Marine Turtle Newsletter 49:22, © 1990
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Marine Turtle Newsletter 49:22, © 1990
THE LEATHERBACK TURTLE, A MALAYSIAN HERITAGE
by Chan Eng Heng and Liew Hock Chark
49 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 inches, paperback, US$10.00 (1st class airmail)/US$6.00 (2nd class airmail)
46 color illus.; maps, diagrams, bibliography
Publisher: Tropical Press Sdn. Bhd., 29, Jalan Riong, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Copyright 1989
This thoughtful book is a must for anyone interested in the ecology and status of the leatherback sea turtle in Malaysia. It is directed toward the tourist/layman, specifically the visitor traveling to Rantau Abang (Terengganu) in order to witness the nocturnal nesting of this species at the once prominent east coast rookery. The book is divided into eight sections: I. Introduction, II. General Biology, III. Reproduction, IV. Eggs and Incubation, V. Hatchlings, VI. Economic Importance, VII. Threats and VIII. Conservation. The format is one of question and answer (each question is listed individually in the Table of Contents), which renders the book unusually useful. Specific answers to oft repeated questions (e.g., "What is the shell of a leatherback made of?", "How often do they nest?", "Are all the eggs fertile?", "How have the leatherbacks benefited the coastal villagers of Rantau Abang?", "Are tourists responsible for the decline in our turtle numbers?", "Can the hatchlings be reared in captivity?") are easily turned to. The authors, Chan Eng Heng and Liew Hock Chark (both of Universiti Pertanian, Terengganu, Malaysia), have worked with leatherback turtles in Rantau Abang for several years and their experience is evident in the clear and concise prose. The book is recommended for anyone interested in general information about the biology and conservation of leatherback turtles, and purchase of the book has the added benefit of supporting research and conservation toward the species in Malaysia. Copies are available (prices quoted above) from: Chan Eng Heng, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Mengabang Telipot, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.