Rare turtles released into wild

[geovalin]

More than 100 hatchling Asian giant softshell turtles, an endangered species, were released into the wild yesterday by the Wildlife Conservation Society in Kratie province. The turtles were thought to be extinct in Cambodia until 2007, and have since been making resurgence thanks to the efforts of conservations groups like WCS.

 

WCS project coordinator Sun Yoeung said the turtles face many obstacles in Cambodia. “Some people collect eggs and adults to sell illegally because the price is high in the market,” he said, adding that climate change has also aggravated their habitats and exposed them to predators like rats and snakes.

 

Mr Yoeung released 150 hatchlings yesterday into the Mekong river, with participation from local students, villagers and authorities. Since 2007, 8,528 hatchlings have been released into the wild through the conservation programme, Mr Yoeung noted.

 

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