The pig-nosed Labi-labi (Carettochelys Insculpta) is the only surviving species of sea-labi that is a member of the Caretochelidae family. Papuan endemic animals in Indonesia, often called turtles, are highly endangered in the wild because they are popular pets and are often smuggled abroad (China and Taiwan) for medicine. It lives in several rivers in southern New Guinea and several places in northern Queensland.
Animal in Indonesia: Pig-snouted Labi-labi
Pig-snouted Labi-labi is unlike other freshwater turtle species, which have legs for locomotion. The Labi’s legs function as fins, resembling a turtle. The term “pig-nosed turtle” refers to a turtle with a nose that resembles a pig with nostrils at the end of a fleshy snout.
The carapace is usually gray, with a rough texture, while the plastron is cream. The larger, thinner tails of males make them easier to identify from females. Pig-nosed turtles may reach a carapace length of around 70 cm (28 in) and weigh more than 20 kg (44 lb).
Why Shouldn’t You Eat Labi-labi?
1. Labi-labi is One of the Animals in Indonesia that are Almost Extinct
The Pig-snouted Labi, with all its uniqueness, seems to be under threat, even in its natural habitat. The illegal wildlife trade threatens the existence of this animal. Thousands of labi have been smuggled from Papua to the international market. It is traded for exotic food to traditional medicine in China.
In reality, because there is no designated breeding area, thousands of eggs have been unlawfully removed directly from nature for hatching.
The status of this pig-snouted Labi-labi internationally is already on the endangered or threatened list and is listed in the International Union Conservation Nature (IUCN). This status seems to remind us that two more levels will lead to extinction.
The International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna Convention has included these Labi-labi in the Appendix II category (CITES). This species is on the endangered list if commerce continues without explicit restriction.
2. Labi-labi is an Animal in Indonesia that is Considered Haram
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued fatwa Number: 51 of 2019 concerning the Law on Consuming Bulus. In a fatwa published on the halalmui.org page, MUI stated that Bulus is an animal that is lawful for consumption (ma’kul al–lahmi) on the condition that it is slaughtered in a syar’i/shar’i way.
“The fur as referred to in the general provisions is an animal that is lawful for consumption (ma’kul al-lahmi) on condition that it is slaughtered in a syar’i way,” the statement said. However, the MUI also stated that Labi-labi had been identified as a rare animal, necessitating its protection.
3. Labi-labi Belongs to the Reptile Family
Panji, an Indonesian explorer, explained that animals in Indonesia, such as Labi-labi, are dangerous reptiles. “This Labi-labi is not very aggressive in character. However, the horror of this Labi-labi is, sometimes he likes to feel that anything is a food for him,” said Panji.
The Behaviour of the Labi-labi
Adult Labi-labi needs a large pond or a large river as a place to live. Smaller individuals can live in ponds with aquatic plants and underwater hiding places as shelter. The ideal water temperature range is 79°F (26.1°C) to 86°F (30°C).
Water quality is critical to successfully maintaining this species. A biological filter system for these animals in Indonesia must be in place.
If the water quality is labor, it will cause fungal or bacterial skin disorders on the carapace. There is no need to provide a sunbed for the pig-nosed labi. Adult females must have access to soil to build their nests.
Females can usually lay between 7 and 39 eggs. As the temperature of the incubation chamber changes, so does the sex of the eggs. They must keep the eggs in a constant temperature range of 82 – 86 °F (26.7-30 °C) to produce male sex. The incubation period varies from 60 to 70 days.
