May 26, 2006

The Search for the Shanghai soft-shell (Rafetus swinhoei) in Vietnam

The Shanghai soft-shell turtle, Rafetus swinhoei, is widely considered to be the most critically endangered turtle species in the world.  Only five animals are known to exist in the world, four residing in Chinese zoos and a temple pond, and one single individual occupying Hoan Kiem Lake in the center of Hanoi, Vietnam.  Efforts to find the species in the wild in both China and Vietnam have so far provided unsuccessful. 

A month-long field survey carried out in March focused on a series of lakes in Yen Bai Province where local residents had reported large soft-shell turtle sightings in recent years.  One particular lake was selected as the most probable site where a remaining group of Rafetus swinhoei were likely to occur based upon interviews carried out in 2005.  However of observation on the lake failed to produce any further indication that the species remains there. 

As a result of this recent survey, the Vietnam-based Asian Turtle Program (ATP) will shift focus to surveys within communities further north along the Red River and other major river systems in the area, as well as hire a local warden to continue year-round observations a the primary site in Yen Bai. 

Efforts to find Rafetus in Vietnam have been supported by the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF), Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), and Melbourne Zoo.

About Rafetus
The Yangtze giant soft-shell turtle, Rafetus swinhoei, is a large river-dwelling species.  Although little is known of the species’ ecology, Rafetus are reported to nest mainly on river sandbanks.  Young may disperse into riparian wetlands and lakes connected to the river during annual flooding, remaining in these areas to feed and grow, later re-entering the main river system.  In Vietnam, few remaining individuals have been captured over the last decade in lakes and wetlands that once connected to major rivers during annual floods, but have since been separated by dykes, dams, and flood control structures.  This might explain the fact that surveys by Pritchard, McCormack, and others in Vietnam have consistently produced past reports only of larger individuals caught by fishermen, but not young.  Moreover, there have been no reports of nesting in any of the lakes and wetland sites where Rafetus once resided, suggesting that suitable nesting areas may not be available in these areas, and lending credibility to assertions that the species may reside mainly on the main stems of rivers, utilizing adjoining wetlands seasonally or during early stages of their lives. 

For more information contact:

Ms. Le Thanh Thuy
Asian Turtle Program Officer
C/o Education for Nature – Vietnam
PO Box 222
Hanoi

Email:  atcnetwork@fpt.vn
Website:  www.asianturtlenetwork.org