A Chinese animal protection group is offering a substantial reward to anyone who can help locate a Yangtze giant softshell turtle. The goal is to save this critically endangered species from extinction.
Currently, only two known male Yangtze giant softshell turtles remain in the world. One resides in a zoo in Jiangsu province, while the other is located in Vietnam. The species once inhabited a wider range of areas, including the Yangtze River and surrounding regions. The group believes that some turtles may still exist in the wild, potentially even in temple release ponds.
The reward will be given to anyone who finds a suspected Yangtze giant softshell turtle in the specified areas and receives professional confirmation of its identity. The incentive has sparked some debate. While some experts support the initiative, others express concerns about the potential for untrained individuals to use harmful methods in their search, potentially injuring the animals.
Despite the controversy, the effort is seen as a way to raise public awareness about the species and promote broader wildlife conservation. One professor, who has studied the turtle for nearly two decades, acknowledges the benefit of drawing attention to the species. He has been involved in turtle conservation efforts for many years, including the identification of a female Yangtze giant softshell turtle, which offered new hope for the species' survival.
Efforts to reproduce the species have been challenging. Attempts at natural mating and artificial insemination have been unsuccessful. The last confirmed sighting in China was in 1998. The professor believes that the Honghe River basin still has the potential to support the species.
cloning the existing males or finding wild individuals for breeding. However, the prospects are limited. The male turtle in the zoo has a damaged reproductive organ. If a wild turtle is found, the priority will be local protection and monitoring before considering breeding plans.
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