Bahrain's campaign to save its native terrapins and frogs from extinction has paid off, though so far only in captivity, said a report.

They are flourishing under a captive breeding programme started at Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve five years ago, stated a report in our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

It was started as an urgent rescue operation after urbanisation had wiped out almost all their natural habitats.

Now there are more than 100 terrapins (small turtles) and countless marsh frogs at Al Areen, says bird section head Essa Faraj, who launched the rescue mission.

He said the dereliction of the original Adhari Pool, which has since been renovated and the disappearance of many freshwater springs and marshy areas had almost wiped out the two ancient species.

"We noticed their habitat was eroding rapidly, mainly because of urbanisation," said Faraj.

"We felt that we have to protect these creatures, because they represents our natural heritage."

He said pools and marshy areas had been created at Al Areen to replicate as closely as possible the natural habitats of the terrapins and frogs.

"There are around 100 terrapins, as they have been breeding now," said Faraj.

"We have soft reeds and water grass that grows from the bottom of the pond to provide shade.The plants are used by the creatures for cooling and hiding from predators.”

"Terrapins are amongst the oldest and most fascinating species on this planet. They do not eat every day and maybe not even every week at times, a trait that is common to all reptiles. They are omnivorous and eat meat that includes fish, crayfish, earthworms, turkey, and chicken,” he added.

Faraj said the marsh frog faced the same fate as the terrapins since fresh-water areas vanished with the country's massive development programmes.

"The marsh frog is a water-dwelling, generally green-coloured frog species," added Faraj.

"It can reach a maximum length of 17 cm, but males remain smaller (around 12 cm)."

He said they were thriving now at Al Areen, in areas similar to their natural habitat and with plenty of their normal food.

"The diet of the marsh frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs," said Faraj. "Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish."

He said the mission to rescue the terrapins and frogs had been successful, but it was hoped one day to restore them to their natural habitats.

Bahrain must do more to recreate green areas, with freshwater pools and marshy areas, but in the meantime the species were doing well in captivity, said Faraj.

"These creatures are breeding well and our mission to save them is accomplished," he added.

The newly opened Wild Animal Complex houses leopards, foxes, wolves, caracal and hyenas, which were shipped to Bahrain from Africa and Asia in December.

The aim was to protect rare Arabian species such as the Oryx, Addax and Reem Gazelle. – TradeArabia News Service