The Smiling Turtle is Saved from Extinction

Good news! Scientists report that the population of Burmese roofed turtles has increased to almost 1,000 individuals. They were believed to be extinct a few years ago. In the 1900s, intense fishing pressure and indiscriminate trapping killed many adult turtles. Overharvesting of eggs kept the population from replenishing itself and it was believed the species had gone extinct. But about 20 years ago, a few living smiling turtles were found and transferred to species preservation facilities. The New York Times comments in an article, A Turtle With a Permanent Smile Was Brought Back From Near Extinction:
Around 1,000 Burmese roofed turtles — some hatched from eggs laid in the wild and others bred in captivity — now live at three facilities in Myanmar. Five wild females also continue to go back to the Chindwin beach to lay eggs. 
Scientists also still do not fully understand the turtle’s biology and ecology. Barely a month ago, Dr. Platt and his colleagues published the first description of baby Burmese roofed turtles. The lack of basic knowledge makes it difficult to determine which aspects of the environment need to be protected to enable the species to survive in the wild.


Male in breeding season colors

Young female in regular colors


Fresh from the factory


Villagers prepare to release a new batch of smilies
into the Chindwin River in Myanmar


By Germaine

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