Tracking River Terrapins

In March/April 2008, a river terrapin tracking study was initiated under the Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.

River terrapins that have been raised in captivity for a few years were ultrasonic-tracked to determine their movements in the Setiu River upon release. Each ultrasonic transmitter has a different ID and a different set of signals.

To attach an ultrasonic transmitter onto a terrapin, two holes were drilled on the marginal scutes of the terrapin. An ultrasonic transmitter was then strapped onto the scutes with two cable ties (as shown on the picture above). The transmitter was further secured by applying a thick layer of epoxy over it. The epoxy was left for a few hours to dry.

Once the terrapin was released into the Setiu River, we monitored its movements with the help of a hydrophone and a receiver. The hydrophone was submerged into the water to detect the signals emitted by the transmitter, and if the signals were strong enough to be identified, the receiver will log the ID of the transmitter, time and location of the boat (GPS).

A total of seven terrapins were tracked in 2008, and efforts to continue tracking more river terrapins will be intensified in the near future.