Swinhoe’s softshell turtles, also known as the Hoan Kiem turtle or giant softshell turtle, were pushed to the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction and hunters who sought their meat. Now, a team of scientists led by the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) has discovered a new subspecies of the turtle that may be able to survive in the wild.
The new species, which was discovered in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GZAR), is the first of its kind to be found outside of China, according to a press release from the UCSC Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (CIBR) and the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Beijing. It is also the largest turtle ever discovered, with a body length of more than 1.5 meters (5 feet).
The discovery was made during a field expedition to study the distribution and abundance of soft-shelled turtles in a region that is home to about 1,000 species of turtles and tortoises.
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Are softshell turtles protected?
The harvest and sale of wild Florida softshell turtles is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. (FSTCP) is the state agency responsible for the management and conservation of the species.
FSCP is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s native turtle populations. Program is an independent, nonprofit corporation that was established to assist in the recovery and re-introduction of captive-bred and wild-caught Florida turtles into the wild.
How many softshell turtle are left?
The species can be found in eastern and southern China and northern Vietnam. Only two or three living individuals are known, one in China and one in Vietnam.
Is a soft shell turtle rare?
We don’t think about the species’ status because we only focus on raising the pet. The softshell turtle is vulnerable and rare. The softshell turtle is in danger of extinction in the United States.
What is the rarest type of turtle?
The yangtze giant softshell turtle is the most rare turtle in the world, with only three remaining. The turtles are on the verge of extinction due to habitat loss and climate change.
What do you do if you find a softshell turtle in Florida?
Florida softshell turtle is spotted crossing the road, it is likely traveling to a safe location to lay its eggs. Make sure to give them time and space to cross safely or assist them by moving them in the direction they want to go. If you see a turtle in distress, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-FWCC (8477) or visit their website at www.floridafishandwildlife.org.
Can you eat softshell turtle?
The soft-shell turtle is more difficult to catch than the other turtles. These are the most common turtle species found in the United States. They can be found from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. These turtles can grow up to 3 feet in length, and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. Their shells are made of calcium carbonate, which is similar to limestone.
