Close-up of the head and pattern of the Rafetus swinhoei turtle. Photograph: WCS Vietnam
The World Daily | Katie Heinrich JANUARY 4th 2021
Along with rising global temperatures, increased human intervention in the natural world, and land development leading to habitat loss, the past decade has taken its toll on animal species around the world. We have been seeing an extinction rate among all life forms at a rate that has never been observed before in human history. Insects, songbirds, and marine life have all taken a toll in recent years, with freshwater aquatic life taking some of the hardest hits. One species that has been struggling to survive for quite awhile is the Swinhoe’s Softshell turtle, otherwise known as the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle.
What is the Swinhoe’s Softshell?
The Swinhoe’s Softshell is a turtle that used to be commonly found in the waters of Vietnam. Widespread hunting for both their eggs and meat, river damming, and other forms of habitat loss have driven this gentle giant to near extinction. Although obtaining legal protection in 2013, it wasn’t enough to stop the decline of this beloved turtle species. Within the past few years, the future has looked bleak for the Swinhoe’s Softshell. Up until just a few months ago, scientists have only been aware of the existence of one other Swinhoe: a male, currently residing in China at the Suzhou Zoo.
The Discovery
In October of 2020, a female turtle was spotted in Dong Mo Lake in Vietnam. Thought to be another Swinhoe’s Softshell, excited scientists scrambled together in an attempt to bring the two potential lovebirds together. By December, DNA tests had confirmed that the turtle is, in fact, a Swinhoe’s Softshell. This discovery sparks a renewed sense of hope among the scientific community and animal-lovers alike, as there is now newfound potential for these two rare turtles to become a breeding pair and restore the species to its former glory. Another turtle, possibly a male, has also been spotted but not yet captured.
