Terrapin Conservation Center

Malaysia had quite a number of fresh water and aquamarine terrapins living in the wild some years back. However the wild population dwindled during the period of Japanese Occupation. During these hard years, the local communities supplemented their tapioca meals with whatever they could catch. The Perak River, at the time were heaving with terrapins.They were caught in thousands, to a point where it was thought that the terrapin population would not be able to recover.

For fear of further decline in Terrapin population, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks established Bota Kanan Terappin Conservation Center. The reserve is located at the Perak riverfront. From November to February, visitors can observe migrating river terrapins swimming upstream to lay their eggs. River terrapin eggs have been collected and hatched annually since 1980 for release back to the river to help conserve the species. Visitors may have the opportunity to help release young terrapins into natural habitats of Sungai Perak.

The research center has an informative visitor center that provides information to visitors regarding the various species of terrapin, their geological distribution and also some vital statistics. There are 10 breeding ponds, whereby each pond breeds the Terrapin according to their age starting from a day-old to adult stages.

Next to the pools is a mound of sand where the eggs are incubated. The incubation period is between 75 to 100 days. For the next 2 to 3 years, the hatchlings are kept in pens, safely away from danger. When the time is right, the young terrapins are released into the river for a new life as free individuals.

Image: Malaysia Eco Tourism FB

Operating Hours

Monday – Friday: 8.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m

Admission

There’s no entrance fee. However, any type of donation is welcomed.

Hear From Others

These centre provide the opportunity for our generation to know in depth about the amphibians. Therefore, let’s visit Bota Kanan Terrapin Wildlife Conservation Centre now. Don’t worry it is free of charge.. (^-^)

HaZaRiMaH HaRiRi
UntukKomeAje

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.

Syukur
MalaysiaTurtle

If you are stuck for something to do over a weekend or school holiday, take the family to the terrapin centre. It will be a fun and rewarding experience for all.

Liz Price
CavingLizNonCave

Nearby Attractions

Pangkor Island

Pangkor Island is an island located in Manjung District, Perak. It is where the British colonial domination started in Peninsular Malaysia when Perak ruler signed the treaty called the Pangkor Treaty. The interior of the island is forested and it is a home to 65 reptile species, 17 amphibian species, and 82 total herpetofaunal species. The major industries of the island are tourism and fishing.

Sungai Bil Waterfall 

The waterfall at Sungai Bil s a famous picnic area for locals and visitors for a weekend getaway. The pristine river and tranquil atmosphere had drawn in visitors to have picnics and to bathe in this river.The fall is equipped with facilities like public hall, car park and rest houses.

Tempurung Cave

Tempurung Cave is a limestone cave that is located in Gopeng, Perak. It is popular among cave enthusiasts. The length is more than 3 km long and it is the largest cave in Peninsula Malaysia. Part of the cave has been developed as a show cave equipped with electric lighting and walkways. There are several range of routes with various lengths and difficulty.