For the first time, rare turtles live in nature

Arakan forest turtles are one of the world's rarest turtles, often known only through museum specimens and a few captive individuals. Recently, for the first time, it was discovered and discovered that this turtle is still living in nature.

A team from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) discovered five Arakan forest turtles in a wildlife sanctuary in Myanmar (Burma) in Southeast Asia. It is reported that the reserve was originally set up to protect elephants, and there are many thick bamboo bushes that are difficult to penetrate and few people visit.

Adult Arakan turtles are nearly a foot long, light brown turtles and have some black stripes. It was not until 1994, when conservationists found a few specimens at a food market in China that the turtle was believed to be extinct. Earlier, the final proof of Arakan was a turtle found by a British military officer in 1908. Due to being hunted for human food, many Asian turtles came closer to the risk. extinction.

Arakan forest turtle, one of the most rare turtles in the world, was discovered for the first time in nature recently. (Photo: LiveScience)

Also in the reserve, the Wildlife Conservation Society's team discovered two other species of turtles that are also at risk of extinction by illegal hunters, yellow turtles and leaf turtles. Asia.

Colin Poole, director of the Asian Wildlife Conservation Association, said: " In Asia, turtles are being wiped out by illegal wildlife buyers. We are happy. Happy and surprised to find these rare species of turtles still alive and healthy in Myanmar, we will do everything we can to protect the rest of the turtles'.

Professor Steven Platt of Sul Ross State University, together with Alpine, Texas and Khin Myo Myo of WCS, prepared a report for the new discovery of this turtle.The report proposes to ensure the safety of turtles in the reserve. The proposal includes training local guards, nature conservation groups and graduates to provide them with more information about turtles. In addition, the establishment of a continuous protection team on the entrances and exits of the area to prevent poaching is also necessary.

Research supported by Andy Sabin and the Turtle Conservation Fund