Batagur affinis (Southern River Terrapin)
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Batagur affinis, commonly known as the Southern River Terrapin, is a critically endangered species of river turtle found in Southeast Asia. This species is known for its unique reproductive behaviors and significant cultural importance in the regions where it is found.
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Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Geoemydidae
- Genus: Batagur
- Species: B. affinis
Common Names
- Southern River Terrapin
- Tuntong (local Malay name)
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Identification
- Description: Batagur affinis has a gray to brown carapace and a pale yellow to white plastron. Juveniles display brighter colors with more distinct patterning.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males typically have a brighter and more colorful head, particularly during the breeding season, with colors ranging from blue to pink. They also have longer and thicker tails compared to females.
Check more turtles from the Batagur genus
Native Origin and Distribution
- Geographical Range: This species is native to Cambodia, Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo), Malaysia, and Thailand. Its range has declined significantly due to habitat loss and poaching.
Preferred Habitat
Batagur affinis primarily inhabits freshwater environments such as rivers, estuaries, and large lakes, preferring areas with soft, sandy, or muddy bottoms where it can easily forage for food.
Behavior
- Feeding Habits: It is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, fruits, and occasionally small fish and insects.
- Predators: Natural predators include large fish, birds of prey, and mammals. Human activities have also posed significant threats through egg collection and hunting.
Reproduction
- Breeding Season: The breeding season occurs during the dry season when females come ashore to lay eggs on sandy riverbanks.
- Reproductive Method: Females lay clutches of 10-30 eggs, which they bury in the sand for incubation.
Conservation
- Extinction Status: Classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
- Threats: Major threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and poaching for the pet trade and consumption. Climate change also poses long-term threats by altering their habitats.
- Conservation Measures: Conservation efforts include habitat protection, captive breeding programs, and local community engagement for protection measures.
Economic Importance
The species has historical economic importance in local communities, particularly in Cambodia, where the eggs have been considered a delicacy. Conservation efforts also support local economies through ecotourism.
Interesting Facts
- Batagur affinis can change color; males can turn from a dull color to a vibrant hue during mating season.
- This species was once thought to be nearly extinct until rediscovered in the wild in the early 2000s.
Research Studies
For more detailed insights into the conservation and biology of Batagur affinis, refer to this research paper: Link to research paper.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
