Biometric And Movement Monitoring of Asian Giant Tortoise (Manuria emys) in The Ex situ Conservation Area at University of Bengkulu Aceng Ruyani1*, Bhakti Karyadi1, Deni Parlindungan2, Anggun Nurani2, Sidik Umar Dani2,Fery Fernando Sinaga3, Winda Yolika Anggraini3
1Graduate School of Science Education, Bengkulu University, Jalan Raya Kandang Limun, Bengkulu 38371, Indonesia.
2Department of Science Education, Bengkulu University, Jalan Raya Kandang Limun, Bengkulu 38371, Indonesia.
3Department of Biology Education, Bengkulu University, Jalan Raya Kandang Limun, Bengkulu 38371, Indonesia.
Abstract
Background: Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emys) is the largest tortoise in the Asian region with a karapak measuring up to 600 mm long and weighing up to 40 kg. Four individual of M. emys were released in the ex situ conservation area of Bengkulu University on January 30, 2019 with the support of the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) Project. The collection continued to be maintained, and on the date a number of infertile eggs were obtained. Objective: To analyze M. emys fitness through biometric monitoring and movement for six weeks. Methods: One male (ABX) and three (ABI, ABJ, ABK) female M. emys are fed ad libitum in the conservation area. Each week the biometric data of each individual is recorded. Monitoring of M. emys movement was carried out for 6 weeks (29 August-11 October 2020) using radiotelemetry (Model TRX-1000S). Results: Body weight, body width, and anterior-posterior curvature all changed during six weeks of monitoring. Meanwhile, the marginal curve, body thickness, and carapace length did not change during the six weeks of monitoring.The average movement (m) per week for each individual is as follows ABX 6.54 m, ABI 9.3 m, ABJ 6.46 m, and ABK 6.26 m. Females have a longer cruising range (7.37 m). Conclusion: Four M. emys during six weeks of monitoring grew normally and were very healthy.
Keywords: Manouria emys- ex situ conservation- UNIB Campus, A Safe Home for Turtles
