Once Believed Extinct, Rare Royal Turtles hatch
by Khmer Times
May 24, 2024

There was good news for turtle lovers, with the announcement of the hatching of 10 rare Royal Turtles at the Angkor Center for Biodiversity Conservation.

The Royal Turtle – also known as the southern river terrapin (Batagur affinis) – is a riverine turtle of the family Geoemydidae and is considered a national reptile of Cambodia after a Royal Decree was issued in 2005.

This species was believed to be extinct in Cambodia but was rediscovered in 2000 by a team of scientists.

Today, they still face many threats, such as dredging, loss of habitat and being caught by fishing gear.

The hatching of these baby turtles will play an important role in maintaining the genetic diversity of the species and ultimately helping to regenerate the population in their original habitat.

The Angkor Center for Biodiversity Conservation provides care for 13 adult king turtles as part of a breeding program for this species.