The San Diego Zoo has celebrated a significant conservation success with the hatching of 41 Indian narrow-headed softshell turtles. The zoo had been working for 21 years to breed the endangered turtles, and with this latest development, it is the first recognized group in the United States to successfully do so. This marks a major milestone for the zoo’s efforts to protect and preserve the species, which are native to South Asia.
The discovery was announced by the Zoo Wildlife Alliance on October 3rd. The Alliance manages the zoo.
The eggs were located in two different nests. Several turtles were born where the eggs were laid. According to experts, it can be hard to find these nests because the turtles prefer to bury their eggs in dirt overnight. The other turtle eggs were put in a man-made incubator to increase their chances of survival.
The turtle – often referred to as the small-headed softshell turtle – is a freshwater species that can be found in Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. The turtles are known to breed throughout the monsoon season in the central region of India and during the drier months elsewhere, as stated by the Wildlife Institute of India.
Baby turtles might be as little as four centimeters when coming out of their shell. They may reach three or more feet in length as adults.
The narrow-headed softshell is an endangered species, but it is difficult to estimate how many are left in nature. Reasons for its decline include pollution, habitat damage, global pet trade and for their meat. This information comes from the Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
The species spends the majority of its time beneath deep rivers in sandy bottoms. It rarely leaves the water, besides during nesting season.
Zoo curator, Kim Gray, said in a prepared statement that this is an exciting moment for the zoo and a groundbreaking advancement in conservation efforts.
“We’ve been looking after the turtles for two decades, and that care involves learning more about the species’ history,” Gray said. “With all we learn at the San Diego Zoo, we will work with our friends in India to help this species flourish in its native ecosystem.”
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