[Animals] A new generation of softshell turtles recovers from extinction at the San Diego Zoo

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The San Diego Zoo welcomes 41 baby softshell turtles, giving hope to a critically endangered species.
More than 20 years ago, the San Diego Zoo welcomed 3 White-shelled Narrow-headed Tortoises (Chitra indica). They belong to a "rare species of reptile" native to India, as described by the institution in a statement. Since then, the team of specialists has been monitoring them to increase the chances of reproduction, since they are considered in danger of extinction.

That's how they got it.

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A milestone in the conservation of the species

The years of waiting are finally over. After decades of trying, 41 pups hatched this summer. This is a great achievement for the zoo specialists, since this species of turtles takes up to 10 years to reach sexual maturity. And what is more: their nests are difficult to find, because they spawn at night and hide the eggs underground, to protect them.

Researchers from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) found the eggs in the reptiles' natural habitat. To guarantee their survival, they placed them in an artificial nest that would allow them to monitor their births. In this way, they were able to control "the optimal temperatures and humidity for births," the institution explains in a statement.

In this regard, Kim Gray, curator of herpetology and ichthyology at the San Diego Zoo, explains that this is a milestone in the conservation of narrow-headed softshell turtles:

“WE HAVE FOCUSED ON CARING FOR THESE TORTOISES FOR A LONG TIME, AND PART OF THAT CARE IS GETTING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SPECIES,” EXPLAINS THE SPECIALIST.

Generally, wild specimens live in deep rivers and streams, distributed between India, Bangladesh and Nepal. According to Gray, the insights gained from this success story help “[…] better support our partners in India” so that softshell turtles thrive in their natural habitat.

https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/nacen-41-tortugas-de-caparazon-blando-en-san-diego-zoo/