Title
Integrated in situ and ex situ conservation has prevented the extinction of the southern river terrapin Batagur affinis in Cambodia
Author(s)
Brook, S.M.
Published
2015
Publisher
Cambodian Journal of Natural History
Abstract
Tortoises and turtles are among the world’s most threatened vertebrates. Seventeen of the world’s 25 most endangered tortoises and turtles are found in Asia. The southern river terrapin Batagur affinis is one of the rarest in the world: perhaps fewer than 400 adults survive globally in Cambodia, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and Indonesia (Sumatra). The species was presumed extinct in Cambodia until 2001, when a small population was discovered along the Sre Ambel river in Koh Kong Province. Since then, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the government’s Fisheries Administration have worked in partnership, together with local communities, to conserve this terrapin, which is known as the royal turtle and recognised as Cambodia’s national reptile. We protect and monitor nests, and head-start hatchlings in a locally managed facility with more than 180 individuals. In 2015, we will release 25 individuals to boost the wild population: every individual will be monitored using acoustic-telemetry to understand their post-release dispersal and monitor their survival. We have recently designed a purpose-built centre to continue the head-starting programme, begin breeding terrapins in captivity and maintain an insurance colony until the status of this species is more secure in the wild. These in situ and ex situ methods have safeguarded this species from extinction in Cambodia to date and will hopefully enable its recovery.

Access Full Text

A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.



Back

PUB15428