What is the Malaysian giant turtle?

The Malaysian giant turtle is a critically endangered freshwater turtle species that can grow up to 31 inches long, making it the largest freshwater turtle in Southeast Asia.

Where was the Malaysian giant turtle discovered?

The Malaysian giant turtle was discovered on a remote Indonesian island located between the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

How did the discovery of the Malaysian giant turtle help conservation efforts?

The discovery of the Malaysian giant turtle was the first official record of the species, which is threatened by habitat loss and bycatch in fisheries. This sighting suggests there could be multiple populations, and researchers plan to conduct further surveys to better understand the species' status.

Home / Environment / Expedition Uncovers First Official Record of Endangered Malaysian Giant Turtle

Expedition Uncovers First Official Record of Endangered Malaysian Giant Turtle

17 Oct

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Summary

Researchers discovered a critically endangered Malaysian giant turtle on a remote Indonesian island
The turtle was 22 inches long with claws, a blackish-brown top, and a yellowish bottom
Malaysian giant turtles are threatened by slow reproduction and bycatch in fisheries

Expedition Uncovers First Official Record of Endangered Malaysian Giant Turtle

In 2023, a team of scientists was conducting an expedition on a remote Indonesian island when they encountered a local fisher who had caught something unusual. The fisher had pulled up a trap to find a critically endangered Malaysian giant turtle, which became the "first official record" of the species in the region.

According to the researchers, the Malaysian giant turtle can grow up to 31 inches long, making it the largest freshwater turtle in Southeast Asia. These turtles typically live in shallow bodies of water, such as swamp-forest habitats and streams. The turtle discovered was 22 inches long, with claws on its limbs, a blackish-brown top, and a yellowish bottom. It also had smooth skin on its head.