IUCN Species of the Day: Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle

 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(tm)

Photo credit: Tim McCormack

 

The Yangtze Giant Softshell, Rafetus swinhoei, is listed as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. This enormous softshell turtle, of which only four surviving individuals are known, can reach 120 kg in size and historically inhabited the Red River of Yunnan and Vietnam, and the lower Yangtze floodplain.

Although worshipped in some areas, capture for consumption, wetland destruction, and water pollution, have all severely impacted upon this species. Two wild males remain in different lakes in Vietnam, and a male and female survive in the Suzhou and Changsha zoos in China; these were brought together and have produced several egg clutches over the last two years. Though none have hatched yet, captive breeding efforts continue. The two wild animals are closely monitored; one was saved after the dam impounding its lake broke during flooding and it was captured downriver and returned to its repaired lake.

Field surveys to locate additional animals in the wild continue. The species’ prospects for survival remain dire, but international conservation efforts are beginning to turn the tide.

 

Geographic Range of the Yangtze Giant Softshell TurtleCredit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™

 

To learn more about the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, click here.  Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.

 

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To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.

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