First-ever European hatchings of an endangered Himalayan turtle species on Corsica!
Two young tortoises from a critically endangered species found on the island of Corsica have successfully hatched. - Turtle duo born from critically endangered species successfully emerges on the island of Corsica.
Let's cut to the chase! We just got two mini-tortoises joining the party on Corsica - they were born on the 19th of May and the 1st of June, and they sure do love their worms! Now weighing a zippy 9.64 and 8.89 grams each, thanks to their fond culinary preferences.
For now, these little critters are sporting temporary names Tric and Trac. The public's invited to share their ideas for a more fitting moniker! Head on over to the A-Cupulatta-Instagram page and let your imagination run wild. It'll take about five or six years for the young'uns to reveal their gender secrets, says Pierre Moisson, the man behind the A Cupulatta turtle sanctuary.
Due to their distinguishing three yellow stripes on a dark shell and growing up to 20 centimeters long and nearing 1 kg, these terrestrial dwellers are none other than the Melanochelys Tricarinata - an endangered species native to the Himalayan foothills.
It's worthy to note that a total of 98 hatchlings of this species were seized by Hong Kong customs back in 2017, originating from India. As efforts to safeguard this vulnerable species from becoming extinct, some of these precious souls were later transferred to European conservation centers for breeding purposes. A Cupulatta welcomed two females and two males in 2021. Drumroll, please! The Corsica babies mark the very first successful breeding in all of Europe.
In another exciting news, a year ago, A Cupulatta welcomed another precious guest on Earth: a Galapagos giant tortoise named Darwin. Now, let's hope these little Melanochelys Tricarinata bundles of joy bring about similar success stories!
[1] A Cupulatta turtle sanctuary in Corsica successfully breeds the endangered Melanochelys Tricarinata species. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2022, from https://www.nature.com/news/2021-10-18-trust-opens-sanctuary-to-help-endangered-himalayan-turtles-recover[3] Melanochelys Tricarinata. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2022, from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/50402/130423456#habitat-ecology[5] Environmental Concerns in Corsica. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2022, fromhttps://www.franceinfo.fr/les-environnements/environnement-corsica-cote-est-sous-pression-les-plages-accueillent-plus-2-millions-de-visiteurs-par-annee-le-lavezzi-menace-la-biodiversite-de-l-ile
- The success at A Cupulatta turtle sanctuary in Corsica, with the breeding of the endangered Melanochelys Tricarinata species, could contribute significant insights to environmental science, particularly in the field of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, as these endangered creatures are known for their resistance to harsh terrains and physical conditions.
- As the European hatchlings of the endangered Melanochelys Tricarinata species represent a potential boost to population growth, it is crucial for conservation efforts to actively engage the public in activities that promote awareness and support for these species, such as through social media platforms like Instagram, where one can participate in naming the Corsican-hatched baby turtles and further expanding their reach.
- While the Melanochelys Tricarinata exhibits remarkable adaptability to their Himalayan habitats, the species' health remains threatened by factors like climate change, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade, making it essential for efforts in environmental-science, space-and-astronomy, and science in general to join forces in developing solutions for the conservation and protection of this endangered species.
