Guide Note: The Swinhoe's soft shell turtle, a rare giant turtle once thought to be extinct in the wild, was discovered by Cleveland Metroparks Zoo researchers in northern Vietnam in April 2008. According to zoo experts only three other turtles of the species are in captivity. The re-discovery of the species has sparked debate in Vietnam as to whether or not the species is the legendary giant golden turtle that bestowed upon the Vietnamese people a magic sword and victory over Chinese invaders in the 16th century.

Fast Facts:

Latin name: Rafetus swinhoei
Measurement: over 100 cm long and 70 cm wide
Weight: 120-140 kg
Males are generally smaller than females and have longer, larger tails.
Habitat: Large river systems and associated wetlands and lakes.
Range: Southern China and northern Vietnam
Reproduction: from 60 to more than 100 eggs
Nesting: night and during the morning.
Diet: fish, crabs, snails, water hyacinth, frogs, and leaves.

Categories

Science | Nature | Animals | Endangered Species | Reptiles

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Swinhoe's Soft Shell Turtle

Swinhoe's Soft Shell Turtle News

Topix.net: Swinhoe's Soft Shell Turtle
Google News: Swinhoe's Soft Shell Turtle
Khaleej Times Online: Researchers find rare giant turtle in Vietnam (April 17, 2008)
BBC News: 'Extinct' turtle makes a comeback (April 17, 2008)
ABC News: Rare Giant Turtle Found in Vietnam (April 17, 2008)
Reuters: Researchers find rare giant turtle in Vietnam (April 17, 2008)
Associated Press: Cleveland zoo researchers find rare giant turtle in Vietnam (April 17, 2008)
Science Daily: Almost Extinct Turtle Discovered Living In Wild In Northern Vietnam (April 16, 2008)

Swinhoe's Soft Shell Turtle Information

Wikipedia: Rafetus swinhoei
Asian Turtle Conservation Network: Rafetus swinhoei field guide
New York Times: China's Turtles, Emblems of a Crisis (Deember 5, 2007)
2007 IUCN Red List: Rafetus swinhoei
Turtle Conservation Vietnam: In Search of Rafetus swinhoei

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