Projects
Some of the projects that were initiated by us when still serving in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) are now brought over to the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC).
Setiu River Terrapin Recovery Project
The Setiu River Terrapin Recovery Project was initiated in 2004 in Setiu, Terengganu, and involves the purchase of river terrapin eggs from local egg collectors, incubation of the eggs in styrofoam boxes and sand-nests as well as head-starting the hatchlings for release in an annual event we call “Terrapin Independence Day”.
“Say NO” to turtle eggs” campaign
The “Say NO to Turtle Eggs” campaign was initiated in February 2008, with the aim to collect 1 million signatures from members of the public who pledge NOT to eat turtle and terrapins eggs for the rest of their lives. We are still very far from the 1 million signatures, so please read more about the campaign and learn how you can support this campaign!
Terrapin Independence Day (TID)
Terrapin Independence Day (TID) is an annual event where captive-raised river terrapins are released into the Setiu River in a ceremony that involves the local community in Setiu. The first TID was held in 2005, and this year (2009), we celebrated the 5th TID, which was also TCC’s inaugural TID.
Monitoring the performance of head-started river terrapin
We are now actively monitoring the performance of head-started river terrapins that have been released into the Setiu River since 2005. Recaptures are obtained from local fishermen. Significant numbers of painted terrapins are also obtained, enabling us to examine its population structure in the Setiu River. This project has been submitted to the Shell Malaysia Sustainable Development (SD) Grants scheme for funding.
Tracking the movements of head-started river terrapin
The project to track the movements of head-started river terrapins will be resumed when we are more settled. The ultrasonic equipments donated by AQUARIA KLCC need to be refurbished.
We are planning to carry out a state-wide project on river terrapins. Read more about the project in Projects Being Planned.
