Happy World Turtle Day. In Conjunction To World Tu..

Happy World Turtle Day!

In conjunction to World Turtle Day celebration, here are some turtle facts you may or may not know..

- ‘Turtle’ is an umbrella term for more than 350 species of turtles including sea turtles, freshwater turtles, softshell turtles, semi-aquatic turtles and land dwelling tortoises.

- In Malaysia, there are 4 out of 7 species of sea turtles found nesting in Malaysia, 15 species of freshwater turtles (softshell turtle included) and 3 species of tortoises.

- Southern River Terrapin, locally known as Tuntung Sungai, can only be found in three countries; Thailand, Cambodia and Peninsular Malaysia; Terengganu, Kedah and Perak.

- Their nesting season starts in mid-January to mid-March where the females lays in average of 25 eggs with incubation period of 60 to 92 days.

- Hatchlings are equipped with ‘egg tooth’, a tool they use to break through the egg shell, and will naturally fall off after 2 weeks of hatching.

- Adult terrapins are mainly herbivorous, feeding on water hyacinth, mangrove apple, screw pine and colocasia while the hatchlings are omnivorous; feeds on waterside plants, snails, clams and other small animals found on the bottom of the river.

- Their biggest threats includes human consumption; of their eggs and sand mining activities; loss of habitat.

- Southern River Terrapin are listed as Totally Protected species by the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and are also listed as top 25 most critically endangered freshwater turtles and tortoises in the world.

Malaysia is very lucky to be one of the most mega diverse countries in the world. It is time for us to protect and preserve our rich biodiversity before it’s too late!

#SayNO to buying and eating of turtle eggs.

#awareness #education #conservation #worldturtleday

Photo credit to: Yokie and Aliah

Source: https://www.facebook.com/TurtleConservationSocietyofMalaysia..

Tweet

Turtle Conservation Society

The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia was established in October 2011. The aim of the society is to bring about the recovery of depleted wild populations of turtles, with particular reference to freshwater turtles, in Malaysia through partnerships with like-minded organizations, individuals and local communities as well as through its own programs.

More Articles   |   Website