Rare endangered tortoise released back into the wild
The elongated tortoise is one of the most beautiful and rare terrestrial tortoise species, listed in both the Vietnam Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Con Dao National Park has recently released an elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) into its natural forest habitat as part of conservation efforts.
A rare elongated turtle is released back into the natural forest habitat. Photo: VNA
Nguyen Thai Hau from the Con Dao National Park said that the elongated tortoise, belonging to the Testudinidae family, is a female weighing about 1.6kg, with a carapace length of 34cm and width of 19cm.
"Upon receiving it, park officials conducted a thorough health check to ensure the tortoise was neither injured nor diseased before its release, giving it the best chance of survival," said Hau.
He noted that the release site was carefully chosen, with abundant vegetation, sufficient water sources, and minimal human disturbance, enabling the tortoise to find food and water easily and reintegrate into its natural habitat.
The elongated tortoise typically inhabits tropical and subtropical forests and plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. However, its wild population has been declining sharply due to illegal trade and habitat loss.
