly be ordered in advance among illegal traders. The eggs apparently change hands after traders and buyers identify each other with clandestine hand signals, sometimes in public places, such as the busy Kota Kinabalu market.

Conservationists are delighted at news that Lonesome George, the last remaining giant tortoise of his kind, may soon become a father … at the age of 90.

Last Tuesday, amazed keepers discovered a clutch of unhatched eggs in his “bachelor” pen in the Galapagos Islands.

No wonder they were amazed - a team of scientists have been doggedly coaxing the sullen creature to mate since 1993, when they introduced two female tortoises of a different subspecies into his pen. Until now, George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise had shown little interest in his companions. But at age 90, George, now said to be in his sexual prime, was finally spurred into action.

This recipe is perfect for anytime, but it makes a perfect accompaniment to a traditional English tea. Makes 5 whole sandwiches, 10 halves, or 20 quarters

Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds tofu, extra firm or super firm*
1/2 cup eggless mayonnaise (Nayonnaise and Vegenaise are great, but Wildwood’s Garlic Aioli is my fave)
2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
4 scallions (white and green parts), finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
3 stalks celery,

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