The Status Of Tomistoma schlegelii (Mueller) In Malaysia.

Abstract

Tomistoma schlegelii has been known from both Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak since the end of the 19th Century. Investigation of old localities indicates that the species may still be present, though its ability to reproduce in substantially modified habitats may be questioned. New locality records in Malaysia include at least one from a large lake in Terengganu State on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and a possible new record from western Sabah. More than 70 Tomistoma are currently held captive in Malaysia, but have reproduced at only two facilities. The most serious threat to the survival of the species in Malaysia is the draining and conversion of peat and pandan swamps to agriculture on a large scale.