The River Terrapin Conservation Centre (Pusat Konservasi Hidupan Liar Tuntung) was established in 1968 by the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) with the primary purpose of learning and understanding the habits of these reptilians.
Since 1980, the conservation centre has been collecting and hatching river terrapin eggs and releasing them back to the river to help conserve the species.
The Conservation Centre, which is located close to the banks of the mighty Perak River in Bota Kanan, houses an office, interpretation centre, a small laboratory and three pools for hatchlings and older terrapins.
Here are some very interesting facts from the interpretation centre:
- You can tell the difference between river terrapins and painted (marine) terrapins by counting their claws. River terrapins have four claws on all four feet while marine terrapins have four claws on their forelimbs and five claws on their hind feet.
- The life span of a river terrapin is between 70 to 80 years.
Visitors will also learn that the word “Bota” in the local area place name is named after a giant ‘bigfoot’-type creature which used to inhabit bamboo thickets hereabouts and liked to chase children who play without any pants on.
Sounds like a tall story parents use to scare naughty kids!
Opening hours and admission fee
Visiting hours are Monday to Friday from 2pm to 4pm. The centre is closed on public holidays.
Entrance is free at all times.
Wildlife Conservation Centre (Terrapin)
Bota Kanan
32600 Bota
Perak
This article first appeared in Malaysia Traveller.