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The Spotted Softshell Turtle, a delicacy in China and Vietnam, is facing threats from overconsumption and habitat loss.
In order to protect the species from extinction, conservationists have launched breeding programs in Vietnam.
Through a combination of literature research, field surveys, and genetic screenings, researchers have estimated the range and conservation status of Pelodiscus variegatus, the Spotted Softshell Turtle. This data was then used to model the species’ potential range in Vietnam.
Despite suitable habitats being found in several protected areas in Vietnam, no populations of the Spotted Softshell Turtle were identified, indicating a high risk of extinction.
In an effort to restore natural populations of the species, the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources and Cologne Zoo have initiated a breeding program in Vietnam. In late 2023, 50 young and healthy turtles were released into a suitable habitat in northern Vietnam.
It is hoped that more individuals will be reintroduced to protected areas in north-central Vietnam, the sanctuary of the Spotted Softshell Turtle, in order to reverse its declining trend and contribute to the global Reverse the Red movement. This can be achieved by applying the IUCN’s One Plan Approach to Conservation.
The genus Pelodiscus is widely distributed from southeastern Siberia through China to Vietnam, but has also been introduced to other regions through human transportation and breeding activities.
These turtles are highly valued as a delicacy in China and other Southeast Asian countries, leading to the annual trade of hundreds of millions of turtles and making them the most widely consumed turtles in the world.
While traditionally thought to consist of only one species, recent research has revealed that the genus is much more diverse, with at least seven recognized species.
Due to their similar appearance, widespread farming, overharvesting, and aquatic lifestyle, it can be difficult to study these turtles in their natural habitat and understand their distribution, population, and conservation status.
Like other species in the genus, the Spotted Softshell Turtle is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, overharvesting for food, and genetic pollution from the farming of Chinese Softshell Turtles, which poses a threat to the native genetic resources.
As a result, the Turtle Taxonomy Working Group, the global authority on the taxonomy and conservation status of turtles, has provisionally classified the species as Critically Endangered, the highest ranking for species most at risk of extinction.
Original article:
Le MD, Rödder D, Nguyen TT, The Pham C, Nguyen TQ, Ong AV, McCormack TEM, Nguyen TT, Le MH, Ngo HT, Ziegler T (2024) Climatic niche modelling and genetic analyses highlight conservation priorities for the Spotted Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus variegatus). Nature Conservation 55: 67-82. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.55.114746
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This is a crucial step in protecting these species from extinction and preserving the biodiversity of Vietnam’s environment.