Saving the softshell turtles

Endangered species: An Asian giant softshell turtle being resettled at the Kampung Gol Giant Softshell Turtle Conservation Centre. — Bernama

JERANTUT: Over five decades ago, five to six female giant softshell turtles could be seen laying eggs daily during the height of the nesting season in March and April, on the sandy banks of Sungai Tembeling in the Taman Negara area in Pahang.

However, throughout March and April this year, only seven of them were detected laying eggs, a clear indication that these reptiles from the Trionychidae family are dwindling in numbers in what could be their last habitat in Malaysia.