A bale of Arakan forest turtles, a critically endangered species, were recently welcomed to the world at an aquarium in Tennessee. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga announced the arrival of seven hatchlings, a rare occurrence as it is uncommon for all eggs to fully emerge. Herpetology coordinator Bill Hughes expressed his excitement at the successful hatching of all seven turtles, emphasizing that each individual hatched is a step towards conservation efforts for a species whose wild populations are declining due to habitat destruction and illegal trafficking. The turtles are considered one of the least-known species on the planet, with their population decreasing by 80% in the last 75 years.
The Tennessee Aquarium reported that the new hatchlings are the largest group of Arakan forest turtles ever to hatch at a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). These turtles are extremely rare and can only be found at six facilities nationwide. The facility has previously had success with hatching these turtles, with two emerging from six eggs last year. The population of Arakan forest turtles in AZA facilities has increased by 27% in the past year, demonstrating progress in conservation efforts. Hughes emphasized the importance of establishing a viable population in human care to prevent total extinction in the event of further declines in the wild, and expressed plans to distribute surplus turtles to other zoos.
The Arakan forest turtles will soon be available for viewing by visitors at the aquarium. These turtles are native to mountainous evergreen and bamboo forests and are known to feed on vegetation, bamboo flowers, and immature seeds. Their dark brown skin and carapace allow them to blend into their forest environment, where they are primarily active at night and seek shelter under leaves during the day. The Turtle Survival Alliance highlighted the unique characteristics of this elusive species, shedding light on their behavior and habitat requirements. The Tennessee Aquarium remains committed to breeding and conserving these rare turtles, contributing to efforts to secure a future for the species.
The decline of the Arakan forest turtle population is attributed to factors such as habitat destruction and illegal trafficking for the pet trade and food markets in Myanmar and Bangladesh. The successful hatching of the seven turtles in Tennessee is a small victory in the larger battle to save the species from extinction. With only a handful of facilities in the United States housing these turtles, the Tennessee Aquarium’s efforts play a crucial role in the conservation of the Arakan forest turtles. By continuing to breed and distribute these turtles to other zoos, the hope is to create a safety net for the species that could prevent its disappearance in the wild. Visitors to the aquarium will soon have the opportunity to see these rare and fascinating turtles up close, enhancing public awareness and support for their conservation.
