Turtles around the World in Distress

A report issued yesterday which is authored by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Turtle Conservation Coalition, has listed 25 turtle species from around the world as endangered. Seventeen of the 25 species are found in Asia, three are from South America, three from Africa, one from Australia, and one from Central America and Mexico.

Distressingly some of the species likeYangtze giant softshell turtle has less than five individuals. Wildlife Conservation Society veterinarians are working overtime with Chinese officials and other partners to breed the last known male/female pair of these giant turtles, which currently reside at China's Suzhou Zoo.

The report recommends better enforcement of existing trade laws, habitat protection, and captive breeding to preventing turtle species from going extinct while bolstering existing populations.