The Yangtze giant softshell turtle, known as Rafetus swinhoei, is a critically endangered species characterized by its unique physical features, such as its deep head with a pig-like snout and dorsally placed eyes. This turtle is native to eastern and southern China and northern Vietnam and is considered the largest freshwater turtle in the world, with specimens growing over 100 cm (39 in) in length and 70 cm in width and weighing up to 70-100 kg. However, the number of remaining specimens is extremely small, with only two or three living individuals known to exist. Following the deaths of a captive individual in China in 2019 and a wild individual in Vietnam in January 2016, the species is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. In October 2020, a wild female was discovered in Vietnam; another individual is believed to have been sighted in the same area.
Unfortunately, the last known female Rafetus swinhoei was recently found dead in Vietnam, confirming fears that the species is on the brink of extinction. The turtle measured 156 centimeters in length and weighed 93 kilograms, and authorities are yet to carry out a full autopsy to determine the cause of death. Tim McCormack, director of the Asian Turtle Program for Indo-Myanmar Conservation, confirmed that the dead turtle was almost certainly the last known female of the species. The loss of this female turtle is a significant blow to conservation efforts as she had great reproductive capacity and could have laid over 100 eggs per year.
Rafetus swinhoei holds great cultural significance in Vietnam, where it is known as the Hoà n Kiếm turtle. According to Vietnamese mythology, a turtle in Hoà n Kiếm Lake gifted a sword to emperor Lê Lợi, which he used to defeat Chinese forces in the 15th century. The species’ cultural importance in Vietnam is elevated due to its natural habitat overlapping with the location of this historical event. Despite sightings of the turtle being rare, it is still celebrated when spotted, as evidenced by a YouTube video recorded in March 2011, showing a crowd gathering at Hoà n Kiếm Lake to catch a glimpse of the famed Cụ Rùa, the last giant Yangtze softshell turtle in the lake, as it emerged from the water.
References
Fong J, Hoang H, Kuchling G, Li P, McCormack T, Rao D-Q ,Timmins RJ, Wang L. 2022. Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Humphrey C. 2023. An Extremely Rare, Revered Reptile Is on the Brink of Extinction After Last Female Dies Time APRIL 28, 2023. Online.
