Authorities seized 59 big-headed turtles being illegally transported in Nghe An province.
(Baonghean.vn) - All of the animals were seized and confiscated by the Environmental Police Department of Nghe An Provincial Police from illegal transportation in Dien Chau district.
On April 5th, leaders of Pu Mat National Park announced that the park had recently collaborated with the Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW) center to rescue 59 big-headed turtles. All of these animals were seized by the Environmental Police Department of Nghe An province from illegal transportation in Dien Chau district.
Earlier, police discovered a resident of Dien Hong commune transporting 34 big-headed turtles. A search of his house uncovered another 25 live turtles and several dead ones. In addition, they found three Javan pangolins with their scales and internal organs removed.
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The confiscated turtles were handed over to the Pù Mát National Park Rescue Center in a weakened condition. Photo: Thanh Tuan |
Shortly afterward, all of the turtles were transferred to the Pù Mát National Park rescue center for rescue and care. These individuals were in very weak condition, many were injured, and are currently receiving intensive care at the rescue center.
Previously, on December 13, 2022, SVW, in coordination with Pu Mat National Park, also received 68 big-headed turtles from the Nghe An Provincial Police, bringing the total number of big-headed turtles that SVW is caring for and rehabilitating to 127.
According to Mr. Dang Thanh Tuan, a caretaker at the Pu Mat National Park Rescue Center, caring for big-headed turtles is time-consuming and labor-intensive. These turtles are fed every two days with a diet of fish, worms, and crabs, at a rate of 3-5% of their body weight. On average, each feeding consists of 127 turtles consuming about 3-4 kg of small fish. In addition, the turtles need sunbathing, and their shells and enclosures need to be regularly cleaned to prevent skin ulcers and fungal infections.
It is expected that after collecting genetic samples and specimens for analysis to determine subspecies and screen for individuals carrying infectious diseases, these turtles will be eligible for reintroduction into the wild.
The big-headed turtle is a widely distributed species found in streams at altitudes above 600 meters above sea level in evergreen forests from the North to the Central and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam. This species is listed as critically endangered in the World Red List due to overexploitation and trade; if not stopped, it will disappear in the near future.
This is the only species of turtle in the Platysternidae family, and its disappearance would lead to the extinction of the entire family. The big-headed turtle is strictly protected under Vietnamese law. It belongs to group IB in the list of strictly protected species under Decree 06/2019/ND-CP and is listed as an endangered and rare wild animal requiring protection under Decree 64/2019/ND-CP of the Government. Violations related to the big-headed turtle are subject to severe prison sentences.
