Vietnam Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Identification Book re-released
The Education for Nature – Vietnam (ENV), in collaboration with the Asian Turtle Programme, has re-released the Vietnam Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Identification Book.
The 2022 version includes information on two new species, updates on the maps of species’ distribution and on their conservation status, as well as recently promulgated wildlife protection laws.
This book serves as a vital resource to authorities, national parks and wildlife rescue centres, allowing them to identify and distinguish between Vietnam’s 26 native tortoise and freshwater turtle species. This assists in handling turtle violations and appropriately placing the reptiles in wildlife rescue centres or releasing them back into the wild.
Of the 26 endemic turtle species of Vietnam, 23 are listed as critically endangered and eight prohibited from commercial trade, according to the ENV.
The book was sent out to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Forest Protection Department (FPD) directors, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, legal departments, environmental police, national parks, key universities with relevant departments, and wildlife rescue centres in all 63 provinces and cities.
In Vietnam, turtles are illegally traded and kept as a holy pet. They are also considered as nutritious food and a material for several products.
