Class Reptilia Scientific name Batagur affinis | Phylum Chordata Order Testudines Rank Species | |
 | ||
Similar Northern river terrapin, Batagur, Painted Terrapin, Burmese roofed turtle, Red‑crowned roofed turtle | ||
The southern river terrapin (Batagur affinis) is a turtle of the family Geoemydidae found in Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia.
Contents
Southern river terrapin malaysia my20051220 039 mpg
Subspecies
Decline
Many Asian turtles are in danger because of the thriving trade in animals in the region, where a species' rarity can add to its value on a menu or as a traditional medicine.
The species was thought to have disappeared from Cambodia until it was rediscovered in 2001. Conservationists eventually began tagging the animals with tracking devices and monitoring their nests, and King Norodom Sihamoni personally ordered their protection. Its eggs were a delicacy of the royal cuisine of Cambodia; In 2005, it was designated the national reptile of the Cambodia in an effort to bring awareness and conservation for this species.
In Malaysia, rivers of Kedah, Perak and Terengganu are major nesting grounds though the population continues to crash despite conservation efforts undertaken by Malaysian Wildlife Department for over 20 years. Pasir Temir and Pasir Lubuk Kawah by the Terengganu River are the largest nesting sites for Batagur baska in the world.
