Success in river terrapin plan

Date: 18 September 2007
Source: The Star

KUALA TERENGGANU: Efforts to conserve river terrapins, which have been categorised as among the top 25 most endangered species in the world, are showing signs of success.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s (UMT) turtle research and rehabilitation scientist Prof Chan Eng Heng said villagers of Kampung Mangkok in Setiu have been cooperating in conservation works.

Kampung Mangkok is situated close to Sungai Setiu where the terrapins lay their eggs.

Sungai Terengganu and Sungai Dungun are the other remaining natural habitats for the river terrapins.

“We have two families in the village now helping UMT by gathering the eggs from collectors. The eggs are then incubated and the hatchlings fed with natural feed including fish pellets,” she said.

Prof Chan said that previously eggs were transported back to the hatchery at UMT, with most embryos damaged during the process.

“We are still continuing to create awareness amongst the villagers and so far we have received positive response.”

Prof Chan said that the university had bought 1,255 eggs from local collectors since conservation efforts began in 2004. About 840 hatchlings have been produced over the last four years.

“These hatchlings will return to Setiu, probably in the next 12 to 15 years to lay their eggs, and this will be the highlight of the conservation project,” she added.