TASK 3

Find out the diversity of non-avian in Malaysia

What is non-avian reptile ?

Non-avian reptiles is a diverse group of animals such as turtles, the tuatara, crocodilians, and
squamates which are lizards, snakes and amphisbaenids. Non-avian reptiles do indeed possess all of
the necessary capacities to be declared as sentient beings, at least in the small proportion of reptile
species that have actually been empirically investigated so far.

TURTLES

Malaysia is blessed with four common marine turtle species out of seven known in the world. They
are the green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley (Lepidochelys
olivacea), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles.

Endangered

1. Leatherback turtle (Demochleys coriacea)

- Known as Penyu Belimbing
- The largest of the Malaysian sea turtle species
- Distinguished by its leathery-ridged carapace (shell)
- Found at Rantau Abang

2. Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

- Known as Penyu Agar
- Named because of the green-colored cartilage and fat deposits found in their internal
organs
- Found mainly at Turtle Island in Sabah, Pulau Satang in Sarawak, Pulau Redang in
Terengganu, Tioman Island and Chendor Beach in Pahang.
3. Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Known as Penyu Karah
- Have a distinctive parrot-like beak, and feed on sponges and occasionally seagrass and
soft coral.
- Found in tidal and sub-tidal coral and rocky reef habitats throughout tropical waters.
- Found on the beaches of Melaka, and Pulau Satang in Sarawak, and the Turtle islands in
Sabah.

4. Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

- Known as Penyu Lipas
- Second smallest marine turtle
- Named for the olive colour of its shell or carapace
- These migratory turtles often travel thousands of kilometres between feeding and
nesting sites
SNAKES

COMMON

1. Reticulated Python ( Malayopython reticulatus )

- It is the world's longest snake
- It is hunted for its skin, for use in traditional medicine, and for sale as a pet.
- Attacks on humans are not common but this species has been responsible for several
reported human fatalities.

2. Common Wolf Snake ( Lycodon aulicus )

- A slender-bodied small snake
- Coloration is adapted for life underground and on the forest floor
- The snout is duck-bill-shaped for digging in soft or sandy ground
- Venomous ( pain and swelling )
- Move their tails in a to-and-fro motion much like a rattlesnake when they feel
threatened
3. Sumatran Spitting Cobra ( Naja sumatrana )
- Head of this species is elliptical, depressed, and slightly distinct from the neck with a
short, rounded snout and large nostrils
- Venomous

4. Painted Bronzeback ( Dendrelaphis pictus )

- Small size
- When consuming prey, this snake will inflate its body slightly to reveal bluish or
turquoise skin underlying its body scales
- Colouration is olive or brown above with a yellow lateral stripe, bordered below by a
dark line
- Non-venomous
ENDANGERED

1. Fairy pit viper ( Trimeresurus sabahi buniana )

- Found from deserts to rainforests
- They may be terrestrial, arboreal, or aquatic
- Can rotate their fangs together or independently
- Venomous ( can lead to infection, amputation, and death )
LIZARDS

COMMON

1. Gecko ( Gekkonidae)
- Unique among lizards for their vocalizations
- Cannot blink ( lick their own corneas )
- Has coloration developed as camouflage

2. Skinks ( Scincidae )
- Have long, tapering tails they can shed if predators grab onto them
- Hide easily in their habitat because of their protective colouring (camouflage)
CROCODILE

COMMON

1. Saltwater crocodile ( Crocodylus porosus )

- Known as Buaya Tembaga
- Can be found inhibiting river mouths and swampy area
- Saltwater crocodiles are the largest living reptile in the world.
- Proctected as an endangered species in Sarawak