Turtles and tortoises conservation in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve

Vietnam is a home of 26 freshwater turtles and tortoises species including 2 endemic species Cuora picturata and Mauremys annamensis. Poaching, trafficking and habitat loss are the main threats to the species survival. Because of the threats, at least 4 species were listed as top 25 the world’s most endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles and many other species are listed Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) by IUCN Red List.

Xuan Lien Nature Reserve covers an area of 27,123 ha of natural evergreen forest in the low-mountain with big streams and water bodies are the ideal habitats for turtles and tortoise. Recent biodiversity surveys show that there are at least 4 turtle species in the reserve. However, up to now, there is no research on this group to assess the population, threats and recommend relevant conservation measure in the reserve.

As part of the project: “Conservation for turtles and tortoise in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa province”. November 2020, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in collaboration with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve conducted a field survey for turtles in the reserve. At least 2 turtle species include the Big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) and the black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri) were identify in this survey, both species are listed Endangered by the IUCN, in addition, they are strictly protected by Vietnamese law (Decree 06/2019/NĐ-CP). During the survey, we turtle poaching has not been recorded. Interview surveys were conducted in some villages in Bat Mot commune, several turtle shells and five live Manouria impressa were recorded in the local people’s houses. These results suggested that, perhaps poaching of turtles from the wild was still happening at local villages, our team, however, has not yet recorded any information on turtle trade.

Next steps, CCD will continue to cooperate with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to carry out more surveys to assess the current status of tortoise and freshwater turtle population in the reserve. In addition, we will also collaborate with the reserve to conduct training for local ranger and reserve’s staff to equip them practical guidance on turtle field survey skills, conservation knowledge and using radio-tracking devices to study turtle behavior. Meanwhile, CCD and the reserve will carry out more local awareness raising activities to raise awareness and reduce poaching and improve local community’s responsibility to protect not only tortoises and turtles but also others endangered wildlife in Xuan Lien nature reserve.

Photo 1: The Big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) was recorded during the field survey. Photo: Pham Van Thong/CCD

Photo 2: The Geoemyda spengleri was recorded during the field survey. Photo: Pham Van Thong/CCD

Photo 3: Measure, analyze recorded specimens

Photo 4: CCD’s research team with Xuan Lien’s staffs and the community-based conservation team