Range: Indonesia (Kalimantan and Sumatra) and Malaysia (Peninsula and Sarawak), Thailand in coastal areas on both sides of extreme southern peninsula; now much reduced, and probably extinct on the Gulf of Thailand side.
Habitat: Adults mainly live in estuaries, mangrove creeks and other areas influenced by tides. Dunson and Moll (1980) suggested that hatchlings can live for at least two weeks in 100% sea water. Apparently this allows them enough time to make the migration from their sea beach nests, some of which may be as far away as 3 km from the mouth of a river, to fresh water.
Threats: Hunting and trade. Accidental drowning in fishing nets, loss of nesting and river habitat and collection of eggs.