Royal Turtle is reptile that represent of Khmer culture and also known as Andoeurk Sarsai or Andoeurk Loung in Khmer, as well as the English name Royal Turtle and the scientific name Batagur baska.
What is Cambodia’s National Reptile? Understating to the Nature of Royal Turtle
Royal Turtle’s Size
Royal Turtle has white eyes and hocked nose. The carapace has up to 60 centimeters long with gray or black color. The front digits are large and covered with webbed skin similar to duck feet. It has 4 digits in contrast to other species that have five digits. In ancient times, it had a history protected by a royal decree and considered it as the royal dynasty property in Cambodia. The turtle eggs were collected from January to March solely for offering to royalty to eat. For this reasons people gave it name “Royal Turtle” which resists today. Later, whenever people captured this species then always decorated it and invited monks to pray for peace before releasing it.
Royal Turtle’s Population and Preservation
The Royal Turtles are endangered species which it has been closely monitored by international conservation agencies along with NGOs and also has been listed on the IUCN Red list. This reptile is prohibited from doing international trade, as listed in the annex to the CITES treaty (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention). During the 1980s and 1990s, it was believed that the reptile was already extinct in Cambodia. In 1995, it was discovered in Sre Ambel District, Koh Kong Province. In 2002, the Department of Fisheries collaborated with WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) have been hatched 32 born of turtles and released them back into the nature. Conservation Agencies and NGOs are interested in providing support for this species, but along with the beautiful mangrove forest, it is a fascinating source of tourists. The Royal Turtles like to live by the canals, in the gulf coast or the coast with mangrove forest or Inundated forest. They feed on leafy plants, sprouts, aquatic plants and insects. It moves by its four feet slowly. The mangrove forest is the place where the turtle likes to live. In Cambodia, the mangrove forest extends from Kep to Koh Kong, which covers more than 5,000 hectares. The Mangrove Forest is a special tropical tree that grows on the seafront, a junction between the forest and the sea. This area is the breeding ground for shrimp, squid, crab, snails, and fish and also a shelter for other animals such as birds, lizards, sea turtles, and other species. Inundated forest is a forest grow in a lake or in flooded area. This kind of area is also the likely place for royal turtles to live.
Why Royal Turtle is The National Reptile in Cambodia?
Although the turtles are slow moving animals, but if we observe its features, we will see that it has a number of features:
- Cautious: Royal Turtles are always alert when moving or in everyday living. It has strong shell that can withstand the enemy, and it is a persistent animal and tries to overcome all the challenges it encounters. It is often said that turtles are coward, but if we think more precisely, it is a way to fight the enemy. It is a kind and affectionate animal.
- Turtles are creatures that can be counted as intelligent because in every tension situation, they can be known quickly and can be solved or escaped.
- A lucky drawer: When people caught the it, they always take it to wash and make-up and then invite the monks to bless for peace and prosperity.
- Age: In term of the age, Royal Turtles are longest life animal than any other turtle species.
Due to its immense features and its endangered species, the royal turtle was issued by the King of Cambodia as a royal property and a national symbol for reptile, dated on August 21st 2005.
