Receiving a rare and precious Keeled box turtle by local resident
On August 14, 2023, the Management Board of Cù Lao Chàm Marine Protected Area, in coordination with the North Quảng Nam Forest Protection Departmentand local authorities- the People’s Committee of Cẩm Kim Commune received a turtle that handed by a local. According to the initial assessment, it was identified as a Keeled box turtle (scientifically known as Cuora Mouhotii), weighing 0.7 kg and in good health.
Previously, the Keeled box turtle had been discovered in the garden by Mr Võ Ngọc Sang, a resident of Group 9, Trung Hà Hamlet,. He proactively contacted the People’s Committee of Cẩm Kim commune in oder to release back to natural habitat. Notably, this was the second time he had reported and handed over two turtles to the relevant authorities.
Images 1 and 2: Receiving the Keeled box turtle.
Image 3: The Keeled box turtle being received in good health.
Image 4: Releasing the turtle back into natural habitat at Cù Lao Chàm Marine Protected Area.
It is known that the Keeled box turtle is a species classified as a rare and precious forest and wild animal, belonging to Group IIB, Decree 06/2019/NĐ-CP of the Government, and is listed as an Endangered (EN) species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List of 2012. After receiving the turtle, the relevant authorities completed the necessary procedures and released it back into natural habitat in Cù Lao Chàm Marine Protected Area for its survival and development.
The voluntary submission of rare and precious animal species by local residents to the authorities is a practical action that demonstrates the community’s increasing awareness of collectively protecting forest animals and wildlife. This contributes to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in Cù Lao Chàm Marine Protected Area and the Cù Lao Chàm – Hội An World Biosphere Reserve.
On this occasion, the Management Board of Cù Lao Chàm Marine Protected Area has awarded a commendation decision to Mr Võ Ngọc Sang for his contribution on biodiversity conservation in the Marine Protected Area in 2023.
Written by Thanh Thúy – Cù Lao Chàm MPA
