Terrapin release in conjunction with Karnival Emping

In February 2011, a river terrapin conservation project was initiated in three villages along the Kemaman River, one of which was Kg. Dadong. It was a joint-project between the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) and the respective Village Committees.

In Kg. Dadong, a total of 10 eggs were collected from the nesting bank and the eggs were incubated in a styrofoam box. Out of the 10 eggs that were incubated, eight river terrapin hatchlings successfully hatched, whereas the remaining two eggs were not fertilized.

Upon emergence, the average weight of a river terrapin hatchling was 67 g, whereas the average straight carapace length (SCL) and straight carapace width (SCW) were 6.9 cm and 6.8 cm, respectively.

The Village Headman, En. Wan Mamat b. Wan Ismail, has been raising the eight hatchlings for seven weeks before they were released in conjunction with Karnival Emping (harvest festival) which was held at the village on the 29th July 2011. At the time of release, the hatchlings had an average weight of 127 g, and average length and width of 9.2 cm and 8.8 cm, respectively.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek graced the release event, which was also attended by Kg. Dadong Headman, En. Wan Mamat himself, and the Head of the Perhilitan office in Kemaman, En. Azuan Alias. I also had the opportunity to inform Datuk about the river terrapin projects that TCC carries out in the Kemaman River. Datuk was very happy with the river terrapin conservation project, and suggested that the project be adopted by Kg. Dadong, continued and intensified in the future. Thank you Datuk, for your support!

Photos #2, #3 and #4 were taken by Wee Seng Whatt.