A CONSERVATION OVERVIEW OF THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SOUTHERN RIVER TERRAPIN (BATAGUR AFFINIS) IN MALAYSIA

The Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis), one of Southeast Asia’s most critically – endangered freshwater turtles, has suffered severe population declines throughout its historical range in Malaysia, Sumatra, and Cambodia. Once widespread across the major river systems of Peninsular Malaysia, the species now persists only in a few fragmented populations. This review consolidates existing literature on the biology, ecology, genetics, health, and conservation of B. affinis to provide a comprehensive overview of its current status and management. By synthesising published studies, grey literature and unpublished data, we highlight major threats including overexploitation, habitat degradation, and low recruitment. We also evaluate conservation initiatives encompassing ex-situ head-starting, in-situ protection, and community-based approaches. Persistent knowledge gaps in genetics, disease surveillance, and population monitoring hinder effective recovery planning. Strengthened inter-agency collaboration, genetic management, and long-term ecological monitoring are recommended to enhance conservation outcomes and ensure the species’ long-term survival in the wild.