Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia co-founder Chen Pelf Nyok hopes to create greater awareness of the threat faced by river terrapins.

PETALING JAYA:

The green turtle that is often portrayed gliding majestically beneath the waves may be the most iconic of the turtle family, but there are many other species that need our attention too.

Among them are the 18 freshwater species that are native to Malaysia and, according to activists and conservationists, are not only a critical part of the ecosystem but are also endangered.

Many of the freshwater species, such as the river terrapins, actually play a major role in keeping the balance in the Malaysian river ecosystem, according to Chen Pelf Nyok, co-founder of the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia.

Adult river terrapins, known locally as ‘tuntung’, have an average length of 62.5cm and weigh an average of 38kg. (TCS Pic)

River terrapins, that are unique to Malaysia and Cambodia, feed on the fruits and roots of mangroves and then disperse the seeds through their wastes along the river banks.

“This helps in the growth of more mangroves,” Chen told FMT.

Mangroves serve as wave or wind breakers along the coastline, offering protection from floods and preventing erosion at the same time, making them crucial for coastal communities.

Chen and her team have been engaged in efforts to conserve river terrapin numbers by tackling challenges such as egg poaching and climate change in Kampung Pasir Gajah, Terengganu.

“We are hoping to foster greater appreciation for these turtles by raising public awareness of the need to protect them,” she said.

Part of their effort, which began 13 years ago, is collecting eggs to have them hatch in a protected environment.

“We have already collected 1,500 eggs this year, which is a record high. We have also hatched more than 1,100 eggs this year,” she said.

The mating season is typically from January to March.

Chen, who is also a marine biologist, said more can be done to spread awareness about these unique creatures.

“It would be good for individuals to equip themselves with knowledge (on these terrapins) and then share this information with their friends (such as through social media platforms),” she said.

“It is a privilege to have this rare creature living in the river behind your home or behind your school,” she added.

During mating season, a red stripe appears between the eyes of male painted terrapins to attract females. (WWF Pic)

Zaid Nasir, a freshwater biologist at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia, said the painted terrapin is another critically endangered species.

“They are the most beautiful freshwater turtles in the world thanks to the unique red stripe that appears between the eyes during mating season,” he told FMT.

These creatures can now be found only in southern Thailand, Borneo and parts of Peninsular Malaysia.

He said that in the past, the painted terrapins could be found all over the peninsula but are now seen only in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu.

Schoolchildren learning about the threat faced by freshwater turtles from WWF Malaysia freshwater biologist Zaid Nasir (holding box). (WWF Pic)

As part of its conservation efforts, the WWF is tagging and tracking these terrapins to study their movements and behaviour.

“These terrapins often receive less attention compared with other wildlife such as tigers, elephants and sea turtles because they may seem less interesting,” Zaid said.

“However, we should be thankful that we have such fascinating creatures in the region. We should celebrate them,” he added.

May 23 was World Turtle Day, a day dedicated specifically to freshwater turtles.

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Mother Nature’s conservationists in peril

River terrapins, which play a major role in protecting mangrove swamps, are decreasing in numbers, and activists are hoping to raise awareness about the threat they face.