| dc.description.abstract | Softshell turtle (Amyda cartilaginea Boddaert, 1770) is categorized as Appendix II CITES and vulnerable in IUCN Red List Data Book. Captive breeding of this turtle is important to continue their sustainable utilization. PT Ekanindya Karsa was one of the pioneer in captive breeding of this species since 2008. Until now, there reference related to management and maintenance techniques of softshell turtle in captivity are few. This research aims to asess the characteristics of softshell turtle in captivity, document the management and maintenance techniques and analyse feeding preferences especially juveniles. The results will assist wildlife conservation efforts and improve it for the future. Research was carried out at PT. Ekanindya Karsa from July to October 2012. Data collected includes characteristics of shoftshell turtle, which consists morphometry and morphological of shoftshell turtle, maintenance of turtle in captivity and foods preference of juveniles. Nine adult shoftshell turtle (3 males and 6 females), 25 shoftshell turtle eggs, and 45 juveniles between 1 - 3 months were observed. Food tested comprises of tuna, shrimp, spinach and sweet potatoes which are given to 15 juveniles. Level of food intake, growth, cost efficiency and activity of juveniles were measured to assess ideal feeding time with focal animal sampling methods. Mean curved-carapace length of an adults (CCL) is 43.33 cm, curved-carapace wide (CCW) 35.33 cm and body weight 10.11 kg. Juvenil non test consists of three clutches with range of CCL is 4.21 - 4.68 cm; CCM is 3.68 - 4.24 cm and body weights of 9.95 – 12.59 g during hatching. Softshell turtle’s eggs had range of diameter of 2.84 - 3.95 cm and weight of 12.00 - 24.00 grams. Maintenance of turtle in captivity is quite well includes aspects of habitat maintenance, management of food and handling of eggs. However, diseases management has not been handled correctly in the captivity as shown by some untreated diseased adult. Preferred food of 15 juveniles were sweet potato and tuna. Feeding activities were visible in the morning (7.00 – 10.00 am) and evening (7.00 – 10.00 pm). | en |
