YANGTZE GIANT SOFTSHELL TURTLE

  • In recent years, a lot of efforts have been put by the conservationists to save the world’s most endangered turtle, Swinhoe’s softshell turtle from the brink of extinction.
  • The animal is also known as the Hoan Kiem turtle or Yangtze giant softshell turtle.
  • In Vietnam, these animals have great cultural significance as people in Hanoi revere this creature as a living god.

Important points:

  • These turtles are gray with light gray or yellow spots.
  • Some researchers have highlighted their importance to the seafloor biosystem, where they contribute by enriching soil nutrients and facilitating seed dispersion.
  • The natural habitat for these turtles are wetlands and large lakes.
  • Native to China and Vietnam.
  • IUCN Red List-Critically Endangered
  • CITES- Appendix II
  • They have been driven to the brink by hunting for its meat and eggs, as well as by destruction of its habitat.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT

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