Months ago I mentioned the extinction of the Baiji -- a freshwater dolphin in China.
Read this article.
The same thing is happening now with the Yangtze giant soft-shell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei).
"So many species are neglected," said Ms. Lu, who also heads the China affiliate of Conservation International. "Look at the baiji. The extinction was announced and what has been done? Nothing. People felt pity."
Then, alluding to the Yangtze giant soft-shell, also known as the Rafetus swinhoei, she added:
"This turtle will be next."
There are only two known specimens left, both at separate zoos in the wild. They just happen to both be male and female.
Earlier this year, scientists concluded that she is the planet’s last known female Yangtze giant soft-shell turtle. She is about 80 years old and weighs almost 90 pounds. As it happens, the planet also has only one undisputed, known male. He lives at a zoo in the city of Suzhou. He is 100 years old and weighs about 200 pounds. They are the last hope of saving a species believed to be the largest freshwater turtles in the world.
Come on China! Get moving on this one!
So far, the ministry has agreed to provide 200,000 yuan, or about $27,000, though none of the money has arrived. Asked for an interview in October, the ministry declined. But ministry officials subsequently contacted the zoos and convinced them to sign a new deal.
It was decided that the Changsha turtle will be transported to Suzhou next year. A special breeding pool is supposed to be built. First, scientists will try artificial insemination. If that fails, the two elderly turtles will give it a go the old-fashioned way.
The fate of a species hangs in the balance.
Twenty-seven thousand dollars to save a species? That's depressing.
At the very least, we can do something. Consider giving a few bucks to the Asian Turtle Conservation Network. For the direct donation link, go here... even a few dollars can help!
Oh and the NY Times article has great video of the turtle.