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Why Turtles?

Found around the world in rivers, deserts, jungles, and our own backyards, it’s easy to assume tortoises and freshwater turtles will always be here. But the very traits that once helped them survive render them vulnerable to extinction today.
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Protecting the world’s most endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles

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To save turtles, we all play a role. Every day, tortoises and freshwater turtles around the globe face pressing threats. Your support equips us to support species where and how they need us most.

Turtles are ancient and remarkable creatures who deserve a champion. When you stand with us, you help ensure their continued survival. Together, we can create a world with zero turtle extinctions.

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Rafetus swinhoei

Swinhoe’s Giant Softshell Turtle

Habitat:

Large turbid lakes and rivers

Threats:

– Collection of adults and eggs for consumption
– Incidental capture in fishing gear

Wild Population:

– Declining
– Functionally extinct in the wild
– Population decline greater than 99%
– No confirmed individuals in the wild
– Strong evidence to suggest multiple individuals in Vietnam

Conservation Efforts:

– Exploratory visual, drone, and camera trap surveys and eDNA analysis
– Capture and release for DNA confirmation
– Population monitoring
– Community outreach and engagement
– Protected in China and Vietnam
– CITES Appendix II

Endangered Status:

Critically Endangered

Species Snapshot

Fast Facts

-Four living specimens: two in separate lakes in the northern part of Vietnam (Red River drainage) and two in China where the only confirmed female from Changsha Zoo

Swinhoe's Giant Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei)_Tim McCormack Rafetus-Snorkeling-FINAL Rafetus-female_6e3145ea-f81a-471e-a557-51d3bb153180
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