In a conservation breakthrough, the critically endangered southern river terrapin (batagur affinis) has been discovered by chance in Pahang. This finding represents a noteworthy extension of the known habitat for this rare species.
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00:00In a conservation breakthrough, the critically endangered Southern River Terrapin has been
00:11discovered by chance in Pahang.
00:14The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia and Pahang Wildlife and National Parks Department
00:19said this finding marks a significant extension of the species' known range and habitat.
00:26They said a local fisherman named Mohamad Rizal Mohamad Ibrahim caught the terrapin
00:31by chance during a fishing trip in the Kuantan River.
00:35The discovery then led them to conduct field studies where they identified nesting sites
00:40of the terrapins.
00:41River terrapins are critically endangered and historically they are only documented
00:47in Perak, Kedah and Trengganu.
00:51After three sampling events, we were able to collect 41 eggs which we are now incubating.
00:57We are working with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to safeguard these eggs.
01:03While the whole team is very excited about this discovery, we acknowledge that there
01:08is so much more that needs to be done for the river terrapins.
01:13They said the identification of a population of river terrapins in Pahang strengthens their
01:18belief that with the right conservation strategies, they can make an impact in safeguarding the
01:23species for future generations.
01:26They said researchers are now focusing on protecting the eggs laid by the river terrapins,
01:31identifying potential threats and implementing conservation measures.
01:36They said they will continue working with local communities to ensure the conservation
01:40of the river terrapins in Pahang.
01:43River terrapins are facing severe threats from habitat loss, poaching and environmental
01:48change.