Conservation group Fauna and Flora International have achieved a significant milestone by capturing the birth of 15 Burmese peacock softshell turtle hatchlings on film.
Picture: Fauna and Flora international
This event marks the first-ever recorded sighting of these hatchlings in their natural habitat, a glimmer of hope for the conservation of this critically endangered species. The Burmese peacock softshell turtle, found exclusively in Myanmar, faces multiple threats – considered one of the most at-risk freshwater turtles globally.
Distinguished by their shells adorned with orange spots resembling peacock feathers, have suffered from the wildlife trade and the degradation of their natural environment over time has further endangered their survival, pushing them to the brink of extinction.
Since mid-2022, a dedicated team of local volunteers, in collaboration with Fauna and Flora International, has been working tirelessly to bolster the turtle population near Indawgyi, one of Southeast Asia’s largest inland lakes. Five nesting sites have been identified, with regular patrols to ensure their survival.
The captivating video footage captures the emergence of the hatchlings, providing invaluable insights into their early life stages. Following careful measurement and weighing, the turtles were safely released back into the wild near Indawgyi, offering a glimmer of hope for their future survival.
Zau Lunn, Programme Manager for Freshwater and Marine at Fauna and Flora International, stressed the significance of collaboration with local communities in addressing the pressing threats faced by the critically endangered Burmese peacock softshell turtles.
‘Working with local communities will be crucial to our success in addressing the threats to this species. We are already witnessing positive outcomes through collaborative efforts,’Lunn remarked. ‘While our mission to protect this unique species, exclusive to Myanmar, is still in its early stages, the discovery and release of these hatchlings represent a noteworthy milestone, demonstrating the potential of collective action in preserving our natural heritage.’
This remarkable achievement not only inspires hope for the survival of the Burmese peacock softshell turtles but also underscores the transformative power of collaborative conservation initiatives.
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