Tagging Procedure
1. Tagging should only be resumed after completion of Pre-Tagging Procedure
2. Scan and record new tag before tagging to verify that is functional.
3.Wipe area where the tag is to be inserted with antiseptic soaked cotton gauze to prevent any bacterial contamination.
4.The tag in Figure 10(a) is in the front flipper ,(figure 1) using the triceps muscle complex on the front and top of the humerus. by inserting the syringe under the skin between parallel to the numerus bone and pushing the plunger to move the tag out of the applicator and into the connective tissue
5. After successful insertion the surgeon should, if possible, apply temporary digital pressure to the insertion area, as this will limit any associated haemorrhage
6. Watch for bleeding after injection. If blood flows from the wound, apply pressure with swab soaked in a broad-based topical microbicide, such as a povidine-iodine antiseptic solution (e.g. Betadine®), until the flow stops.
7.Clean area where tag is inserted with antiseptic soaked cotton gauze
8.Scan the microchip inside the tagged turtle
9.Record the data on scanner
10.Let the turtle rest
11.Turtle should be under close observation for signs of stress or injury of tagging
Friday, November 23, 2007
Turtle Microchipping - Part 5
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Turtle Microchipping - Part 4
Tagging Location
1. Hard-shelled turtles- In hard-shelled turtles a PIT tag is typically
placed in front flipper using the triceps muscle complex on the front
and top of the humerus. by inserting the syringe under the skin
between parallel to the humerus bone.
2.The injection angle is under the skin, i.e. not deep into the flipper
or toward bones
Turtle Microchipping - Part 3
Scanning for existing tags
1.There is no consensus on the placement of PIT tags, and for this reason
project personnel should examine all possible sites (i.e. left and right
shoulder muscle, left and right fore flippers, left and right rear flippers,
neck) for existing tags before a new tag is inserted. Be sure to scan all
areas, even if a PIT tag is found, because some turtles may already have
more than one PIT tag.Protect the reader under field conditions by placing
it in a clear and durable plastic bag.
2.To scan for an existing tag: turn the reader ON , place the reader
directly on the skin of the turtle to decrease the “read distance”,
and then press and hold the READ button.
3.Continue to hold the READ button while moving over the area to be
scanned in a circular motion. Be sure to use the entire reading surface
of the scanner when trying to detect the tag.
4.After you have made a number of scans of the area, re-scan the area
while tilting the scanner at various angles. PIT tags read best when the
tag is pointing with the small end (picture the tip of a grain of rice)
pointed directly toward the scanner, but the tag is not always oriented
optimally under the skin. By tilting the reading surface at different
angles during a sweep, you improve your chances of detecting a tag
that may be angled away from the skin.
5. If a PIT tag number is identified by the reader, the number should
be entered on the data sheet in the space allocated for this type of tag,
and should be documented EXACTLY as it appears on the scanner
display, including any hyphens that may appear as part of the code..
Double-check to make sure you have recorded the tag “number”
exactly as it appears on the reader display, taking care concerning
letters and numbers that can easily be confused, e.g. the letter O and
the number 0 (or, Ø).. Remember also that if the turtle, or flipper, is
resting on anything iron (such as the bed of a truck), you should lift it
up a few inches before reading. Iron (and certain neon lighting and
electrical motors nearby) can neutralize the ability of the reader to
detect a tag.
6.Once you confirm that the turtle is not already carrying a PIT tag,
prepare a new tag for insertion.
Turtle Microchipping - Part 2
Physical examination of turtle to be tagged
a.The Turtle should be examined and observations recorded prior
to tagging.
• Sex
• Demeanour/activity/behaviour of the unrestrained animal should
be assessed
• Respiratory rate and effort should be gauged without excessive
handling
• The shell should be examined e.g. for softness and evidence of
infection of septicemia
• The skin should be examined for lesions and abnormalities such
as abscesses sores swellings and oedema.
• The limbs should be examined and compared - if possible, but
this can be difficult in an aggressive healthy sub-adult
• The eyes should be examined and a basic assessment of visual
ability made
• The oral mucosa should be assessed. However this may only be
possible if the animal opens its mouth and gapes in a threat
response to the clinician
Where it is felt that an animal is in inadequate health to receive a
microchip, tagging should not be proceeding.
b. Measurement of turtles prior to be tagged
• Straight Carapace Length (SCL)
• Straight Carapace Width (SCW)
• Plastron Length (PL)
• Body Weight
Turtle Microchipping - Part 1
PIT TAG (Passive Integrated Transponder)
In General
1. PIT tagging should only be done under the guidance of workers
experienced with the technique.
2. A PIT tag is injected under the skin, generally into muscle,
using a needle applicator provided by the manufacturer. PIT
tags and applicators are pre-sterilized and packaged for field
use. If the PIT is not pre-sterilized, it is important that
each tag be soaked in a nontoxic sterilizing solution (such as
alcohol) prior to use. Only one PIT tag be applied per animals.
3. Turtles smaller than 30 cm SCL will not be PIT tagged.
4. For nesting turtles, a pre tagging procedure of scanning for
existing tags must be done before applying one.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Why Tag Sea Turtles?
To be able to recognize individuals.
To understand Biology
Where they go to feed?
How do they reproduce?
Where are their migration routes?
To be able to estimate their population status.
To determine the success of "in-situ" (on site, original nests) and relocated nests.
Monitor deaths and strandings.
To monitor growth rates and age
Turtle Sanctuary In Segari, Perak
The Pasir Panjang Segari Turtle Sanctuary, is located just a couple of miles from the town of Lumut in the state of Perak. Visitors get the opportunity to
learn about the turtles in their natural habitat. Run by the Department of Fisheries, this hatchery and research center is a quiet stretch of beach and main
landing area for the Green Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle and Painted Terrapin. Due to the decline in turtle landing over the years, the sanctuary provides a heaven for
baby turtles who struggle to survive against their natural predators and trawler nets.
At the sanctuary, visitors can watch turtles being hatched and hold newborns in their hand. Visitors can also feed rescued turtles their favorite food - fresh
cucumber. Peak nesting season is between March and June.
Turtle Sanctuary In Pengkalan Balak, Melaka
There is the turtle sanctuary in Pantai Kemunting. The sanctuary also houses the Turtle Museum and Malacca Turtle Management Centre, which is entrusted with the task of preserving the Hawksbill Turtle that is on the verge of extinction.
Turtle Sanctuary In Ma'Daerah, Terengganu
In a little known haven in Terengganu, with 1.7 km of beach and 70 hectares of flat sandy plains is Ma’ Daerah. This turtle rookery is tucked away in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia between the towns of Kerteh and Paka. The Ma’ Daerah Turtle Sanctuary, in the district of Kemaman, lies within the Paka-Kerteh rookery and has always been an important turtle nesting beach for all four species of marine turtles found in Malaysia.
However, due to rampant coastal development within the past 30 years, the number of nesting turtles within the rookery have reduced significantly. Ma' Daerah's existence as a turtle nesting haven is now critical.
Turtle Sanctuary In Cherating, Pahang
"The Turtle Sanctuary and Information Centre is a protected area. The centre carries out turtle hatching programme, researches and provides educational information."
The Turtle Sanctuary and Information Centre is a protected area. The centre carries out turtle hatching programme, researches and provides educational information on turtles.
This centre was built in 1997 on a 0.33ha site at Cherating, Pahang. It was opened to the public in June 1998 and is managed by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia with the cooperation of the State Government of Pahang Darul Makmur
Bukit Pinang Wildlife Conservation Centre, Kedah
The centre was established in 1981 ror the breeding of two species of terrapins; River Terrapin (Batagur baska) and Painted Terrapin (Callagur borneoensis).
Currently, there are 530 Terrapins in this centre. The flood that occurred at the end of December 2005, accidentally released 172 Terrapins from the breeding pond into the nearby river.
The eggs are collected from the licensed gatherers in every egg laying season. All eggs will be incubated naturally within 75 to 100 days before they hatch. All hatchlings are collected and kept in the nursing pond, separated from the adults. Thousands of young hatched terrapins have been released into the Bukit Pinang River over the years.
Bota Kanan Wildlife Conservation Centre, Perak
The River Terrapin (Batagur baska) and the Painted Terrapin (Callagur borneoensis) are two reptile species that are bred in Bota Kanan Wildlife Conservation Centre. The terrapins are bred to prevent their extinction due to uncontrolled sand dredging activities. Sand banks are main components of the natural habitat for this species.
Bota Kanan Wildlife Conservation Centre is the largest terrapin breeding centre with a captive population of about 1356 terrapins and with over thousands released into the Perak River. Besides being a breeding centre it also serves as a place of research centre for local and foreign students who are interested in the conservation of this species in the wild.
All the eggs are collected during the laying season will be incubated naturally in the sand river near the centre. The incubation period is between 75 to 100 days. There are 10 breeding ponds, whereby each pond breeds the Terrapin according to their age starting from a day-old to adult stages. Breeders are kept separately. The oldest Terrapin in this centre is a healthy 39 year-old.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Painted Terrapin
Common Name : Painted Terrapin
Local Name : Tuntung Laut
Scientific Name : Callagur borneoensis
Description : Females are larger than the males. It has completely webbed feet, the forelimbs having five claws each and a small head covered with undivided skin. Adult males change colour during the breeding season, a white head with a bright red stripe between the eyes.
Size & Weight : 50 to 70 cm , 1.7 kg.
Diet : Comprises chiefly of fruits and greenery from riverside plants and from mangroves.
Habitat & Range : An aquatic estuarine turtle inhabiting mangrove swamps and areas of tidal influence of medium to large rivers. Southernmost provinces of Thailand in the north, southward throughout West Malaysia to the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.
Nesting : At night at low tide on sand beaches along the sea within a few kilometres of the mouth of their home river. In mangrove areas, sandbanks within the river are used. Up to 20 eggs are laid, which will hatch after 70 days.
Threats : The heavy demand for eggs coupled with low reproductive potential, destruction of habitat by the removal of vegetation, dam building and sand removal from nesting areas. One of the most seriously threatened river turtles in Southeast Asia
River Terrapin
Common Name : River Terrapin
Local Name : Tuntung Sungai
Scientific Name : Batagur baska
Description : Reaching a carapace length of at least 60 cm and has only 4 claws on the forefeet. The size of the female is somewhat larger than the male.
Size : 60 cm.
Diet : Omnivorous feeders but vegetable food predominates. Molluscs, crustaceans and fish are also consumed.
Habitat & Range : Lives in the brackish water of estuaries and areas under tidal influence. Found only in South and Southeast Asia. Rivers in Malaysia: Setiu, Dungun, Trengganu, Perak and Kedah .
Nesting : Around November, an average of 24 eggs are laid each time, up 3 times per season.
Threats : Human consumption and habitat destruction are major threats. Extinction in next 10 years if no conservation.
Leatherback Turtle
Common Name : Leatherback Turtle
Local Name : Penyu Belimbing
Scientific Name : Dermochelys coriacea
Description : It is the only sea turtle that lacks a hard shell. Its carapace is large, elongated and flexible with 7 distinct ridges running the length of the animal. All flippers are without claws. The carapace is dark grey or black with white or pale spots, while the plastron is whitish to black and marked by 5 ridges.
Size & Weight : The largest leatherback ever recorded was almost 10 feet (305 cm) from the tip of its beak to the tip of its tail and weighed in at 2,019 pounds (916 kg). Weight is from 550 to 1,545 pounds (250-700 kg).
Diet : Their delicate, scissor-like jaws would be damaged by anything other than a diet of soft-bodied animals. It feeds almost exclusively on jellyfish, which are composed mostly of water and appear to be a poor source of nutrients.
Habitat & Range : Primarily found in the open ocean, from Alaska to the southern tip of Africa, leatherbacks feed in areas just offshore. Known to be active in water below 40° F, the only reptile known to remain active at such a low temperature.
Nesting : Nest at intervals of 2 to 3 years, they can nest every year. Nests between 6 to 9 times per season, with an average of 10 days between nestings. Lays an average of 80 fertilized eggs, the size of billiard balls, and 30 smaller, unfertilized eggs, in each nest. Eggs incubate for about 65 days.
Threats : The greatest threats to Leatherback turtles are from incidental take in commercial fisheries, marine pollution (balloons & plastic bags in the water, are mistaken as jellyfish), habitat destruction and egg harvesting.
Hawksbill Turtle
Common Name :Hawksbill Turtle
Local Name :Penyu Sisik, Penyu Karah
Scientific Name:Eretmochelys imbricata
Description:The hawksbill is named for its narrow head and hawk-like beak. One of the smaller sea turtles. Jaw is not serrated. Flippers have 2 claws.
Size & Weight:Adults are 2.5 to 3 feet in shell (carapace) length (76-91 cm) and can weigh between 100 to 150 pounds (40-60 kg).
Diet :poisonous sponges, anemones, squid and shrimp.
Habitat & Range:Typically found around coastal reefs, rocky areas, estuaries and lagoons. Most tropical of all sea turtles, the Hawksbill lives in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Nesting:Between 2 to 4 times per season. Lays an average 160 eggs in each nest. Eggs incubate for about 60 days.
Threats:Harvested for their prized shell, often referred to as "tortoise shell", used to make hair ornaments, jewelry, and other decorative items. There’s a strict international trade ban.
Green Turtle
Local Name :Penyu Agar, Penyu Pulau
Adopt A Turtle Program By Aquaria KLCC
Of all the 30 species ever discovered, only 7 are left. All of which are highly or critically endangered. These threats are sourced from the one species that can do something about it, mankind.
Here at Aquaria KLCC, we realize their plight for survival. We have taken a stand to contribute to the conservation of turtles and terrapins. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to assist in their fight.
Please join us in protecting our treasures for all our future.
