Indonesia's Rote Turtles Facing Extinction, Local Community Involved in Breeding Efforts

November 27, 2024 | 11:52 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rote turtles or Chelodina mccordi are one of the 25 most endangered species of turtles in the world and are endemic to Indonesia. Currently, the reptiles are facing a serious threat of extinction due to their extremely small population in the wild, their natural habitat is nearly depleted, and there is no management in place for species management.

Senior Researcher at the Center for Applied Zoology Research of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Kayat, said since 2009 breeding efforts have been carried out by involving the local community. One of the successes achieved is the increased reproduction of turtles in captivity.

"This species has high reproductive potential with a clutch size ranging from 5 to 20 eggs per nesting, and an egg hatching rate of up to 100 percent. This is far more than other turtle species," said Kayat in a written statement on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Kayat said each female turtle can lay eggs up to three times, some even six times per year. However, the survival rate is still below 50 percent due to various factors, including disease attacks. Therefore, intensive research is being conducted to improve the health of the hatchlings, especially at the age of 0 to 3 months.

Research shows that turtles released at the age of four have a greater chance of survival compared to those released at a younger age. "This serves as a guideline in the reintroduction program of turtles to their natural habitat," Kayat said.

He emphasized that community engagement is key to the conservation of Rote turtles. Most of the turtle habitats are located on community-owned land, not in official conservation areas. A community-based participatory approach is being implemented, such as designating several lakes as local protection areas. "We are also striving for vegetation restoration around the lakes to preserve the habitat. In addition, the community is involved in the management and supervision of turtle habitats," said Kayat.

The economic potential of turtle conservation, according to him, can also be an attraction for the community. "With this strategy, we hope that the community can see conservation not only as a responsibility but also as an economic opportunity," he said.

Kayat stressed the importance of sustainable support from various parties, including the government, both central and regional, researchers, and the community. He is optimistic that through a scientific approach and active collaboration, the population of Rote turtles can be restored.

"Hopefully, the nearly extinct Rote turtles can once again become an important part of Rote Island's ecosystem. Future generations must have the opportunity to see this species living in the wild," said Kayat.

Once Abundant

Rote turtles were first identified as a new species in 1994. Previously, this species was considered the same as the Papuan snake-necked turtle. In the 1970s to the 1990s, the population of these turtles was still abundant. Rote turtles were often found by farmers while plowing rice fields. However, their population started to drastically decline due to poaching and habitat destruction. "In 2005, the last recorded sale of Rote turtles was made, and since then this species has been declared functionally extinct in the wild," said Kayat.

Nevertheless, the government officially provided protection in 2018 through Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018. Additionally, the role of the Species Specialist Group (SSG) is crucial in assessing and determining the species status.

The original habitat of Rote turtles in the form of rice fields and natural lakes continues to shrink. Out of 33 historical habitat locations, only three lakes are still suitable for habitation, namely Lake Ledulu, Lake Lendeoen, and Lake Peto. All are owned by the community and located outside forest areas. Intensive farming activities, pesticide use, and land use change are the main causes of habitat degradation.

Other threats come from predators such as wild pigs and snakehead fish that prey on turtle eggs and hatchlings. In addition, the influx of invasive species and toxic waste around the habitat worsens conservation conditions. Therefore, Kayat emphasized that the conservation of Rote turtles serves as an important reminder of human responsibility towards biodiversity sustainability. With dedication and collaboration, according to him, preserving this species is not an impossible task.

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