This week’s Photo Hunt theme is “Rare” so I guess my picture won’t come as a surprise. Not anymore, huh? *smiles*
The river terrapins, scientifically known as Batagur baska is one of the most critically-endangered turtle species according to a 2003 assessment by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
They are considered rare because they are found only in South and Southeast Asia, e.g. in parts of India such as Bengal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia (Kedah, Perak and Terengganu), Sumatra, Indonesia and Cambodia, and their natural populations have declined drastically in recent decades due to various threats — collection and consumption of the river terrapin eggs, caught in fishing nets, hit by boat propellers, sand-mining, poison fishing, pollution, etc.
And in Malaysia, the river terrapins are found in the rivers of Kedah, Perak and Terengganu (e.g. Setiu and Dungun Rivers) and Pasir Temir and Pasir Lubuk Kawah by the Terengganu River are the largest nesting sites for Batagur baska in the world.
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P/S: If you’re on the Photo Hunt blogroll, please do NOT thank me for visiting your site.
Wow – what an amazing photo!!!
Have a great weekend!
We have a single turtle in a tank and it’s been growing steadily. We don’t know what kind it is tough.
That is a great photo and story. The thing I love about this photo hunt is that not only do I get to see some great photos, but the stories that go with them are very educational – and I believe it is important to keep learning, no matter what our age is!! Happy weekend.
Papa torti, mama torti, baby torti, come look here. Say cheeseeeeeeeeee!!
Just how do you build a turtle tower?
Very cool shot!
Cutest. Picture. Ever. I am so jealous! I haven’t been able to see any turtles since we’ve been here – despite my repeated visits to Redang. We must be going at the wrong time. But I do sponser a terrapin nest every year!
Those Batagur baska are very interesting! We have turtles in the lake behind our house. But they are not endangered. Except by the alligators that live in the lake with them! Thanks for teaching us about these rare turtles. I love the photo.
That’s a wonderful photo! So sad that so many species are endangered. I hope the terrapin population starts increasing again. They are beautiful turtles.
I think seeing three on top of each other is rare in itself!
A fun photo!