For Immediate Release
December 5, 2025
CONTACT: Jordan Gray, Turtle Survival Alliance, (912) 659-0978, jgray@turtlesurvival.org
- 680 Southern River Terrapins (Batagur affinis) were released during the ceremony, with an additional 692 hatchlings later returned to the Kemaman River, marking the largest single release of this critically endangered species to date.
- The release was made possible through collaboration between the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia, PERHILITAN, and local community groups, alongside educational activities promoting conservation awareness in Pasir Gajah Village.
- With fewer than 1,000 mature individuals remaining in the wild across its range, these releases contribute directly to species recovery and the long-term survival of the Southern River Terrapin.
North Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America – Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) today announced the milestone release of 680 Southern River Terrapins (Batagur affinis) by the TSA-supported Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS). Coordinated to commemorate Malaysia’s 68th National Day celebration, the event represents the single largest release of this critically endangered species since the inception of the Kemaman River Terrapin Conservation Project in Terengganu, Malaysia.
“This year, we collected 1,825 river terrapin eggs for incubation, compared to 1,506 eggs last year. This increase is due to stronger enforcement by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) officers, with support from the local community group known as the Terrapin Guardians of Pasir Gajah Village, who work tirelessly to collect terrapin eggs from four nesting banks along the Kemaman River. Of these, 1,372 hatchlings successfully emerged and were raised for four months before release,” said Dr. Pelf-Nyok Chen, Co-founder and Executive Director of TCS.
While 680 hatchlings were released during the ceremony, the remaining 692 were later returned to the river to continue their journey in the wild.
The Southern River Terrapin is native to Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam; however, it has been extirpated from Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Populations have drastically declined due to overcollection of adults and eggs for consumption, habitat destruction, sand mining, and the construction of hydropower dams. The remaining populations are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are estimated to comprise fewer than 1,000 mature individuals. Peninsular Malaysia is considered the species’ stronghold, where it is protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716). Within Peninsular Malaysia, the terrapin is native to the states of Kedah, Perak, Terengganu, and Pahang.
This year’s release event also featured community-focused conservation activities organized by TCS, the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKKP) of Pasir Gajah, and the Pasir Gajah Neighborhood Watch (KRT), alongside awareness exhibitions led by Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara Semenanjung (PERHILITAN; Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia) and partnering institutions.
“This milestone release demonstrates what is possible when dedicated partners, committed agencies, and passionate individuals come together with a shared vision for species recovery,” said Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, President & CEO, Turtle Survival Alliance. “Saving a critically endangered turtle requires not only science and long-term planning, but also the relentless efforts of on-the-ground champions like Pelf-Nyok Chen and her team, who refuse to let this species disappear. We are incredibly proud of TCS and its partners for their unwavering commitment to giving Southern River Terrapins a future in the wild.”
Officiating the event, Y.M. Dato’ Tengku Ahmad Nadzri bin Tengku Musa, General Manager of Lembaga Kemajuan Terengganu Tengah (KETENGAH; Central Terengganu Development Authority), praised the achievements of the Kemaman River Terrapin Conservation Project and reaffirmed KETENGAH’s commitment to its growth. He announced that KETENGAH has allocated RM200,000 ($48,000 USD) to upgrade the TCS’s Terrapin Conservation Center in Kg. Pasir Gajah under Projek Bersepadu Pembangunan Ekonomi Kampung (PROSPEK), ensuring enhanced capacity for long-term conservation success. Representatives from Yinson Holdings Berhad also presented a RM12,000 ($2,880 USD) contribution to support TCS’s ongoing terrapin conservation efforts.
The Kemaman River Terrapin Conservation Project, initiated in 2011, is a collaborative effort between TCS, PERHILITAN, and the community of Kg. Pasir Gajah. To date, 11,551 eggs have been incubated, and more than 7,000 terrapins have been successfully released into the Kemaman River.
All photos courtesy of TCS Malaysia
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About Turtle Survival Alliance
Formed in 2001 and gaining nonprofit status in 2004, Turtle Survival Alliance is a global conservation organization with a mission to protect and restore wild populations of tortoises and freshwater turtles through science-based conservation, global leadership, and local stewardship. Our science-based initiatives are directed by local leaders, inspiring sustainable, community-based stewardship to prevent extinctions. Where populations cannot yet thrive in the wild, our conservation breeding programs preserve opportunities for their future survival. Turtle Survival Alliance operates or supports projects in 17 countries around the world, protecting critical habitats and providing on-the-ground resources to safeguard the most imperiled turtle and tortoise species. Through these efforts, we make a positive impact on well over 100 species of turtles and tortoises. For more information, visit us on our website and join the conversation and learning experience on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.