Road Kill – Impressed Tortoise

I actually want to draw the attention of FRESH members and other interested parties on the above mentioned tortoise species, fondly known as the “Impressed Tortoise“ or scientifically recognised as Manouria impressa. Refererence at tortoise.org.

Reason being about a month ago, my kids and I were driving along the “ Telecoms Loop “ and discovered the carcass of this particular species.

According to Wikipedia's Tortoise List, this particular species is currently categorised as vulnerable, meaning not critically endangered but close to being so.

In the past 12 years I’ve lived around this area, I have actually encountered several of these tortoise wandering around, especially near “ Kaniska “. Being slow movers, they are so susceptible to being victims of road kills and what more their shell colors camouflages them from being clearly seen or noticed.

I would like for FRESH to bring up this issue as a part of our conservation efforts. A suggestion would be to put up warning signs on “ Turtle Crossing “ at certain identified locations.

Thank you for your cooperation..

Yours sincerely,

Ahmad Razi Za'ba

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Carell Cheong responds:

Dear Razi,

Your images show the concern of the tortoise vulnerable to road kills. Even though it may be a gruesome sight but the effect and message can be conveyed instantly to the reader.

Your suggestion to place signs like "Caution – Tortoise Crossing" at several identified spots is very good and must be highlighted in the blog . Who knows…..(wink…wink..) it might attract sponsors for this kind of conservation work. Please also highlight the sadder fact that XX number of eggs were found alongside the carcass. What a waste!!

Hope to see your article soon in the blog!

Carell

FRESH on The Net

Twas after an informal meeting of the FRESH committee on 6th April 2006 that the suggestion of setting up a blog for FRESH was mooted and this is the realisation of it.

Over the next couple of weeks, content will be added. It is envisaged that this will be a joint effort by HYWan, Razi and Affendy with generous help from WWF people like Carell Cheong, Thiaga and Hoay Hoay.

We'd love your feedback and comments.

For the moment, photographs of moderators are introduced. The others will be uploaded when available.

HYWan Leow Hoay Hoay

Man on the Hill.

Last week I had the opportunity to walk Bishop's Trail with Carell and the consultant who is heping with the signages along the trail. A very good specimen of a strangling fig which had completed its dastardly ambition is now available for close scrutiny.

Further along the trail, met this specimen of a wild banana in bloom.