The Star 27 Dec 12;
KUALA LUMPUR: WWF-Malaysia’s conservation efforts of the painted terrapins have produced significant results, said its executive director Datuk Dr Dionysius Sharma.
A “buy back” scheme where the organisation purchases terrapin eggs and turtle eggs from the collectors has led to the conservation of terrapins and turtles by preventing a large number of eggs being eaten, he said.
He said that about 10 nesting locations were handed over to WWF-Malaysia in 2009 by egg collectors in Kuala Baru Utara and Mengabang Sekepeng.
Since last year, WWF-Malaysia had been in charge of 101 terrapin nesting locations.
“Our efforts have increased the population of terrapins by around 78%,” he said.
Setiu, located in the east coast, has the largest area of natural wetlands.
This is where a large number of painted terrapins live.
The terrapin, also known as the painted batagur or the saw-jawed turtle (Batagur borneoensis), is a species of turtle that belongs to the Geoemydidae family.
The wetlands comprise the brackish water ecosystems of Setiu, Chalok, Bari and Merang rivers, and a 14km long lagoon.
That ecosystem has a number of species of marine life, including shellfish and commercial fish such as ikan kerapu (grouper or garoupa).
Setiu’s lagoon is a breeding ground for terrapins and it has the most number of painted terrapins in the country.
It is also home to the southern river terrapin (Batagur affinis) and the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Terrapins and turtles are endangered species.
Dr Sharma said the Fisheries Department, WWF-Malaysia and locals were involved in the conservation of painted terrapins.
In 1993, around 200 painted terrapins’ nests were discovered, but two years later, this number dropped to 154.
The figure dropped to 114 in 2009 and only 67 nests were found in 2010.
WWF-Malaysia began its conservation efforts in 2009. The efforts led to an increase in the number of nestling locations. A total of 165 painted terrapins’ nests were discovered last year.
Terrapins are herbivores. However, they sometimes feed on fish and small invertebrates. They usually come to the shore at night (between June and August) to lay eggs.
Baby terrapins are allowed to grow in the hatchery until they are six months old. Then, microchips are inserted into the bodies of the baby terrapins before the animals are released into various water bodies.
As of September, WWF-Malaysia has released 80 young terrapins into the wetlands of Sungai Setiu. — Bernama
