HARVEST SUSTAINABILITY

OF ASIATIC SOFTSHELL TURTLE Amyda cartilaginea

IN INDONESIA

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF FOREST PROTECTION AND NATURE CONSERVATION

REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

as

CITES MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

INDONESIA

September 2008

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HARVEST SUSTAINABILITY OF ASIATIC SOFTSHELL TURTLE Amyda cartilaginea

IN INDONESIA1

INTRODUCTION

Amyda cartilaginea (Boddaert, 1770) is the only species currently included in the genus Amyda.

This softshell turtle has been very popular in international trade, mainly for consumption and as pets, and

has been considered as commonly traded wild harvested Asian turtle. The 2000 IUCN Red List of

Threatened Animals lists the species as ‘Vulnerable’. This species was listed into Appendix II since 12

January 2005. As for the protection status in Indonesia, currently this species is not protected under

Indonesian law.

At the twenty-third meeting of the CITES Animals Committee (AC) held in Geneva on 19-24

April 2008 (Agenda Item 8.5), the AC agreed that A. cartilaginea was included in the Review of

Significant Trade. This document explains the current situation of the population and harvest

sustainability of this species in Indonesia.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

A. cartilaginea (family Trionychidae, Order Testudines) has a widespread distribution in

Southeast Asian countries, including in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR,

Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam (Asian Turtle Conservation Network 2006,

Iskandar 2000, van Dijk 2000). In Indonesia, this species is found in Kalimantan, Sumatra and its

satellite islands (i.e., Bangka, Belitung, Riau Islands), Java, Bali, Lombok and its associated islands

(Auliya 2007). Auliya (2007) also reported that introduced population occurring in Sulawesi. The

existence of this species in Roti and Timor Island is still in question.

POPULATION

The A. cartilaginea turtle is the most common softshell turtle species throughout most of its range

(Asian Turtle Conservation Network 2006). In Indonesia Samedi & Iskandar (2000) considered the

species as ‘common’, and Iskandar (2000) considered it as ‘abundant locally’. Unfortunately, estimation

of population number is not available in Indonesia or in all other range countries.

BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The softshell turtles are an ancient, morphologically bizarre, and geographically widespread

group of turtles, characterized by reduction of the bony elements of the shell and complete loss of the

keratinized, carapacial scutes that are characteristic of most other turtles (Engstrom et al. 2004). The

softshell turtles truly have soft shells, and in fact, their shells are mostly thickened skin (Kaplan 1995).

1 Prepared by Ani Mardiastuti, Senior Fellow of Naha; email: aniipb@indo.net.id

NATUREharmony - promoting a balance between development and conservation

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A. cartilaginea is a somewhat unusual turtle, with a long, tubular snout, paddle-like limbs, and a

shell covered with leathery skin (Fig. 1). This tough skin is olive-grey to brownish-green on the upper

shell (carapace), and white or greyish on the lower shell (plastron). The carapace of young A. cartilaginea

is patterned with many yellow-bordered black spots and yellow dots, but this tends to fade with age.

Small yellow spots may also speckle the olive skin of the

head, neck and limbs, and orange to pinkish blotches

sometimes occur on the side of the head. Young individuals

may have several rows of raised bumps on their carapace,

but like the yellow patterning, these too disappear in large

adults. The tail of this turtle can be used to distinguish

between the sexes, with males having longer and thicker

tails than females (Auliya 2007, Asian Turtle Conservation

Network 2006, Iskandar 2000, Ernst et al. 1989). The

carapace size can reach 100 cm, although most A.

cartilaginea found in the wild have a carapace of 60 cm

(Iskandar 2000).

Fig. 1. Head part of Amyda cartilaginea. Photo by Mirza D. Kusrini.

The species inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats: ponds, lakes (including oxbow lakes

adjacent to large rivers), streams and rivers (upland streams and muddy, slow-flowing lowland streams

and rivers), peat swamps, canals, and possibly estuaries (Auliya 2007, Asian Turtle Conservation

Network 2006, Iskandar 2000, Kaplan 1995, Ernst et al. 1989). They are highly aquatic, spending most

of their time under water, often buried themselves under the sandy or muddy rivers or lake bottoms and

often spotted with just its distinctive snout protruding from the water. At night they may emerge from the

water onto land, where they will either feed or burrow into the sand and rest for long periods (Asian

Turtle Conservation Network 2006, Iskandar 2000).

Although most researchers (Auliya 2007, Asian Turtle Conservation Network 2006, Iskandar

2000, Ernst et al. 1989) reported that A. cartilaginea is primarily a carnivorous turtle feeds on fish,

amphibians, crustaceans, aquatic insects and other invertebrates inhabiting the water, Jensen & Das

(2008) found out that the stomach content of A. cartilaginea in Serawak mostly consisted of plant

material (77%) and unknown vertebrate parts (55%), by using percentage frequency of occurrence. Fecal

analysis indicated similar results: plant material (100%), unknown vertebrate parts (84%), fish (69%), and

unknown arthropods (62%). Their results indicated that this species is an opportunistic omnivore.

Nests are dug in mudbanks. Iskandar (2000) reported that females lay up to 40 hard-shelled eggs,

up to four times a year. The eggs are spherical with diameters ranging from 21 to 33 mm. The incubation

period is 135 to 140 days. The eggs and hatchlings of this turtle are known to be preyed upon by Monitor

Lizards (Varanus sp.), Crows (Corvus sp.), and Serpent Eagles (Spilornis cheela).

A. cartilaginea seems very susceptible to the ectoparasite infestation. In Kalimantan and

Sumatra, traders reported that many specimens were infested by leaches. Further, study by Sudiana et al.

(2000) in Java unveiled that 90% of the samples of wild A. cartilaginea were infested by ectoparasite of

Pseudocalceostoma worms, both on the carapace and plastron.

HARVEST AND TRADE In Indonesia, A. cartilaginea is harvested for both consumption and for pet. Their parts and

derivatives are also utilized as traditional medicines. A large proportion of the harvest, especially the

bigger specimens, is captured from the wild to meet the demand of the international and domestic market

for consumption. Small size individuals are designated for pets.

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The market chain for this species is basically similar to that of other wild-harvested species.

Specimens in the wild are captured by hunters. Hunters sell the specimens to small collectors, and the

small collectors sell the specimens to larger collectors or to exporters. Hunters can also sell them directly

to the exporters. Normally there is no pre-finance involved in the market chain. Transaction is simple, on

a cash and carry basis.

A. Harvest and Trade for Pets

The unusual and unique appearance of A. cartilaginea

(Fig. 2) makes hobbyist fond for this species as pets. However,

many turtle pet authors (e.g., Flank 1996, Mueller 1998)

suggested that this species is not suitable for the beginners. A.

cartilaginea can be aggressive if threatened and are capable of

biting, thus best to be kept singly or in pair. In addition, they

grow fast and require a big place to house them.

Fig. 2. Small Amyda cartilaginea sold as pet. Photo by Ani Mardiastuti.

Currently all specimens designated for pets are taken from the wild. The quality of the carapace

no doubt is crucial for A. cartilaginea as pet. Traders admit that keeping the young of A. cartilaginea in a

good condition is difficult, considering that the thickened skin of the soft shell is extremely easy to get

scratch and wounded. Moreover, the carapace is susceptible to fungi, causing flaky skin. Hunters are

also reluctant to hunt this species for pets, as they need to be extra careful not to injure the delicate shell

of A. cartilaginea. Once the shell is scratched, the hunters have to sell the specimen for consumption

with a lower price.

Capturing juveniles for pet trade is normally done by fish trap, small fish hooks (#8) or by direct

capture. The optimum size to be exported is between 12 cm to 15 cm (weighing 0.4 - 0.5 kg). Market

actually prefers the smaller specimens, but the traders have to make sure that the juvenile specimens are

strong enough to withstand the long transportation and climatic adjustment in the importing countries.

B. Harvest and Trade for Consumption

Turtles are valued as food and medicines throughout Asia. Softshell turtles are the most sought

after species for food because of the palatability and desirability of their meat. In addition, turtle shell is

still one of the most common ingredients in traditional Chinese medicines (Pro Wildlife 2000).

Indonesia considers as one of the major producer of A. cartilaginea. Major harvest areas of A.

cartilaginea for consumption and pet in Indonesia are Kalimantan and Sumatra Island. Although this

species is also exist in Java, the population in Java has been decreased and not suitable for commercial

harvest anymore. In West Java, Setyobudiandi & Zairion (1997) also mentioned the difficulties in finding

this species.

In Kalimantan, main production areas are East, South, and West Kalimantan Provinces, while in

Sumatra main producers are North Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra Province. Table 1 present

some localities of major harvests in Kalimantan and Sumatra.

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Table 1. Some localities producing Amyda cartilaginea in Kalimantan and Sumatra.

Province Localities

East Kalimantan Kotabangun, Melak, Bulungan, Grogot, Penajam, Bukit Suharto, Berau,

Malinau

South Kalimantan Barito Kuala, Ulu Sungai Selatan, Ulu Sungai Utara, Tanah Laut, Kota

Baru, Banjar, Tanjung

North Sumatra Binjai, Tapanuli, Sibolga, Rantau Prapat, Tanjung Pura, Pakpak,

Langkat, Lubuk Pakam, Torgamba, Bilah Hulu, Simpang Kanan,

Rantau Selatan

Riau Tembilahan, Air Molek, Frensen, Bengkalis, Dumai, Ujung Batu,

Tanapan, Natuna, Dobo-Singkep

South Sumatra Palembang

Lampung Bandar Lampung

In Kalimantan, traders and hunters in the field recognize two varieties of A. cartilaginea based on

the main habitat of the species. A. cartilaginea inhabit lakes, marshes

and other water standing bodies has a smaller marginals and

supracaudal part of their carapace (known locally as ‘pikun’; Fig. 3),

with a brownish to blackish color carapace. They are more sedentary

and spend most of their time hiding in the mud. Those inhabit rivers

has yellowish and flatter carapace, and a wider parts of pikun. The

wider pikun enable them to swim faster against water current, making

them more active chasing fishes as prey.

Fig. 3. Carapace of Amyda cartilaginea showing ‘pikun’ part. Photo by Mirza D. Kusrini.

In rainy seasons (September to January in Kalimantan), especially when rivers and lakes are

flooded and water is abundant, A. cartilaginea is more active searching for prey, causing a low harvest

during the high water. Hunters capture specimens by placing fish hooks (size #6), with catfish as bait

(Fig 4). The captured specimens can be internally wounded due to fish hook, although they did not show

any sign of immediate sickness. Internally wounded individuals need to be exported as soon as possible

before they die. Other capture technique during high water is by placing a fish trap or net.

Fig. 4. Specimens captured by using fish hooks. Fig. 5. Transporting specimens in plastic sacks. Photos by Ani Mardiastuti.

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During dry seasons (February to May) or the beginning of wet seasons (June to August) when the

water is low, the species tend to stay quietly in the mud and, therefore, much easier to be hunted. This is

the best season to hunt this species. The hunters search the A. cartilaginea within their habitat by

knocking down the mud suspected to have turtle with a long stick or bamboo. When the stick hits the

carapace of A. cartilaginea beneath the mud and produces a specific sound, hunters dig up the mud and

capture the specimen, being careful not to get bitten by A. cartilaginea. This species is a strong biter and

capable to badly injure hunter’s fingers. Besides the stick technique, electric current sometimes is also

being used, although it is not a common practice due to the hassle of bringing the equipment to the field.

During hunting, hunters might also capture a similar species, Malayan Softshell Turtle Dogania

subplana. However, this species is not preferred by hunters because of the high mortality during

shipment and holding. In Kalimantan, other freshwater turtles that might encounter during the hunt are

Malayan Giant Turtle Orlitia borneensis, Asian Leaf Turtle Cyclemis dentata and Box Turtle Cuora

amboinensis.

By rules, hunters are allowed to harvest specimens weighing less than 5.5 kg or more than 13.5

kg, and leaving the productive individuals for stock in the wild. The record for the biggest captured

individual is 140 kg in East Kalimantan, and 105 kg in West Kalimantan. The very big specimen (more

than 40 kg), however, is less preferred because of the difficulties in local transportation and air shipment,

high fat content, or perhaps also due to the less delicious taste. Such huge specimens usually sold locally.

Specimens harvested from the wild are placed in big plastic sacks (Fig 5) and transported from

the site of harvest to the collectors, or directly to the holding compound owned by exporters. As many

specimens were captured from remote areas (especially in Kalimantan), normally hunters avoid remote

areas which need more than eight hours to transport specimens to the collection site. Females carrying

eggs, characterized by a higher carapace, are sensitive to rough handling and transportation. Apparently

the egg yolks are easily broken in the female’s body during rough handling and transport, and can lead to

mortality. In East Kalimantan, the breeding season occurs during September and October, when the rainy

season starts.

When the stock in the consumer country is abundance or where the export number is reaching the

quota given, traders have to suspend their export. During the period of waiting for the next shipment, A.

cartilaginea are kept in the holding compound. They can be stocked for up to eight month in a pond of

the holding compound. This situation has forced the traders to have knowledge and experience in

keeping the species, which may also breed this species during this waiting period.

In the holding compound, A. cartilaginea is kept in a pond (sometimes cemented pond), filled in

with water, saw dust and peat as a substrate, forming a muddy soil. A. cartilaginea will submerge itself in

the muddy soil and stay quietly there. The turtles are fed with fishes, shrimp, crustacean, and sometimes

fruits and vegetables. Periodically, when the pond is empty, the

substrate need to be sun dried to kill germs, fungi and other

unwanted source of diseases, before it can be reused.

A. cartilaginea is considered a fast growing turtle

species. Traders informed that the increase of body weight is

significant through time. Females started to lay eggs when they

are about 7 kg in weight or approximately 3 to 4 years old.

Mature females can carry up to 60-70 eggs, depend on the body

size, although Iskandar (2000) reported up to 40 eggs.

Fig. 6. Shipment of Amyda cartilaginea. Photo by Nur Patria Kurniawan.

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A. cartilaginea is tough species to be exported. They can stand one week without any food

during handling and shipment. In fact, before being exported, they are deliberately fasted to avoid

production of feces in the container during shipment. Prior to be exported, each specimen is weighed to

estimate the cost of transportation and to ensure that the size of the exported specimen meet the regulation

of less than 5.5 kg or more than 13.5 kg. Exported A. cartilaginea is placed in a wood box (80x60x20

cm) having several compartments, depends on the size of the specimens. Each individual is wrapped in a

mesh pocket made of plastic cloth and placed in the compartment equipped with small holes for air

circulation (Fig. 6).

Mortality is very low during hunting, transportation and holding in collector, except if the

individuals that are internally wounded due to fish hooks, or females carrying eggs and experiencing

rough transportation resulting in egg rupture in the females’ body. Wrinkle carapace is a sign of sickness

and usually follows by unavoidable mortality.

Dead specimens still can be utilized for various purposes. Pikun, the most sought part of this

species, are sun dried and sold as dried food for soup. The meat can be fed to other carnivore species

(e.g., farmed crocodiles), while carapace are powdered and sold for medicines and for making a special

jelly. The fat can be extracted to make oil, which is locally popular to tighten facial skin.

Some traders admit that quota given to them (depends on the company, varies between 3,246 and

305 heads/year for one company) is less than they expected. Many exporting companies have taken all of

their quota limits in August or even as early as in July. During the rest months of the year, they have to

refuse specimens offers by hunters or collectors. When the international market is not supplied by A.

cartilaginea from Indonesia, Chinese Softshell Turtles Pelodiscus sinensis and the sofshell turtles from

USA (i.e., Florida Softshell Turtle Apalone ferox, Spiny Softshell Turtle Apalone spinifera) might

substitute the market.

SUSTAINABILITY OF TRADE

Softshell turtles play a central role in traditional medicine and are generally regarded as the most

palatable nonmarine Chelonians within Southeast Asia (Pro Wildlife 2000). Many authors (e.g.,

Shepherd 2000, Pro Wildlife 2000) have raised their concerned on the sustainability of trade of various

softshell turtles, including A. cartilaginea, due to consumption. The biggest market for turtle

consumption is believed to be China, especially in the southern China. Changes in China’s economy

have resulted in an increased demand for wildlife, including turtles. Pro Wildlife (2000) reported that the

annual consumption of turtles (all species) for China alone is estimated between 12 to 20 million

individuals.

A. Quota and Its Related Regulation

Prior to the inclusion of A. cartilaginea into CITES Appendix II in 2005, export of this species

was administered by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Affairs. Although there was still no formal

regulation on the trade, as a precautionary measure the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Affairs of

Indonesia has already set up a capture quota for this species long before the inclusion of A. cartilaginea in

the CITES list. In the early 2000s, the international demand of this species prior to 2003 was not as high

as in the past five years and the quotas were set between 9,000 and 18,000 heads. Unfortunately, the

record of actual export data with the Ministry seems inaccurate as there is no good mechanism to monitor

the export data, causing a big discrepancy between quota and actual export in the export data (Table 2).

Following the inclusion of this species in the Appendix II, the export administration was handed

over to the CITES Management Authority of Indonesia, c.q. the Directorate General of Forest Protection

and Nature Conservation, Ministry of Forestry. As required by CITES, a quota was set accordingly to

ensure sustainability of trade and population of this species. The harvest quota in 2005 was set at 30,000

heads, consisted of 90% export quota (27,000 heads) and 10% domestic use (3,000 heads).

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As mentioned previously, A. cartilaginea from Indonesia are mostly designated for export, as

pets and for human consumption. Before 2007, the quota was set by the Scientific Authority regardless of

the purpose (i.e., consumption or pet). As the quota can easily cause a mixed up for pet traders and

consumption traders, beginning 2007 the CITES Authority split the quota for consumption (85%) and for

pets (15%).

Table 2. Export quota and actual export of Amyda cartilaginea from Indonesia

(Source: Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation, Ministry of Forestry).

Year Export Quota

(heads)

Actual Export

(heads)

2000* 10,000 1,961

2001* 18,000 3,340

2002* 9,000 1,670

2003* 17,000 16,010

2004* 26,775 23,384

2005 27,000 26,666

2006 27,000 26,998

2007 27,000 (23,000 consumption; 4,000 pets)

26,355

2008 25,200 (21,600 consumption; 3,600 pets

22,469**

* The trade of Amyda cartilaginea under CITES regulation was started in 2005. However, prior to 2004

Indonesia has set up a quota as a precautionary measure

** Data up to mid September 2008

Prior to 2007 there was no size limitation of the individuals

exported. Realizing that trade has been highly affected to the most

productive size, since 2007 Indonesian CITES Authority initiated a

new policy on the size of exported specimens. Basically individuals

allowed to be exported are in their low or unproductive size of less

than 5 kg and more than 15 kg, with a tolerance of 10%. Therefore,

in practice the specimens allow to be exported are those weighing

less than 5.5 kg and more than 13.5 kg (Fig. 7). Specimens

weighing between 5.5 kg and 13.5 kg are considered productive and

do not allow to be harvested for future stock in their natural habitat.

Fig. 7. Only specimens of less than 5.5 kg and

more than 13.5 kg are allowed to be exported. Photo by Ani Mardiastuti.

To ensure that trade of this species would be sustainable, the CITES Authority decided to

maintain an alternate cyclical quota, whereby at a certain period (starting in 2008) quota was set at a

lower number to allow recovery of the wild population, followed by a higher quota in the proceeding

period, then lower again in the next period, and so forth.

The nature of the business also encourages consumption traders to harvest big size specimens.

Quota of this species is set based on number of individual (heads), but the trade and transportation cost is

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on weight basis (kg). Therefore, the consumption traders tend to export relatively big sizes of A.

cartilaginea to maximize the total weight of exported specimens with a smaller quota number.

B. Traders and Their Exports

Traders of reptiles and amphibian in Indonesia have created an association called IRATA

(Indonesian Reptile and Amphibian Traders Association) since 1991. Initially the members consisted on

traders in tannery and finished product. Later on in 1995 pet traders joint the association. Currently

IRATA’s membership can be categorized as live reptiles (pets), tannery, and finished product. IRATA

now has 18 pet exporter members (IRATA 2008), of which 9 members are listed as A. cartilaginea pet

exporters in the year 2008. The export quota was divided among the members by IRATA (Table 3),

using the criteria endorsed by CITES Authority.

As for the consumption traders/exporters, until today they are not members of IRATA. This is

due to the fact that when IRATA was established in 1991, the trade of A. cartilaginea for consumption

was administered by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Affairs. When this species was listed in the

CITES Appendix in 2005, the entire business of this species was handed over to the Ministry of Forestry,

as the CITES Management Authority for Indonesia. Without the existence of the association, quota was

distributed directly by the Ministry of Forestry. Currently there are 18 exporter companies of A.

cartilaginea for consumption in Indonesia.

As for the balance between demand and supply for pet, traders admit that the international

demand for pet of A. cartilaginea is more or less balance with the current quota for pet (i.e., 3,600 to

4,000 heads). In the future years, the pet market is expected to be steady. For the consumption market,

the demand of this species for the consumption tends to increase over time. Accordingly, the traders

prefer to have a higher quota number to fulfill the international demand, while maintaining the stock of

natural population through harvest size regulation and employing an alternate cyclical quota, as set by the

CITES Authority.

C. National Demand

The national demand for pet and consumption of A. cartilaginea is very low

compare to the export figures. As pet, this species is not popular and very seldom

sold in the pet market. As for consumption, A. cartilaginea is popular among

Chinese ethnic for soup, known as pi-oh. The pi-oh soup often sold in Jakarta,

Balikpapan, Pontianak and Medan, where there are many Chinese community, as

well as in Denpasar, where the soup is considered delicacy for tourists (Fig. 8). Pi-

oh is believed to increase stamina, as well as functioning as aphrodisiac. Estimation

of the national harvest of A. cartilaginea to fulfill the national demand,

unfortunately, is not available at this time.

Fig. 8. Soup of Amyda cartilaginea being offered in a restaurant in Denpasar, Bali. Photo by Ani Mardiastuti.

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Table 3. Export of Amyda cartilaginea as pet and consumption by all companies in 2006-2008 and

export quota for each company in 2008.

(Source: Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation, Ministry of Forestry).

No. Company Name Year Export Quota 2008

(heads) 2006 2007 2008*

Pet

1 PT Alam Nusantara Jayatama 350 645 323 872

2 CV Silva Patria Lestari 0 0 190 718

3 CV Penta Exomania 250 355 160 620

4 CV Pasundan 0 0 190 523

5 PT Mega Citrindo Indonesia 100 80 118 325

6 FA Hasco 0 35 80 220

7 CV Leo Jaya 0 0 88 142

8 CV Terraria Indonesia 43 133 50 138

9 CV Herpafauna 0 15 15 41

10 UD Labi Perkasa 300 0 0 0

Total for pet 1,143 1,425 1,214 3,599

Consumption

1 CV Agro Asia 5,450 4,525 3,190 3,246

2 UD Halim Jaya 4,774 3,675 2,572 2,617

3 UD Menara Mas 5,250 2,725 2,058 2,094

4 UD Virensah Anugrah 3,225 3,120 2,050 2,086

5 UD Bali Foultry 500 1,100 1,235 1,257

6 CV Inti Mora 1,000 1,370 1,132 1,152

7 PT Marine Indopratama 300 1,170 1,132 1,152

8 UD Usaha Kita 480 1,100 1,030 1,048

9 CV Sabar Berkah 1,000 1,595 988 1,005

10 UD Trijaya Alam Makmur 0 600 720 733

11 UD Gaya Baru 0 500 720 733

12 PT Taruna Perkasa 0 600 720 733

13 UD Abu Demawan 0 500 720 733

14 UD Wijaya Kusuma 0 500 720 733

15 UD Daisa Sagena 0 600 720 733

16 CV Kuis Mora 3,875 750 618 629

17 CV Harapan Sentosa 0 500 600 611

18 Wahidin Aquarium 0 0 300 305

Total for consumption 25,855 24,930 21,225 21,600

Total for consumption and pet 26,998 26,355 22,469 25,200

*up to mid September 2008

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D. Field Studies on Amyda cartilaginea

Research and monitoring related to sustainability of A. cartilaginea trade has been conducted in

some places in Indonesia. A recent field study of this species was conducted by Oktaviani (2007) in

South Sumatra Province, one of the main producers of A. cartilaginea. Data were obtained from a

holding compound through a log book of individuals captured during April 2006 to February 2007,

following with measurement of samples. The study revealed that the A. cartilaginea was the most

captured abundant species (1,013 individuals; 84.28%) compared to other sympatric softshelled turtles,

namely Malayan Softshell Turtle Dogania subplana (non-Appendix; 15.31%) and Asian Giant Softshell

Turtle Pellochelys cantorii (Appendix II, 0.42%).

Individuals of A. cartilaginea captured consisted of juveniles (15%), adult males (36%) and adult

females (39%). Apparently more females were caught during April to July 2006, while more males were

caught during August 2006 to February 2007, suggesting that breeding season in Sumatra are different

than in West Kalimantan, which fall between April to July.

A. cartilaginea was found widespread in the province of South Sumatra. Fishers in South

Sumatra Province captured this species mostly by using baited fish hooks, placed along muddy rivers,

oxbows, and marshes with a water depth of more than 1 m. Individuals found in shallow water usually

were captured directly. Measurements of curveline carapace length varied from 10.1 cm to 85.0 cm

(average 33.01 cm, std 11.42 cm, n=1,013), weighing 0.1 kg to 44.0 kg per individual (average 4.43 kg,

std 4.32 kg, n=1,013). Most samples (75%) were adults having carapace length of >25 cm (Oktaviani

2007).

E. Captive Breeding

Currently there is no registered company to conduct captive breeding of A. cartilaginea. Attempt

to breed this species has been done by some research institutions, traders and individuals in Java,

Kalimantan, and Sumatra. There has been some reluctance to breed this species in outside Java Island, as

harvesting from the wild is easier, cheaper, and faster compare to setting up a breeding operation.

In Belawa Village (Cirebon, West Java; Fig. 9) there is a group of local people who breed this

species for tourism, as well as for breeding experiment. Feeding experiments revealed that hatchlings of

A. cartilaginea can gain 18.5 g within 2 month. Hatching rate was very low, about 5% (Kusrini et al.

2007). Breeding attempts by traders in Kalimantan and Sumatra in an artificial pond, with a sex ratio of 1

male and 4 female, also showed a low number of egg laid and hatching rate (varies between 5% to 15%).

Further research and experiment will be continued by traders, community and research centers, including

the Regional Research Center for Freshwater, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Affairs (BBAT 1998).

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Fig. 9. Captive breeding of Amyda cartilaginea in Belawa, West Java, showing various man-made

habitat for breeding. Photo by Nuryani Widagti.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Indonesia has established various policies to regulate the trade of A. cartilaginea in a sustainable

manner. The following are policies and regulations that have been and will be taken:

(a) set up a harvest quota, even long before A. cartilaginea was listed in the CITES Appendix II;

(b) set a alternate cyclical quota to allow population recovery in the wild;

(c) split up the quota into two categories: quota for consumption and for pets;

(d) prohibit productive individuals for export by setting up a limit of specimens allowed to be

exported, i.e., juveniles of less than 5.5 kg and unproductive individuals of more than 13.5

kg;

(e) continue to conduct experiments for breeding operation;

(f) conduct various scientific research related to population estimation and harvest sustainability;

and

(g) urge consumption traders to establish an association to manage the issues related

sustainability of trade.

Although the population number in the distribution range within Indonesia remains unrevealed at

this stage, basically A. cartilaginea is a common species in most areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Population in Java, however, is depleted due to large conversion of habitat into other purposes.

Accordingly, harvest should not be done from this island. The vast areas of rivers, swamps, lakes, and

other type of wetlands in the eastern parts of Sumatra and in almost all parts of Kalimantan provide a

good habitat for this softshell turtle. In addition, this species grows fast and naturally have a high

reproductive rate. Trade in this species from the wild at the current quota, coupled with continuous

efforts of Indonesia in practicing regulation and law enforcement, would ensure the achievement of

sustainable trade.

12

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The author wishes to thank (in alphabetical order): Andre van Meer, E. Emy Setyo Novitasari, Go Ting

Ham, Benny Soetanto, Danny Gunalen, George Tatang Saputra, Halim Jaya, Hellen Kurniati, Herianto, Kris Heryanto, Dr. Mirza

D. Kusrini, Mumpuni, Nur Patria Kurniawan, Syarifuddin, and all staff of Directorate of Biodiversity Conservation – Ministry of

Forestry for sharing their information and knowledge during the preparation of this document.

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