The conservation status of the freshwater turtle (Batagur baska) in the Perak River, West Malaysia

Mohamed Hifni Mohd Baharuddin and Shahrul Anuar Mohd Sah. (2001) The conservation status of the freshwater turtle (Batagur baska) in the Perak River, West Malaysia. [Proceedings Paper]

The river terrapin Batagur baska is a freshwater turtle which is widely distributed and inhabits South and South Eastern Asia from West Bengal, India to South Vietnam and Sumatra. In West Malaysia the species is found in large rivers, with noticeable numbers in Perak River (Perak), Terengganu River (Terengganu) and Bukit Pinang River (Kedah). Throughout the region the population has declined to the extent that the river terrapin is currently listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. A total of 12 surveys and trapping sessions were carried out from October 1994 to September 1995 along the estuary of the Perak River. A total of 73 captures were made comprising of 12 males and 61 females. Sex ratio of male adult to female adult is 1:1.45. Mean weight of adult males is 11.5 ± 0.6 kg (SE, n = 11) and adult females is 14.6 1.2 kg (SE, n = 16). There is no significant difference between weight of adult males and adult females (F₁‚₂₆ = 3.66, P = 0.06). Mean carapace length of adult males is 423.2 +6.1 mm (SE) and adult females is 448.8 ± 11.6 mm (SE). There is no significant difference between carapace length of adult males and adult females (F₁‚₂₆ = 2.98, P = 0.09). Mean carapace width of adult males is 332.5 + 2.7 mm (SE) and adult females is 374.4 ± 11.4 mm (SE) and there is a significant difference between carapace width of adult males and adult females (F₁‚₂₆ = 8.93, P = 0.006). Mean height of adult males is 169.7 ± 9.5 mm (SE) and adult females is 201.7 ± 8.4 mm (SE) and there is a significant difference between height of adult males and adult females (F₁‚₂₆ = 4.63, P = 0.04). A relatively high number of juveniles (20.5%) and subadults (42.5%) in the Perak River suggests that the area is a desirable site for the in-situ conservation of Batagur baska in the state of Perak. Conservation efforts, protective measures and existing legislation should be imposed and subsequently enforced for the recovery program.

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Abstract

The river terrapin Batagur baska is a freshwater turtle which is widely distributed and inhabits South and South Eastern Asia from West Bengal, India to South Vietnam and Sumatra. In West Malaysia the species is found in large rivers, with noticeable numbers in Perak River (Perak), Terengganu River (Terengganu) and Bukit Pinang River (Kedah). Throughout the region the population has declined to the extent that the river terrapin is currently listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. A total of 12 surveys and trapping sessions were carried out from October 1994 to September 1995 along the estuary of the Perak River. A total of 73 captures were made comprising of 12 males and 61 females. Sex ratio of male adult to female adult is 1:1.45. Mean weight of adult males is 11.5 ± 0.6 kg (SE, n = 11) and adult females is 14.6 1.2 kg (SE, n = 16). There is no significant difference between weight of adult males and adult females (F₁‚₂₆ = 3.66, P = 0.06). Mean carapace length of adult males is 423.2 +6.1 mm (SE) and adult females is 448.8 ± 11.6 mm (SE). There is no significant difference between carapace length of adult males and adult females (F₁‚₂₆ = 2.98, P = 0.09). Mean carapace width of adult males is 332.5 + 2.7 mm (SE) and adult females is 374.4 ± 11.4 mm (SE) and there is a significant difference between carapace width of adult males and adult females (F₁‚₂₆ = 8.93, P = 0.006). Mean height of adult males is 169.7 ± 9.5 mm (SE) and adult females is 201.7 ± 8.4 mm (SE) and there is a significant difference between height of adult males and adult females (F₁‚₂₆ = 4.63, P = 0.04). A relatively high number of juveniles (20.5%) and subadults (42.5%) in the Perak River suggests that the area is a desirable site for the in-situ conservation of Batagur baska in the state of Perak. Conservation efforts, protective measures and existing legislation should be imposed and subsequently enforced for the recovery program.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43000 UPM Serdang, Malaysia. Call Number QH75 A1I61 2000
AGROVOC Term:	Malaclemys terrapin
AGROVOC Term:	freshwater tortoises
AGROVOC Term:	population decrease
AGROVOC Term:	animal physiology
AGROVOC Term:	biological grading
AGROVOC Term:	trapping
AGROVOC Term:	threatened species
AGROVOC Term:	animal protection
AGROVOC Term:	nature conservation
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2024 06:35
Last Modified:	24 Sep 2024 06:35
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1167

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