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SITES
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Greatham, Teesside, UK |
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West Site, Billingham, UK |
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Grimsby, Humberside, UK |
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Calais, France |
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Huelva, Spain |
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Scarlino, Italy |
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Teluk Kalung, Malaysia |
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Umbogintwini, South Africa |
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Lake Charles, USA |
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Burnie, Tasmania |
Index
by Category
Appendices
References
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Teluk Kalung, Malaysia
Amphibians and Reptiles
With the exception of sea turtles that occur in the coastal waters
and breed on some beaches near the Tioxide Plant, the amphibians
and reptiles of the area around the Tioxide property are not, as
yet, adequately studied.
There are no specific records of any species of amphibian but frogs
must occur in the extensive wetland habitats on the site.
The Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) is probably a permanent
resident on the site and water dragons (Physignathus sp) have
also been reported. There are also several records of large snakes,
probably pythons.
Monitor lizards are also frequently seen along the banks of the
rivers.
Other species of snakes and lizards will almost certainly occur
on the site and should be identified in future surveys.
Turtles
Four species of marine turtle breed on the beaches around the east
coast of Malaysia and a further two; smaller freshwater species inhabit
the river systems. The eggs of all species are locally harvested
(under licence), but adult sea turtles are protected.
Both Painted Terrapin (Callagur borneoensis) and River Terrapin (Batagur
baska) occur in the Chukat / Kemaman river system but it is not known
whether these species are present in the wetland areas of the site.
Sea Turtles
In Peninsula Malaysia marine turtle nesting sites occur only along
the east coast, and animals are only present in Malaysian waters
during the breeding season, which varies with different species.
The state of Terengganu accounts for about 83% of the Malayan nesting
population of all species.
All species of marine turtle are classed as vulnerable and some are
endangered.
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
This is one of the smallest species and like most marine turtle species
it has declined in numbers over many years, comments being made over
30 years ago about the fall in populations (Bustard 1972).
The main breeding beaches for Hawksbill Turtle are a considerable distance
from the Tioxide site (>160 km) but animals do occur in the China
Sea around Chukai and there are smaller nesting colonies much closer
to the works site, ca.12 km to the north and at Geliga ca.7 km south.
The total breeding population for the state of Terengganu is up to
ca. 65 breeding females.
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
This is one of the commonest species word-wide. The State of Terengganu
holds the largest mainland breeding colonies in Peninsula Malaysia,
with up to 18% of the breeding population occurring in the Chukai
area. Green Turtles are found in the off-shore waters near the Tioxide
site and nesting beaches are located within 5.5 km north and south
along the coast. The number of animals breeding in these sites can
vary greatly from season to season with nest numbers down to <200
or up to >700.
Leather-back Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
This is the largest living species of marine turtle reaching a length
of 1.8 m. It is rare and listed as a Red Data Book Species by IUCN
with a global population of about 104,000 individuals.
The main breeding beaches are a considerable distance from the Tioxide
property but a smaller colony is with in 8 km of the works site.
Only ca.100 female Leathery Turtles nesting in Malaysia by the mid
1980s.
Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
This is a globally rare species and with little known of its natural
history (Bustard 1972). |
