Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle:
In recent years, a lot of efforts have been put by the conservationists to save the world’s most endangered turtle, Swinhoe’s softshell turtle from the brink of extinction.
- The animal is also known as the Hoan Kiem turtle or Yangtze giant softshell turtle.
- In Vietnam, these animals have great cultural significance as people in Hanoi revere this creature as a living god.
- Scientific Name: Rafetus swinhoei
- These turtles are gray with light gray or yellow spots.
- Some researchers have highlighted their importance to the seafloor biosystem, where they contribute by enriching soil nutrients and facilitating seed dispersion.
- The natural habitat for these turtles are wetlands and large lakes.
- Native to China and Vietnam.
- Protection Status: IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered, CITES: Appendix II
- Threats:They have been driven to the brink by hunting for its meat and eggs, as well as by destruction of its habitat
