YANGTZE GIANT SOFTSHELL TURTLE

Why in News?

  • The last female of rare Yangtze Giant Softshell turtles died in China

Highlights:

  • The only known female member of one of the world’s rarest turtle species has died at a zoo in southern China
  • The animal was one of four Yangtze giant softshell turtles known to be remaining in the world. The turtle was over 90 years old and had undergone a fifth attempt at artificial insemination shortly before she died. The species is often referred to as the most endangered turtle in the world. Loss of habitat and poaching are among the reasons for the decline of the species’ population.

 

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