The endangered reptiles are in grave danger of becoming extinct. One these endangered reptiles is known as the Painted Batagur. They are found in Asia, more specifically, Sumatra Island, Malaysian Peninsula, and the Kalimantan Island. The Painted Batagur is the largest fresh water turtle with a shell that looks like it has been painted on. It really is a beautiful reptile.
They live mainly in rivers and can sometimes be caught near an ocean where salt water meets with fresh water. They like to lay their eggs in beaches and eat mostly plants, leaves, and sometimes other animals.
There are 3 main reasons why the Painted Batagur is an endangered reptile. One, they are food or pets for the locals. Two, they cannot survive in a world that is fast becoming polluted. Three, their habitat is being threatened by infrastructure and development.
Even with the restriction on the sale of the Painted Batagur, there are still rampant violations being committed on a regular basis. If left unabated, this species will become extinct before 2012. Plus, even if the sale of these animals are controlled, it still does not solve the problem of water pollution. The rivers and fresh bodies of water have to be kept clean. This means no washing of clothes, throwing of trash and human wastes.
As pets, they can also be treated without the respect they deserve. Many locals like to have the Painted Batagur, especially the males because they change appearances when it is season for mating. The head turns white and a red spot will appear on top of its head. After mating season, it reverts back, and sometimes they are left to fend for themselves. As a result, they die in captivity. Efforts are being made to breed them in captivity, not as pets but for release into safe water zones as soon as they mature.
Endangered reptiles like the Painted Batagur appears to be in a losing battle with humans. In many cases, the locals do not see the bigger picture. For them, what matters is that they get what they want. It is a delicacy to eat the meat of the Painted Batagur. Education is badly needed to show the locals how they can preserve their environment and help these and other animals from becoming extinct.
The international community should also share their expertise in breeding animals in captivity. They should also show the local governments how and when to release these animals so they can freely populate the islands again.
Tags: endangered painted batagur, endangered reptiles, painted batagur