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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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!
Jose: I do not claim to be a turtle expert, but perhaps you can show me a picture of the turtle you have?
incog & nito: Thank you for the kind words, and there is a Chinese saying that goes like this, “Continue learning until you are at the end of your journey.”
Mei Mei: They are not big enough to be parents la.
jenn in holland: I took quite a lot of shots of those terrapins tumbling down before getting them sitting quietly one top of each other!
superkimbo: Thanks
Did you get my email?
Daisy: Yes, I would assume the alligators feed on them, like how crocodiles do! ARGH..
Dragonheart: Yes, we do hope that the river terrapins continue to survive in our river systems, and we’re conducting research and conservation programs to save them.
Hummie: Thank you
They do remind me of the story of the Three Bears and Goldilocks.
It has finally been warm here and the turtles are flocking to sit on the logs by the bay and sun themselves. At our botanical gardens we saw them lined up in a row… five and six deep.
Great pictures. :-)
Nice photo — neat how their heads are all turned the same way!
srp: You have turtles in your botanical garden.. Aww…
Barbara: You know, I didn’t realized that until you pointed it out!
Hi! The first time I visited here, it’s about terrapin eggs on photo hunts’ empty theme. Now it’s terrapins again on rare. Haha! The picture is cute and yes, as for me, it’s very rare that I see turtles especially turtles one on top of the other.
Great picture! It’s sad that things like that are rare, though.
I love those turtles!! They’re SO cute!
Plus.. I know “kaput” from Russian.. my father spoke it. You know how countries always borrow languages from others
That is a phenomenal photo. I find myself fascinated by their eyes. They are such peaceful creatures that deserve their spot in the world to enjoy life.
Lynn: Hi again! I’m glad you still remember the empty egg shells!
wrchili: Thanks!
Sueczech: Yes, they’re cute, especially when they’re small. But when they get BIGGER, they get more aggressive, and LESS CUTE, hhha
meeyauw: Oh my.. I think our world needs a lot more people like you!
People who really believe that the terrapins belong in the world! 
I’m back!
I wanted to say that yes, the ruins are totally accessible to anybody. I was thinking that this may change in future years as liability issues reach Vermont. There are no fences or barriers to prevent you from falling through a ruined floor or falling off a cliff into a waterfall. There aren’t even any warning signs posted! One of the reasons I love Vermont.
Great shot! I hope rare turtle populations can be rehabilitated. Losing a species to extinction is a tragedy. Regarding your question, like I mentioned in my photohunt, the bleeding heart pigeon is native to the Philippines, which is a tropical country. Cheers!
Such a cute pic of a rare species!! great choice and very informative explanation
meeyauw: Thanks for the information!
Angelo: Thank you, and I do hope that they continue to survive. And I must have missed reading *that* bit of information, thanks!
mar: Thanks!
Fuyohh.. how did they get stacked up there laa?
Bernard: Patience is a virtue *winks*