WCS Indonesia expresses its high appreciation to the Government of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) for establishing a Wetland Essential Ecosystem Area (KEE) as the habitat for the Roti Island snake-necked turtle (Chelodina mccordi) in Rote Ndao District on June 18, 2019.

WCS Indonesia Director Noviar Andayani welcomes the issuance of the Governor's Decree on the KEE establishment in Rote Ndao District.

Said Andayani: “The issuance of the decree reflects the commitment and seriousness of the regional government in protecting the Roti Island snake-necked turtle which can no longer be found in Rote Island’s aquatic ecosystems which used to serve as the natural habitat for the island’s endemic and iconic species.”

As the last feasible habitat, the designation of the three lakes (Peto, Lendoen and Ledulu) as KEE is a very good effort by the Government of East Nusa Tenggara in protecting the last habitat of Roti Island snake-necked turtle.

Said Andayani: “We also express our high appreciation to the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) of NTT, Environment and Forestry Research and Development Agency of Kupang (BALITBANG LHK Kupang) and Department of Environment and Forestry of NTT for all of the efforts that have been made to restore wildlife population in the wild.

“As a partner, WCS-IP is ready to support the BBKSDA and the Provincial Government of NTT in bringing home the snake-necked turtle from various ex-situ institutions abroad in order to prepare them as captive-bred population ready to be reintroduced to Rote Island. We hope that this commitment is supported by all parties, especially the locals living around the snake-necked turtle habitat who are the most important stakeholders in the effort to restore the species population in the wild. We believe that protecting the Roti snake-necked turtle and its habitat means preserving a water source that is vital for the Rote Ndao community.”

Director General of Natural Resource and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) MoEF, Wiratno, said that the KEE should be managed altogether with local government and local people and should be sensitive to custom and cultural values.

Said Wiratno: “The KEE management must provide economic benefits, especially for the natives.”

The Head of the Department of Environment and Forestry of NTT, Ferdy J. Kapitan, says that the designation of KEE is a manifestation of the regional government's commitment to safeguarding and preserving the natural resources bestowed by God and is expected to have an impact in terms of improving the economy and people's welfare through the management of this rare species’ ecosystem as one of the new tourism destinations in NTT.

As a further elaboration of the Governor's Decree, the management of KEE will be carried out in intensive collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Rote Ndao District Government, Universities, local communities, WCS and other relevant agencies.

Said Kapitan: “For us, maintaining and preserving this endemic species of the Roti Island snake-necked turtle is not only an obligation, but also a necessity that must be implemented continuously from generation to generation, involving the government, private entities and communities.”

Meanwhile, Head of BBKSDA NTT, Timbul Batubara says that the Roti Island snake-necked turtle is Rote’s endemic species that is now difficult to find in the wild. This species has been protected since 2018 based on Environment and Forestry Minister Regulation No. 106.

Said Batubara: “The issuance of the Governor Decree number 204 of 2019 is extraordinary and we are very grateful for that. This is a bridge in the Roti Island snake-necked turtle habitat management that must be implemented in an integrated manner between various stakeholders. With this decree, all parties must work together for the preservation of the Roti Island snake-necked turtle.”

According to Timbul, the BBKSDA NTT and Balitbang LHK Kupang, with support from WCS Indonesia and Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), has implemented the initiative of the Roti Island snake-necked turtle reintroduction program since 2016, in an effort to prevent the species from being locally extinct. WCS’s turtle programme is also supported by Restore Our Planet.

WRS contributes by helping to increase the number of Roti Island snake-necked turtles through breeding programs and bringing in animals from existing populations under human care to prepare them to be repatriated and reintroduced to Rote Island. A collection is also being displayed at Singapore Zoo’s RepTopia exhibit to drive awareness of this species to the public.

Said Dr Sonja Luz, Director, Conservation & Research, and Veterinary Services, WRS: “WRS is fully committed to supporting the conservation of the Roti Island snake-necked turtle and stands ready to provide assistance in the management of assurance colony facilities currently owned by NTT BBKSDA. This is a perfect example of a One-Plan Approach to Conservation, where we come together to collaborate for the ultimate goal of ensuring a safe future for these unique turtles in their native homes on Rote Island.”

This KEE designation is the beginning and a stepping stone in the efforts of restoring the population of the Roti Island snake-necked turtle in the wild. More concrete and continuous efforts are needed to achieve this. The commitment from the local government and various stakeholders has shown a new future for the endemic Roti Island snake-necked turtle.

ESSENTIAL ECOSYSTEM AREA

Essential Ecosystem Areas abbreviated as KEE are ecosystems outside the Nature Reserve Area and/or Nature Conservation Areas that have important values that ecologically support the continuity of life through biodiversity conservation efforts for community welfare and human quality of life which are designated as protected areas.

 

INFORMATION ABOUT ROTI ISLAND SNAKE-NECKED TURTLE

The Roti Island snake-necked turtle (Chelodina mccordi) is one of 32 turtle species found in Indonesia and is listed as one of the world's 25 rarest turtles (Turtle Conservation Coalition, 2018). Since 2018, IUCN has put Chelodina mccordi population on Rote Island under critically endangered - possibly extinct in nature status (CR-PEW).

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Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is dedicated to the management of world-leading zoological institutions—Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo—that aim to inspire people to value and conserve biodiversity by providing meaningful and memorable wildlife experiences.

A self-funded organisation, WRS focuses on protecting biodiversity in Singapore and Southeast Asia through collaborations with like-minded partners, organisations and institutions. Each year, the four attractions welcome 5 million visitors.

Mandai Park Holdings (MPH), the driving force behind the rejuvenation of Mandai into an integrated wildlife and nature heritage space, is the holding company of WRS and oversees its business and strategic development.