KEMAMAN: Another critically endangered river terrapin (Batagur affinis) has been found dead, trapped by fishing gear in the Kemaman River here.
A local fisherman reported the death to the Turtle Conservation Society's (TCS) patrol team on Jan 29.
In a statement, TCS said the 18kg sub-adult male terrapin measuring 47cm in length, was snagged by a fish trap, with fishing lines entangling its feet and neck.
"Our team removed the weighted fish trap. Any animal snagged by this trap will not be able to surface to breathe, leading to a slow death," said Dr Chen Pelf Nyok, co-founder and executive director of TCS, adding that her team conducts regular patrols to remove abandoned fish traps.
Another terrapin was found dead five months ago in the same manner in the same river, while the TCS team managed to rescue another in time.
"These recurring incidents present a clear threat to the critically endangered species. TCS appeals to authorities to take immediate action to regulate harmful fishing practices in rivers identified as the river terrapin's habitat.
"Without stern enforcement and prevention, these needless deaths will continue to impact long-standing conservation efforts, and bring this species one step closer to extinction," added Chen.
In Malaysia, the Batagur affinis is found only in Kedah, Perak, and Terengganu, with recent discoveries in Pahang.
Founded in 2011 and based in Kemaman, Terengganu, TCS (www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my) is the first Malaysian non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to freshwater turtle conservation.
