Morphometric Study and Sexual Dimorphism in White-Cheeked Turtles (Siebenrockiella crassicollis) in the Conservation Area of Bengkulu University

Abstract

White-cheeked turtle Siebenrockiella crassicollis, known as the “smiling turtle” is one of the endangered turtle species in the world. Conservation efforts are needed to protect this species from the threat of extinction. Conservation is a complex process and involves various disciplines. The location of this study was in the Turtle Learning Center (TLC) conservation area of Bengkulu University, to determine the morphometrics and sexual dimorphism of male and female S. crassicollis based on body size as a conservation effort. The study subjects were 10 S. crassicollis (5 males and 5 females). Several morphometric measurements that have been carried out include head width, carapace length, carapace width, carapace arch length, carapace arch width, carapace height, plastron length, plastron width, midline on all plastron scales (gular, humeral, pectoral, abdominal, femoral, and anal), tail length, tail thickness, and body weight. A t-test was conducted to ensure the morphometric characteristics of male and female S. crassicollis. The results of the analysis showed significant differences. Male S. crassicollis have a longer humeral scale diameter and a longer tail.