KEMAMAN: The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) has reported the death of yet another adult river terrapin (Batagur affinis), a critically endangered species.
The male, weighing 15.8kg, measuring 50cm in length, and estimated to be at least 15 years old, was found by Geng Tuntung, a grassroots community group involved in turtle conservation, in the morning of Oct 18.
In a statement, TCS said this is the second case of terrapin death related to fishing gear recorded this year.
"The first case was found on Jan 29, and the cause of death is also believed to be entanglement in fishing gear in the river," said TCS executive director, Dr Chen Pelf Nyok.
As river terrapins, popularly called tuntung in Malaysia, take about 20 years to reach sexual maturity, the loss of an adult tuntung not only means the loss of a wildlife species, but also the loss of a vital reproductive potential for the species.
"TCS has been conducting conservation efforts for many years, including protecting eggs, hatching, and raising tuntung hatchlings and releasing them back into their natural habitat. However, these efforts will continue to face challenges if fishing gear left unchecked or abandoned in the river continues to pose a threat to wildlife," she said.
TCS also urged all parties who use the river to be more responsible by regularly inspecting fishing gear and ensuring that unused gear is promptly removed.
“Rivers are not just a source of livelihood for humans, but also a habitat for wildlife. Let not our negligence take the lives of the species we are working to save,” urged Chen.
More information can be found at www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my.
