Swinhoe's Soft Shell Turtle

Categories: Science
  • 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:

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

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