Title
An Expedition into Central Rakhine State, Myanmar. A Report to Wildlife Conservation Society
Author(s)
Steven G. Platt
Published
2000
Abstract
This report summarizes the results of a Wildlife Conservation Society expedition into central Rakhine State, Myanmar, conducted from 21 January to 14 February 2000. Rakhine State (formerly known as "Arakan") encompasses much of the Arakan Yoma Hill range, one of the most rugged and sparsely populated regions in mainland Southeast Asia. The primary objective of this expedition was to gather data on the conservation status and ecology of the Arakan forest turtle (Geoemyda depressa), considered one of the world's rarest living chelonians. Geoemyda depressa is known from only seven specimens; five were collected from 1875 to 1908 in Rak.hine State, presumably from the Arakan Yoma Hills. However, all specimens lack specific locality data. In 1994, two additional specimens were purchased alive in Yunnan Province, China after being imported for local food markets. Virtually nothing is known concerning the ecology, habitat preference, or population status of G. depressa, which is currently classified as Critically Endangered on the 1996 TUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. During our expedition we obtained 16 shells and one living G. depressa from villagers. These confirm the existence of G. depressa in the Arakan Yoma Hills and are the first specimens with specific locality data. Geoemyda depressa occurs in evergreen, deciduous, and bamboo forests throughout the region. We accompanied hunters to seven sites where G. depressa were captured during the past year. These sites were generally in evergreen forest or bamboo and associated with small streams. However, one site was located in deciduous forest along the coast and another was in a sugarcane field. Observations by hunters of feeding turtles indicate the diet is largely composed of fruit, leafy vegetation, and shoots. Geoemyda depressa is exploited for meat and plastrons in central Rakhine. The meat is consumed locally and plastrons are sold to traders for eventual export to China. Some adult turtles are also exported alive to food markets in southern China via Mandalay. The number of G. depressa taken by individual hunters appears low. Hunters regard G. depressa as rare, although whether this reflects actual rarity or cryptic behavior remains unknown. Most G. depressa are captured using trained dogs, but limited numbers are collected by fire hunting and nocturnal searching using headlamps. Despite the paucity of records, the current TUCN classification of G. depressa as Critically Endangered is probably unwarranted. Market demand is low, the harvest appears minimal, existing habitat is extensive and under no immediate threat, and the human population density in Rakhine State is among the lowest in Southeast Asia. However, caution is urged as G. depressa may become threatened by changing market demands when stocks of other turtles are depleted. Furthermore, proposals to construct a paper mill in Rak.hine State based on the large-scale harvesting of Melocanna bambusoides could negatively impact G. depressa populations. We also documented the existence of an extensive commercial harvest of other turtles in central Rakhine State. The yellow tortoise (lndotestudo elongata) is the primary target of hunters and harvested principally for its plastron. The regional harvest remains unquantified, but large numbers are apparently being collected. Some hunters reported capturing as many as 300 tortoises each year. Jndotestudo elongata was formerly harvested on a subsistence basis that was probably sustainable given the low human population of the region. However, commercial demands from markets in southern China now threaten the continued viability of tortoise populations. In addition to elongata, large numbers of Asian leaf turtles (Cyclemys dentata) and lesser quantities of Asian brown tortoises (Manouria emys) and keeled box turtles (Pyxidea mouhotii) are also being harvested at levels that are probably unsustainable. Marine turtles nest at a number of sites on Ramree Island, but remain subject to egg harvest and incidental drowning in fishing nets. Interviews with egg dealers suggest nesting populations of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) have been declining for many years. We also documented the probable occurrence of estuarine terrapins (Batagur baska) on the coastal mainland. The status of the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) was investigated in central Rakhine and Ramree Island. Although formerly abundant in coastal habitats, it appears that crocodile populations are now reduced to scattered individuals. Population declines are attributed to chronic over-harvesting. While on Ramree Island we investigated the alleged massacre of nearly 1000 Japanese soldiers by crocodiles during World War ll. The massacre supposedly occurred when Allied Forces invaded the island during 1945. The Japanese withdrew into the mangrove swamps separating Ramree Island from the mainland and allegedly fell victim to repeated crocodile attacks. This incident has been uncritically accepted by later writers without adequate investigation. Our interviews with long-term residents of Ramree Island and a subsequent examination of historical sources found no evidence that such a massacre ever occurred. Incidental to our investigations of turtles and crocodiles, we gathered data on the status of large mammals in central Rakhine. Tigers (Panthera tigris) are extremely rare and probably approaching extinction in the Arakan Y oma Hills. A single set of elephant (Elephas maximus) tracks was found. According to villagers elephants rarely occur in the area we visited, but are common elsewhere in the Arakan Yomas. Gaur (Bos gaurus) remain common in the region and we encountered numerous tracks and well-used trails, and noted extensive browsing in abandoned taungya fields. Gaur are hunted for meat and horns, which are sold to traders for export to Thailand and China. The occurrence of sambar deer (Cervus unico/or) and barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) was documented. The former is considered rare, while the latter are common. Other mammals we recorded include wild pigs (Sus scrofa), bear (probably Helarctus malayanus), binturong (Arctictis binturong),jackals (Canis aureus), and three species of primate. In conclusion, this expedition and other studies indicate that large numbers of turtles and tortoises are being exported illegally from Myanmar into China. This trade undoubtedly threatens the continued viability of chelonian populations in many regions of Myanmar. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that authorities in Myanmar and China cooperate to drastically reduce harvest levels. As long as the wildlife markets in southern China continue to operate, turtle hunting will remain a lucrative economic proposition for the rural inhabitants of Myanmar. Without rapid implementation of protective measures, continued population declines can be expected and many species may become critically endangered within the next 10 years. Furthermore, additional field surveys to determine the distribution and status of Geoemyda depressa elsewhere in Myanmar are warranted. Priority areas for investigation include the southern Arakan Yoma Hills, Chin Hills, and suitable habitat in Kayah State. Additionally, we recommend initiating an ex-situ conservation program for Geoemyda depressa at the Yangon Zoo and facilities in the United States. Finally, crocodile and turtle surveys should be conducted in extreme western Rakhine State north of Sittwe. This area is poorly known biologically and may harbor remnant populations of gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). Gavialis gangeticus has been reported from the Kaladan River, although the basis of these records is unclear. Gavial is gangeticus still occurs in neighboring Bangladesh, and could potentially survive in Myanmar.
Keywords
Myanmar; Arakan forest turtle; turtle
Full Citation
Platt, S.G. (2000). An Expedition into Central Rakhine State, Myanmar. A Report to Wildlife Conservation Society. Bronx, NY: Wildlife Conservation Society, 1-64.

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