The Turtle Facing Critical Endangerment and How You Can Help

One of the most majestic creatures on earth is the Chinese stripe-necked turtle. Recently, however, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) added this species to its list of Critically Endangered animals. While the situation seems dire, we think it can be resolved — and you can help. Learn more about this turtle, the threats to the species, and how you can be part of revitalizing the population.

About the Chinese Stripe-Necked Turtle

As the name suggests, the Chinese striped-necked turtle, or Maureyms sinensis, is found in China as well as Taiwan, Vietnam, and Laos. It lives in swamps, ponds, freshwater marshes, and soft-bottom canals. These creatures are often found lying on rocks during the daylight hours.

These turtles are medium-sized with olive green necks, heads, and limbs with yellow stripes. The females are slightly larger than the males, with an average size of 8-10 inches and weight between 1-2 pounds. They live for about 20 years, and when they reproduce, their clutch size is typically about 17 eggs, which are laid in a shallow nest along the water’s edge.

The Chinese stripe-necked turtle mostly eats plants and snails, but they’ll also eat the occasional insect, fly larvae and pupae. Mature females are more likely to feed on the plants, while males often eat the insects and larvae. These turtles have good eyesight and a great sense of smell, which helps them find food and see both above and below water. They are fairly social creatures until a predator arrives. Then, they go underwater until the threat no longer exists.

Threats

While we don’t have the exact number of Chinese stripe-necked turtles left in the world, they are considered Critically Endangered, and there are specific threats that have led to their declining numbers.

Pet Trade

These turtles are a very popular pet in China, Taiwan, and the other places it calls home. For this reason, many governments have made it illegal for people to take them out of their natural environment to keep as pets. Many people who realize their popularity will also breed them, which can lead to genetic pollution.

Red-Eared Sliders

A big threat to the Chinese stripe-necked turtle is the existence of another breed of turtle called the red-eared slider. They have certain advantages over other animals in the area, including a larger body, higher fertility rates, and a lower age of maturity. These advantages help them to take over nesting sites and find food before other animals. Sliders are also known to transmit diseases that are harmful to other species. The red-eared slider is among the most invasive species in the world. It’s so bad that many places, including Australia, have laws that make it illegal for people to trade, import, or keep sliders as pets.

Deforestation

Deforestation is detrimental to the species’ survival. When trees are torn down, buildings are constructed, eliminating many of the resources the turtles need for survival.

Pollution

The turtle population is also being depleted due to pollution. Pollutants like chemical waste and plastics can lead to organ damage, reproductive failure, and death.

Conservation Efforts

In addition to banning stripe-necked turtles as pets, additional conservation initiatives are in place to help as well. Organizations like the Asian Turtle Program work to help turtles of all kinds not only survive but thrive. Their efforts include saving turtles from illegal trade operations, raising awareness in areas where turtles are prominent, and engaging in captive breeding so the turtles can have what they need to survive in a safe environment.

There’s also the Turtle Conservation Fund, which has created a global action plan to help turtles and tortoises of all kinds. They work with zoos and science organizations on solutions like trade reduction, breeding management programs, and field surveys to find other ways to help the turtle population rebound.

How You Can Help

The easiest way to get involved in the fight to save the Chinese stripe-necked turtle is to donate money to the cause. Both the Asian Turtle Program and the Turtle Survival Alliance are great places to start.