River Terrapin

River Terrapin
Tuntung Sungai in Malay

Batagur baska

Description
Reaching a carapace length of at least 60 cm and has only 4 claws on the forefeet. The size of the
female is somewhat larger than the male.

Size & Weight
60 cm

Diet
Omnivorous feeders but vegetable food predominates. Molluscs, crustaceans and fish are also consumed.

Habitat & Range
Lives in the brackish water of estuaries and areas under tidal influence. Found only in South and Southeast Asia. Rivers in Malaysia: Setiu, Dungun, Trengganu, Perak and Kedah.

Nesting
Around November, an average of 24 eggs are laid each time, up 3 times per season.

Threats
Human consumption and habitat destruction are major threats. Extinction in next 10 years if no conservation.