Kura Semangka
NAMA | NAME
KURA SEMANGKA
PAINTED TERRAPIN
(Batagur borneoensis)
TAKSONOMI | TAXONOMY
Kerajaan Animalia Kingdom
Filum Chordata Phylum
Kelas Reptilia Class
Ordo Testudines Order
Famili Geoemydidae Family
Genus Batagur Genus
Batagur borneoensis, umumnya dikenal sebagai kura semangka, adalah spesies kura air tawar yang kritis terancam punah yang ditemukan di Asia Tenggara, khususnya di Indonesia. Dia adalah reptil yang menarik dengan karakteristik unik dan signifikansi ekologis. Kura semangka dikenal karena penampilannya yang mencolok, menampilkan pola warna unik bercak hitam, oranye, dan putih pada karapas (cangkang atas) mereka. Karapasnya relatif datar dan memanjang dibandingkan jenis kura lainnya. Kura dewasa dapat mencapai panjang karapas hingga 40 cm.
The Batagur borneoensis, commonly known as the painted terrapin, is a species of critically endangered freshwater turtle found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia. It is a fascinating reptile with unique characteristics and ecological significance. Painted terrapins are known for their striking appearance, featuring a unique color pattern of black, orange, and white patches on their carapace (top shell). The carapace is relatively flat and elongated compared to other turtle species. Adults can reach a carapace length of up to 40 cm .
DISTRIBUSI DAN HABITAT | DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Spesies kura semangka termasuk dalam famili Geoemydidae. Dia dapat ditemukan di beberapa wilayah Kalimantan dan Sumatra. Kura semangka menghuni hutan, sungai besar dan muaranya, wilayah pesisir, serta kawasan bakau.
The painted terrapin species belongs to the family Geoemydidae. It can be found in some parts of Borneo and Sumatra. Painted Terrapins inhabit forests, large rivers and their estuaries, coastal areas, as well as mangrove areas.
DIET DAN NUTRISI | DIET AND NUTRITION
Kura semangka bersifat nokturnal, artinya mereka aktif di malam hari. Makanan utama mereka sebagai herbivora terdiri dari berbagai tumbuhan, seperti daun, bunga, buah-buahan, dan rerumputan.
The painted terrapin is nocturnal, meaning it is active during the night. They are primarily herbivorous and have a diet consisting of various plant materials, such as leaves, flowers, fruits, and grasses.
SIFAT UTAMA DAN FAKTA UNIK | KEY TRAITS AND FUN FACTS
Di siang hari mereka menghabiskan banyak waktu berjemur di bawah sinar matahari. Kura ini beradaptasi dengan baik dengan gaya hidup semi-akuatik dan perenang yang cakap. Kura semangka memiliki perilaku reproduksi yang kompleks dan dianggap sebagai salah satu spesies terestrial di antara kura lainnya. Kura betina melakukan perjalanan jauh dari sungai ke tempat bersarang yang cocok, seringkali melintasi jalan dan pemukiman manusia, untuk bertelur. Musim bertelur biasanya terjadi pada bulan April hingga September.
During the day they spend a significant amount of time basking in the sun. These turtles are well-adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle and are capable swimmers. Painted terrapins have a complex reproductive behavior and are considered one of the most terrestrial species among the turtles. Female turtles travel long distances from rivers to suitable nesting sites, often crossing roads and human settlements, to lay their eggs. The nesting season usually occurs from April to September.
STATUS KONSERVASI | CONSERVATION STATUS
Kura semangka memainkan peran penting dalam ekosistem karena berkontribusi terhadap penyebaran benih dan siklus nutrisi di habitat sungai dan pesisir. Status konservasi kura semangka terdaftar sebagai “Kritis” terancam punah pada IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The painted terrapin plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as it contributes to seed dispersal and nutrient cycling in riverine and coastal habitats. The conservation status of the Painted Terrapin is listed as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.