MTN 101:39 Asian Terrestrial and Freshwater Chelonian Session at the 23rd Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Asian Terrestrial and Freshwater Chelonian Session at the 23rd Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Chuck Schaffer
13811 Tortuga Point Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32225 USA, (E-mail: chelonian1@aol.com)

This well attended lunch session, highlighting the current situation facing Southeast Asian terrestrial and freshwater chelonians, was held at the 23rd Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Common interest in the sea turtle biology/conservation community and the critical status of this region’s chelonians led to the inclusion of this non-marine turtle event. This forum allowed for an unprecedented exchange of ideas between in and ex-situ researchers and conservationists. A number of attendees, who came specifically for this session, were also able to benefit from the marine turtle sessions.

All told, 55 people decided to forego lunch and take advantage of this unique session. In the limited time available, much information was disseminated. After a short introduction by Chuck Schaffer (University of North Florida), Indraneil Das (University of Malaysia, Sarawak) gave an excellent background on the region’s chelonian fauna, its natural history, ecology and threats. Peter Paul Van Dijk (TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia) covered the Southeast Asian Turtle Trade and the grim situation facing these animals. Peter Pritchard (Chelonian Research Institute) devoted his time to the current state of turtle use in China. Following this, Chuck returned and tried to tie the previous topics together relative to one species, Manouria emys. Anders Rhodin (Chelonian Research Foundation, Turtle Conservation Fund, the IUCN/SSC Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, and Chelonian Conservation and Biology) spoke of progress and partnerships in tortoise and freshwater turtle conservation efforts and the Turtle Conservation Fund. Discussion, begun during the session, moved out into the hallway and continued for the rest of the symposium. This opportunity for marine and non-marine chelonian conservationists to mix, share problems and solutions was a definite success. The session will be offered again next year in Costa Rica and we hope to make it an annual event.