Rare Giant Turtle Found Nesting and Breeding
Allow us to introduce you to one of the flattest creatures out there: the Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii). Thanks to insights from the local community, researchers have recently uncovered the species’ inaugural nesting female and breeding population.
Regrettably, the Asian giant softshell turtle, also known as Cantor’s giant softshell turtle, is facing a critical threat of extinction. Factors such as habitat destruction, entanglement in fishing equipment, and hunting for their meat have led to a significant decline in their population.
However, conservationists face a challenge in their efforts to study and safeguard this species. Asian giant softshell turtles are notoriously difficult to locate because they spend a considerable amount of time buried in the sands beneath the rivers of South and Southeast Asia.
Asia Giant Turtle
In search of the elusive Asian giant softshell turtle, researchers sought assistance from local communities residing near the Chandragiri River in Kerala, India. Dr. Francoise Cabada-Blanco, a study author, highlighted their approach in a statement, stating that conventional ecological survey methods had proven ineffective, prompting them to leverage local knowledge.
Led by Ayushi Jain, the team successfully engaged with the community, who shared historical sightings, provided information on current occurrences, and assisted in the release of turtles accidentally caught as by-catch.
Through this collaboration, the team made groundbreaking discoveries: evidence of a female turtle nesting and the presence of a breeding population. Additionally, they rescued eggs from flooded nests, subsequently releasing the hatchlings—resembling flattened shapes, akin to ravioli—into the river.
A newborn Asian giant softshell turtle hatchling, resembling a tiny ravioli. Image attribution: Jain et al., Oryx 2024 (CC BY 4.0)
This is an important step to help protect this secretive species. The team is starting a special place where baby turtles can grow up safely in the community. They want to show how valuable local knowledge is in saving these turtles.
Jain said, “The community’s support was crucial. They helped us not only see the turtles but also find proof that they are having babies. This changes what we thought we knew about these turtles in India.”
Cabada-Blanco added, “For a long time, hardly anyone talked about the Cantor turtle in India. They were so rare that it seemed like they were disappearing. Our study brings new hope. We’re learning from the river and the people who live there, so we can help these amazing turtles not just survive, but thrive.”
Read the Original Article IFL SCIENCE
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