THE Myanmar branch of the Wildlife Conservation Society has begun a survey on the upper reaches of the Chindwin River aimed at supporting efforts to conserve one of world’s most endangered turtles.

The conservation of the Myanmar roofed turtle (Kachuga trivittata), an indigenous species, was essential to help preserve the nation’s natural heritage, said U Win Ko Ko, a herpetologist with the New York-based WCS and a member of the survey team. The two-week survey is being conducted along a 150-kilometre stretch of the river between Hkamti and Homalin, in Sagaing Division.

U Win Ko Ko told Myanmar Times ahead of the survey that it would help to pinpoint areas where a reserve could be established for the turtles.

“If these turtles are not preserved they will become extinct,” U Win Ko Ko said.

He said a survey conducted by the WCS and the Department of Forest’s Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division in 2001 had produced the first sighting of the turtles since 1935.

Since then the WCS or the Department of Forest had conducted surveys jointly or individually.

Other indigenous species found in the upper Chindwin include the Myanmar narrow-headed soft-shell turtle (Chitra vandijki), and the Myanmar peacock soft-shell turtle, (Nillssonia formasa).

“Since the area has several species of indigenous turtles it should be developed as a reserve,” said U Win Ko Ko. The area is close to the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary which would be an advantage in helping to establish a reserve, he said.

Although the number of Myanmar roofed turtles in the wild remains unknown, seven are being used in a breeding program at the Yadana Bon Zoological Gardens in Mandalay, he said.

“As their numbers increase, more turtles can be released into the wild,” U Win Ko Ko said.