Elevating the survival prospects of Critically Endangered Southern River Terrapins (Batagur affinis) in Malaysia

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

The challenge Southern River Terrapins were once common throughout major rivers in Peninsular Malaysia, where they are locally known as “tuntung”. Records indicate that the species was heavily exploited as a source of protein during World War 2 and, populations have suffered a continuous decline due to chronic collection and consumption of eggs, which are considered a delicacy. Entanglement in discarded fishing gear, as well as the loss and degradation of critical nesting habitat due to sand mining further contribute…