WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2001

Giant ‘royal' turtles found in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH (AFP) - Biologists announced on Tuesday the discovery in Cambodia of live specimens of a species of giant turtle once considered the exclusive property of the royal family but long thought extinct here.

The discovery of a colony of endangered giant estuarine terrapins - which weigh up to 70 pounds (31.5 kilos) each - in a remote stretch of river was made by scientists from the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

"This is a discovery of major conservation importance, it is one of the world's most endangered turtles and biologists had long considered it extinct in Cambodia," said Dr Steve Platt of WCS.

In Cambodia, the giant estuarine terrapin is best known for its historical connection to the royal family - for whom its eggs were a delicacy - but they have not been spotted alive since the late 19th century.

For many years the terrapins were protected by royal decree.

Earlier this month the team found the turtles still living in the Sre Ambel River in Koh Kong Province in southern Cambodia, where they examined several specimens including a near record-size female.

Based on the number of nests found, the team believes that no more than 50 of the turtles survive in the area. Their eggs are as big as those laid by chickens.

 

 

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