The Yangtze giant softshell turtle is now on the brink of extinction after a dead reptile of its kind washed up on the shores of Dong Mo Lake in Vietnam, measuring 156 centimeters long and weighing 93 kilograms
Hopes for most endangered turtle after discovery of female in Vietnam lake Damian Carrington Environment editor
The last known male giant Swinhoe’s softshell turtle is no longer alone on the planet after the discovery of a female of his species in Vietnam.
The female 86kg (13 stone) turtle was found in Dong Mo lake, in Hanoi’s Son Tay district, and captured for genetic testing in October.
DNA tests have nowconfirmed the animal is a Swinhoe’s softshell turtle, (
Rafetus swinhoei), the most endangered turtle in the world.
Another turtle estimated to weigh 130kg was sighted in the lake, and conservationists hope that this could be another male.