The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) has announced the recent hatching of ten Critically Endangered Southern River Terrapins (Batagur affinis edwardmolli).

‘At ACCB, we provide care for 13 adult terrapins at our facility as part of a breeding programme for the species. This initiative is made possible through our partnership with the Fisheries Administration and WCS Cambodia,’ said the centre in a news release yesterday.

These hatchlings will play a crucial role in preserving the genetic diversity of the species and ultimately help population recovery at their original habitat, the source added.

Southern River Terrapins are known as the Royal Turtle and have been designated as Cambodia’s National Reptile by a Royal Decree issued in 2005.

This species was once believed to be extinct in Cambodia, but were rediscovered in 2000 by a team of dedicated scientists. Today, they still face many threats such as sand mining, habitat loss and getting caught in fishing gear.

Source: Agence Kamp
uchea Presse