We are home to 4 Annam leaf turtles, they can found swimming around in their Tropical Trails exhibit.
This extremely rare species is endemic to a small area of wetlands in central regions of Vietnam, Southeast Asia.
Annam leaf turtles are found in the shaded, freshwater rivers and streams of the Annamite mountain range. They prefer slow-moving water with abundant vegetation, where they can hide and forage.
Interesting facts!
- The Annam leaf turtle was believed to be functionally extinct in the wild for a significant period of time. In fact, the species had not been seen in its natural habitat for over 65 years, which added to its rarity and the urgency of its conservation.
- In 2007, a remarkable discovery occurred: a small population of these turtles was found in a remote part of Vietnam. This sighting was ground-breaking and reignited hope for the species’ survival. The discovery highlighted the importance of conservation efforts in the region and led to a renewed focus on protecting their habitat.
- They primarily feed on aquatic plants, fruits, and small invertebrates. In the wild, they also scavenge for insects, worms, and snails.
- Annam leaf turtles have a small, flattened shell that resembles the shape of a leaf, which helps them blend into their forested surroundings.
Conservation
With no confirmed sightings in the wild from the 1940s until the early 2000s it was feared that the Annam leaf turtle had been driven to extinction. The primary reason for this long absence was habitat loss, illegal poaching, and the massive deforestation of the regions in central Vietnam where the species had been previously recorded. Despite rediscovering the species in 2007 and a rise in conservation efforts, they are still classed as “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN with fewer than 100 individuals believed to remain in the wild, and a similar number in captivity.
We are very fortunate to be home to this species at Paignton Zoo and part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). In previous years our staff have assisted experts working at the Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation Center located in Cúc Phương National Park in northern Vietnam.