The Stung Treng provincial FiA announced that on October 16, a mother turtle, which was caught on October 2, was released back into its natural habitat in O’chrolang village, O’Mreas commune, Siem Bok district. STUNG TRENG FISHERY DEPARTMENT
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS Cambodia) and the Fisheries Administration (FiA), operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, have stepped up conservation efforts of the critically endangered Cantor’s giant softshell turtle.
In the past seven years, they have successfully released eight mother turtles and more than 5,000 hatchlings, in order to preserve the Kingdom’s wild population of these precious creatures, also known as the frog-faced softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii).
Gnourn Chanti, a specialist at WCS Cambodia, reported that between 2017 and 2023, 261 turtle nests were documented. During this period, eight mother turtles, along with 5,188 hatchlings, were reintroduced into their natural habitat.
He added that before they are released into the wild, a religious ceremony is held. The ceremonies aim to raise public awareness the turtles. Ceremony participants are encouraged to make wishes, according to their beliefs and traditions.
The Stung Treng provincial FiA announced that on October 16, a mother turtle, which was caught on October 2, was released back into its natural habitat in O’chrolang village, O’Mreas commune, Siem Bok district. This was the result of collaboration with the provincial and local authorities, the WCS O’chrolang Fishing Community and the Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA).
“These turtles are categorised as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The agriculture ministry classifies them as a vulnerable resource,” said Chanti.
“They are extremely scarce in Stung Treng. Since 2017, we have identified just six nests in the province, and could not locate any at all this year. We did find some in Kratie province, however,” he added.
He explained that nests are found individually along the shore of rivers, as the turtles do not exhibit group behaviour. When a nest is discovered, it is carefully safeguarded, and the eggs are allowed to hatch. The hatchlings are nurtured for a period of two to three weeks before being released into the wild.
“The critical factor which led to the turtles being classified as critically endangered was a lack of awareness among some individuals, who consumed their eggs, or traded them to collectors abroad. Fortunately, the majority of people now recognise that this endangered species must be protected. Consequently, when these turtles are captured, they are released,” he said.
”Enhancing the conservation of this critically endangered species requires the committed involvement of all stakeholders at both the national and sub-national levels. Of particular importance is the participation of local fishermen. If they catch a turtle, they should immediately release it, or notify us, so we can care before it and then return it to its habitat,” he added.
