Rare โGolden Mountain Turtle Returned โto the Wild in โคVietnam‘s Dak Lak Province
Krong Nang, Vietnam – A critically endangered โGolden Mountain Turtle โ(โค Indotestudo elongata โฃ) has been successfully released back into its โnatural habitatโฃ in the Trap Kso conservation area โof Dak Lak province,โ Vietnam,โ following a periodโค of healthโค monitoring. โคThe release, which took place afterโ more than two days of observation, underscores ongoing conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species.The 1.5 kg turtle was initially discovered โขon โคAugust 19th by Nguyen Ngoc Nam, a resident of Buon Ho neighborhood, while working in a field in Village 3, Pong Drang commune. Mr.Nam promptly handed the turtle over to the Pong Drang โpeople’s Committee and the Ea โH’lele Regional Forest Protection Department.
| People and rangers release a golden mountain turtle into the wild. |
Authorities confirmed the turtle’s goodโข healthโข and ability to forage independently before deeming it fit for release. Upon its return to the โคwild, the turtle quickly acclimated to its surroundings, integrating seamlessly into the local ecosystem.
The Golden Mountainโข Turtle isโ listed as Group โIIb under Vietnam’s regulationsโข for endangered and rare plants and animals, signifying its high biological value and the meaningful threat it faces from poaching and illegal โtrade.
| Nguyenโ Ngoc Dac, Vice President of โฃthe Pong Drang People’s Committee, presents a certificate of merit to Nguyen Ngoc Nam. |
In recognition of โฃhis contribution to wildlife protection, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Nam was awarded a certificate of merit by the Pong Drang People’s committee. Nguyen Ngoc Dac, Vice President of theโข Committee, personally presented the award.
“Receivingโข and releasing this โturtle demonstrates a โคstrong sense of responsibility from both the local community โคand authorities,” stated aโ representative โขfromโค the Dak Lak Provincial Department of Agriculture and Ruralโค Progress.”This action is vital for maintaining biodiversity and safeguarding the rare genetic resources of Dak Lak province.”
The triumphant release highlights the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts and underscores Vietnam’s commitment to protecting โits unique and threatened wildlife. As conservationโฃ is a shared responsibility
, continued vigilance and collaboration are crucial โขto ensuring the long-term survival of the Golden Mountain Turtle and other endangered species.
Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202508/tha-dong-vat-quy-hiem-ve-moi-truong-tu-nhien-04f1305/