Batagur baska

Common Names: Mangrove terrapin, River terrapin, Asian River terrapin

Described by: Gray 1931

 

Conservation Status: Critically Endangerous: IUCN Red List 2006

 

CITES: Appendix  II


Batagur range.
(John B. Iverson)

Range: The Sundarbans of India and Bangladesh, Myanmar, peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra (Indonesia), Thailand, and Cambodia. (Stuart et al., 2001)

Habitat: Aquatic. Coastal mangrove estuaries and creeks, but ventures far up rivers during the breeding season. (Stuart et al., 2001)

Key Threats: Hunting, harvesting of eggs, loss of mangrove forest and other food sources, incidental drowning in fishing nets and traps, accidental death resulting from power boats, loss of nesting beaches, pollution, destructive fishing practices, siltation and sedimentation due to watershed activities such as logging.

More about Batagur baska:

Populations have declined sharply across the species' range during the last 25 years. Malaysian populations of the species may represent the last stronghold. Currently, however, the species is not specifically protected under Malaysian national wildlife protection laws.

Clutch Size: 13-34 eggs (CNMA, 2002)
Nesting Season: December-March (CNMA, 2002)
Nesting Sites: Sandbars and banks far upstream from the normal estuarine habitat. (CNMA, 2002)
Diet: Omnivorous. Waterside plants and small animals such as clams. (Stuart et al., 2001)


Adult Batagur.


Batagur hatchling.


Adult female head.

Adult male head.
Description

Distinguishing Features: Upturned snout.Carapace smooth and gray or black, plastron yellow to whitish. Front feet broad and webbed, with only four claws (other turtles have five). White eyes. (Stuart et al., 2001)

Size: Carapace to 60 cm.

Male/Female: Females and juveniles are olive grey in color with grey to brown eyes. Males are darker, turning completely black during the breeding season with yellow or white eyes. Males have longer and thicker tails than females (Holloway, Pers. Comm, 2004). Adult males somewhat smaller.

This field guide was last updated in August, 2006.
See the bibliography

Contact us: ATCNetwork@fpt.vn