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Title:	Nesting, reproductive and hatchling biology and conservation of the southern river terrapin (Batagur affinis)
Authors:	Chen Pelf Nyok (P58688)
Supervisor:	Zubaid Akbar Mukhtar Ahmad, Prof. Dr.
Keywords:	Wild population Turtles -- Nests
Issue Date:	18-Mar-2018
Description:	Batagur affinis conservation programmes in Malaysia have existed for half a century. However, wild populations of B. affinis continue to decline. Despite being earmarked for conservation since the 1960s, little is known of the current wild population sizes, reproductive output and hatchling ecology of the B. affinis. This study was conducted from 2012 to 2016 to document the natural history of B. affinis and the involvement of the local community in the current conservation efforts. Specific objectives were to (1) determine the wild population size and nesting behaviour; (2) determine reproductive and hatchling biology; (3) monitor the movements of a post-nesting female; and (4) provide an account of the conservation actions undertaken at the grassroots level in Kemaman, Terengganu. The B. affinis nesting activity was observed from February to March 2012 to 2016 in Kampung Pasir Gajah, Kemaman. All females were tagged, weighed and measured. In 2013, five post-nesting females were assessed via ultrasound to determine the presence/absence of eggs after one nesting activity. All B. affinis eggs were brought back to the hatchery in the village for incubation. Incubation duration was recorded for all hatchlings that emerged naturally. All hatchlings were marked, weighed, measured, head started for several months, and subsequently released into the Kemaman River. The B. affinis nesting season lasted 39 days in 2012 and was shortened to 16 days in 2016. A total of 101 female B. affinis were captured and the Schnabel mark-recapture method estimated at least 186 wild females in the river. A total of 2 543 B. affinis eggs were deposited. Mean clutch size was 26.5 eggs. Overall mean hatching success was 69.6%. Incubation duration averaged 76.1 days. Larger females produced larger eggs, and accordingly, larger hatchlings. Eggs deposited later in the season recorded reduced hatching success. A low-cost tracking device was built, and monitoring of a post-nesting female confirmed that females spread nesting over several events, and that females utilized other suitable nesting banks. A local community was involved as part of the B. affinis conservation project, from egg collection to head starting to releasing B. affinis juveniles into the Kemaman River. A symbolic Terrapin Adoption Programme was also initiated to raise funds and ensure the sustainability of the conservation project. This study is important because it provides important knowledge on the natural history of the critically endangered B. affinis, in terms of population, reproductive and hatchling biology. This is believed to be the first population study of B. affinis in which females were captured and tagged for identification. Reproductive output was quantified, rather than estimated from the clutch size and frequency. Tracking data confirmed that gravid B. affinis utilized adjacent nesting banks, and this information could be used to leverage for more protection of critical habitats for the B. affinis. Data presented in this study add to our existing knowledge, enhance our understanding of B. affinis, and provide a framework for the conservation and management of this species.,'Certification on Master's/Doctoral Thesis' is not available
Pages:	165
Call Number:	QL666.C5C484 2018 tesis
Publisher:	UKM, Bangi
Appears in Collections:	Faculty of Science and Technology / Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi

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