We put on our smiles and got on the road.
This is my third time in Terengganu, the Malaysian state famous for its coastal landscape which hosts turtle nesting areas. I have always liked being in Terengganu as it offers a completely different vibe as what other states offer. This could be a stereotypical perspective, having lived in Malaysia for more than two decades, it has become natural to associate Terengganu with beaches, turtles and keropok (fried fish cakes)- however, don't get me wrong, this place surely has a lot more to offer. Returning here this time feels differently, as I am here for a mission, having participated in a wildlife conservation project hosted by Charisma Movement.
For the past one month, I was heavily involved in a fundraising campaign for this project alongside Charisma Movement's Environmental Project Director, Bella, and 8 other committed volunteers. Being part of the Marketing team, I was happily designing posters and other promotional materials. Today, our team has successfully fundraised more than RM7000 (including offline donations), which was our initial target.
All of us gathered at Batu Caves, a famous Hindu Temple located in a limestone cave that is only accessible by climbing 272 flights of stairs, in the morning of the first day of our trip. This is one of Malaysia's most famous tourist attractions, and I have been wanting to visit it since its renovation in recent years. The only reason we agreed to gather there was because of its close distance to the Karak Highway, which could bring us straight to the East Coast from Central Malaysia. We set off and arrived at Kemaman, Terengganu in early afternoon.
Our first stop was Turtle Conservation Centre of Malaysia (TCS). Established in 2011 by Dr. Chan Eng Heng and Dr. Chen Pelf Nyok, TCS is both a hatchery and a conservation hub for river terrapins. The organisation is a community-based NGO that relies on the locals' help in managing the welfare of as well as protecting the highly misunderstood creature in the area.
We were first shown their gallery which hosts infographics, terrapin skeletons and preserved specimens as a committee at TCS (also a terrapin expert and our tour guide), Aliah, gave us a detailed explanation of turtles' characteristics and behaviours. One of the biggest misconception I have had prior to my involvement in this project was the understanding of the word 'Turtle'. Turtle actually refers to reptiles (testudines) with a shell that protects its body (technically an umbrella term for sea turtles, fresh-water terrapins and tortoises. These animals have different physical characteristics due to habitat-based evolution). River terrapins dwell in fresh water ponds, lakes and rivers; their feet are webbed and their heads as well as limbs are retractable.
TCS is in fact the first organisation to fight for river terrapins' conservation in Malaysia. We got to learn about the threats they face including loss of habitat due to pollution, sand-mining at river banks and poaching of eggs. Each nesting mother can lay around 25-35 eggs each time, but unfortunate nests may be emptied by poachers since each egg can be sold for consumption at RM5-7. This may be the only stream of income for some of the locals. In fact, it is even not a stable stream of income, some people only poach the eggs as a sport/game due to their rarity. Thus, TCS incentivises local men to send them eggs with payment at the market price, to incubate the eggs at their in-house hatchery. River Terrapins are listed as a Totally Protected Species under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, yet, egg collection for consumption is sadly still happening.
TCS hatches terrapin eggs in their hatchery and keep hatchlings in a pond until they are ready to be released. All terrapins born there have a microchip planted in their right leg. It carries a unique ID which is to be recorded before being released into the wild. We had the chance to dig a terrapin nest, to experience excavating one. However, we were told to expect it to be empty as it had been properly excavated with the hatchlings relocated just the day before.
TCS hatches terrapin eggs in their hatchery and keep hatchlings in a pond until they are ready to be released. All terrapins born there have a microchip planted in their right leg. It carries a unique ID which is to be recorded before being released into the wild. We had the chance to dig a terrapin nest, to experience excavating one. However, we were told to expect it to be empty as it had been properly excavated with the hatchlings relocated just the day before.
We then proceeded to scrub the pond at the centre, which was home to tens if not hundreds of terrapins at the centre. As the water was kept stagnant, both the pool and the terrapins were prone to have algae growing all over them. Our job included getting into the pond and scrubbing the floor as well as picking up terrapins and scrubbing their backs in a circular motion. I had an initial fear of holding terrapins when I got there, but I eventually got myself into the pool to help giving its floor a good scrub.
Terrapins kept in the pond are up for adoption at RM35 each (RM30 goes to the purchase of microchips while RM5 is reserved for future purchase of terrapin eggs). You would be able to name the terrapin you adopt and release it on a local river bank. The reptile will be scanned at the point their microchip was inserted in order for the centre to record which terrapin is released.
My terrapin is named Sumimasen, to remind myself of being humble and good-mannered no matter where I go and what happens as long as there is a capacity for mutual respect. We brought the terrapins with us to the local river to release them, and yes, we let them race.
Fun fact: Released terrapins will swim to the river surface four to five minutes after entering the river.
We had the opportunity at TCS to learn about the differences among turtles as well as the threats they face. Although terrapins might not look the most attractive, it is important to acknowledge the importance of every creature in our ecosystem, and protect those which are endangered. Terrapins eggs are poached and their habitats are destroyed for development. If we can lend a hand, why not?
Support TCS's motion in raising awareness on turtles, and stand with them as they fight to conserve turtles in Malaysia. Donate to them (the operational costs at the centre is approximately RM10k per month!), adopt terrapins, purchase their beautiful merchandises (handmade by locals), volunteer at their centre- any of these will make a difference. Check them out on their website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more information!
Another fun fact: In 2011, TCS was put in charge of beautifying one of seven derelict alleys in the heart of Chinatown in Kuala Terangganu. The alley was named 'Turtle Alley'.
Another fun fact: In 2011, TCS was put in charge of beautifying one of seven derelict alleys in the heart of Chinatown in Kuala Terangganu. The alley was named 'Turtle Alley'.
Comments
Post a Comment