The terrapins have been released

Before my contract with the university ended in December 2009, Prof. Chan and I decided to release all the river and painted terrapins that we have been taking care of in the terrapin hatchery on campus. It was a very difficult decision to make because our initial intention was to raise the terrapins up to 3 years old before release, but we figured it was the best we could do for the terrapins, given the circumstances. Hence we made arrangements to gradually release them back into Setiu River, from where the river terrapin eggs were purchased.

On 19th December 2009, Prof. Chan, Fong and I released 154 river terrapins hatched in 2007 in Beris Tok Ku, where we carry out our routine samplings every fortnight. Our three fishermen friends who have been assisting us in the project since 2009 — Ropi, Malek and Shukeri — helped us drill a hole on each terrapin before release. These holes serve as a visual sign that these terrapins have been microchipped, weighed and measured by us.

On 21st December 2009, again Prof. Chan, Fong and myself released 106 river terrapins hatched in 2008 in Tebing Pasir Penarik, the major terrapin nesting bank in the Setiu River.

On 25th December 2009 (yes, Christmas Day), a group of Marine Biology student volunteers and I released 28 river terrapins hatched in 2005 and 2006 and 43 painted terrapins in Tebing Pasir Penarik. I gave the students a briefing about the terrapin research and conservation work that we have been carrying out in the Setiu River since 2004 at the release site. It was very well their best Christmas Day, having had the opportunity to participate in a “release of life” ceremony, albeit a simple one :)

On 31st December 2009, Prof. Chan and a group of visitors from Redang Pelangi Resort released 38 river terrapins hatched in 2006, also in Tebing Pasir Penarik.

Below are some pictures taken during the previous releases.

Photo credits: Vicki Chew

Acknowledgements:

• We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Alex Lee of Ping Anchorage for offering his lorry to help us transport the terrapins to the release site on Christmas Day. Thank you also to Luq and Pok for your assistance.
• We would also like to thank Ropi, Malek and Shukeri for being ever so helpful whenever help is needed.