Professor
EH Chan of KUSTEM University plans to involve students in research
and conservation activities in order to generate interest in Malaysia's
endangered river terrapins.
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What's
New
In
2004, there were 30 clutches of eggs deposited in nesting areas
along the Setiu River. KUSTEM University acquired 20 clutches,
which began to hatch in May and continue to hatch through June.
Hatchling success is presently 73%.
On
3rd June 2004, we made an exploratory sampling of the Dungun River
located about 80 km south of Kuala Terengganu and netted within
hours one adult male and three female river terrapins, as well
as one painted terrapin. As a result of this new development,
we have included the Dungun River system within the scope of our
project area. |
Much of the
annual nesting occurs along a one-kilometre stretch of beach on
the Setui River.
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Summary
The Setiu River is home to a population of the critically endangered
river terrapin (Batagur baska). Each year during nesting season, local
people wait along the river for nesting females to arrive on the sandbanks.
Although the adult turtles are not taken, their eggs are collected and
sold or consumed as a local delicacy that dates back generations. Eggs
collection is presently legal in Malaysia. The problem is that wild
populations of Batagur baska continue to decline on the Setiu River.
Fewer and fewer females may be returning each year to nest, and local
consumption of eggs is undoubtedly impairing the development of the
next generation of nesting adults on the river.
The Setiu River
Batagur baska Project started in 1999 and 2000 when several clutches
of eggs, deposited on the banks of the Setiu River, were collected and
hatched in captivity by scientists from KUSTEM University. The juveniles
were raised for 3-4 years. In 2003, 75 of the young turtles were released
back into the Setiu River. Drift nets were used to recapture the head-started
juveniles between July and October of 2003.
In early 2004, local
fishermen were hired to purchase eggs from collectors. The eggs are
incubated in a controlled environment at KUSTEM University, not far
from the Setiu River. The university plans to procure optimal numbers
if eggs over the next ten years, head starting juveniles and staggering
their release over a period of 1-6 years.
One of the aims
of the head-starting component of the project is to determine the optimal
age for release of juveniles. Mark and recapture efforts will focus
on trying to determine what happens to the juveniles after their release.
Researchers also
hope that trapping efforts will help them assess the status of wild
populations of both Batagur baska and another high priority species
living in the same area, the painted river terrapin, (Callagur borneoensis).
As a safety measure
in case efforts to protect wild populations are unsuccessful, KUSTEM
University plans to establish an assurance colony of Batagur baska in
ponds located on the grounds of the university, using juveniles hatched
and raised at the center as founding stock.
Project
Objectives
- Develop head-start
facility at KUSTEM University
- Develop an assurance
colony comprised of Setiu River turtles
- Assess the status
of wild populations of two river terrapins on the river
- Carry out research
relevant to conservation and recovery of wild populations
Contact information
Professor EH Chan
Email: ehchan@kustem.edu.my
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Main Focus: Recovery
of the River Terrapin, Batagur baska on the Setiu River
Location:
Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Administered
by: University
College of Science Technology Malaysia (KUSTEM)
Established:
1999
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A local resident
detains a large female waiting for her to drop her eggs. The female
will then be released back into the river. Eggs have been collected
by people living along the Setiu River for generations.
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| Questions
that the project hopes to answer: In
addition to harvesting of eggs, what are the principal threats
to Batagur baska that result in the continued decline of adult
nesting females?
What conservation
measures can be put in place that will help protect wild populations
of both terrapin species living on the river?
What happens
to head-started juveniles following release? Do they disperse?
Do they survive? |
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