In 2024, scientists from the Institute of Tropical Ecology, the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center, and collaborating organizations conducted a survey in the Deo Ca Special-Use Forest, Tay Hoa, and Song Hinh. They recorded the presence of a single individual of the Southern Golden-headed Box Turtle, weighing approximately 1 kg, along the Hao Son – Suoi Sau route (Deo Ca Special-Use Forest). This finding provides evidence that this critically endangered endemic species still persists in the old Phu Yen and its neighboring areas.
The discovery of the rare Southern Golden-headed Box Turtle in the Deo Ca Special-Use Forest highlights its exceptional biological value while also sounding an alarm about its imminent extinction risk.
The Southern Golden-headed Box Turtle, also known as the Vietnamese Box Turtle, belongs to the family Geoemydidae and is primarily found in the former Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, old Binh Dinh, and Dak Lak provinces. This species has a light brown carapace with a bright central stripe, black-edged costal shields, a pale yellow plastron with large black spots, and a yellow or cream head and throat, while the legs and tail are pale gray.
Southern Golden-headed Box Turtle (Image source: cuora.org)
What sets this turtle apart is its ability to completely “box up.” While most turtle species can retract their heads and limbs into their shells, leaving some skin exposed, the Southern Golden-headed Box Turtle can tuck its entire body and tightly close its shell, forming an impenetrable box. This unique adaptation renders them virtually invulnerable to predators and showcases a remarkable and unparalleled evolutionary trait in the natural world.
Alarming Risk of Extinction
According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Vietnam, Southeast Asia is regarded as the most diverse region globally for terrestrial and freshwater turtles, boasting over 90 species, accounting for more than 25% of the known total. Vietnam is currently home to 25 turtle species, including two extremely rare endemics: the Southern Golden-headed Box Turtle (Cuora picturata) and the Central Annamese Pond Turtle (Mauremys annamensis).
As per the IUCN Red List (2023), the Southern Golden-headed Box Turtle is categorized as CR (Critically Endangered), with an estimated wild population of only 3,000-10,000 individuals. In Vietnam, their numbers are rapidly declining due to habitat loss and poaching. It is believed that 50% of the population has already disappeared, pushing this endemic species closer to extinction.
This turtle species falls under Group IB of Decree 84/2021/ND-CP, which strictly prohibits all forms of commercial exploitation and utilization. However, the reality is that the illegal wildlife trade persists, hindering conservation efforts.
Turtle with its head tucked into the shell.
Preserving a Forest Treasure
Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to conserve this rare turtle species. Firstly, stringent protection of special-use forests, considered the turtles’ “home,” is vital. Secondly, raising community awareness to discourage the hunting and consumption of wild turtles plays a pivotal role. Additionally, strict enforcement of national and international legal frameworks pertaining to wildlife conservation is essential.
The discovery of the Southern Golden-headed Box Turtle in old Phu Yen not only underscores Vietnam’s rich biodiversity but also serves as a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard this unique natural heritage. Inaction could lead to the irreversible loss of this endemic turtle species from Vietnam’s forests, along with a significant part of the country’s natural legacy.
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