Through air transport, two rare endemic turtles, scientifically named Mauremys annamensis, along with 32 hatchlings, have been returned to Vietnam from Hong Kong, China, in accordance with CITES – the international convention on the prohibition of trade in endangered species of flora and fauna.
After 7 years of wandering in Hong Kong, the two rare parent turtles from the Central region of Vietnam and the 32 hatchlings have been returned to a suitable environment similar to their original habitat – the Cuc Phuong Turtle Rescue Center in Ninh Binh. These turtles were securely packed in special containers with food and the best protective measures.
The two parent turtles were captured in the Central region of Vietnam in 1999 and were sold by wildlife traffickers to a local market in Hong Kong for use in traditional medicine. Fortunately, they were purchased by a Hong Kong resident as pets. Later, realizing the rarity of these turtles, the individual donated them to the Kadoorie Botanical Garden in Hong Kong.
After 7 years of breeding efforts, these two turtles successfully produced 32 hatchlings. Investigations by the Cuc Phuong Turtle Rescue Center indicate that these turtles, like many rare animals in Vietnam, have been hunted and trafficked across borders using sophisticated methods.
Mr. Bui Dang Phong – Head of the Turtle Conservation Center at Cuc Phuong National Park – Ninh Binh, stated: “For profit, wildlife traffickers have captured animals like pangolins and turtles, stuffing them into refrigerated vehicles, ready to kill them, or using tape to bind them tightly…“.
After being brought to the rescue center, these special turtles were examined and monitored by experts for their health status. For now, they are being cared for at the center, and will later be released into a suitable habitat.
Currently, along with the Central turtles, the Cuc Phuong Turtle Rescue Center is nurturing 16 out of 23 rare endemic turtle species found only in Vietnam, with nearly 900 individuals. In reality, the number of turtles rescued and brought here represents only a very small fraction (about 1%) of the total number of turtles that have been hunted.
According to Mr. Douglas Hendrie – Coordinator of the Asian Turtle Program: “The illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam has severely diminished turtle populations. Currently, only a few small populations of turtle species can be found in protected areas. They remain under significant threat from poachers and traffickers…“.
