Characteristics of Habitat and Diet of the Southern River Terrapin (Batagur borneoensis) in the Conservation Area on the Coast of Aceh, Indonesia

Abdul Latif  Mawardi; Teuku Hadi Wibowo Atmaja; Muhammad  Khalil

doi:10.22146/jtbb.15180

Abdul Latif Mawardi Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training, Universitas Samudra. Jl. Prof. Syarief Thayeb, Langsa 24416, Aceh, Indonesia; Department of Science Education, Faculty of Teacher Training, Universitas Samudra. Jl. Prof. Syarief Thayeb, Langsa 24416, Aceh, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7260-1919
Teuku Hadi Wibowo Atmaja Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training, Universitas Samudra. Jl. Prof. Syarief Thayeb, Langsa 24416, Aceh, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3485-3792
Muhammad Khalil Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training, Universitas Samudra. Jl. Prof. Syarief Thayeb, Langsa 24416, Aceh, Indonesia; Department of Science Education, Faculty of Teacher Training, Universitas Samudra. Jl. Prof. Syarief Thayeb, Langsa 24416, Aceh, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4744-4480

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.15180

Keywords: Batagur borneoensis, Coastal, Conservation, Diet, Habitat

Abstract

The Southern River Terrapin (Batagur borneoensis) is an endangered aquatic species with a critically low population, found only in specific habitats. Surveys revealed that it forages, basks, and mates in freshwater to brackish rivers, while nesting occurs in sandy coastal areas. Its diet consists of crustaceans (41 %), vegetation (41 %), and gastropods (18 %), indicating a primarily carnivorous diet that includes fruits, flowers, leaves, shoots, and aquatic vegetation. Various crustaceans and gastropods were also observed as food sources. Conservation efforts are essential to preserving its habitat and food supply, ensuring the survival of this endemic species.

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