The Asian Giant Softshell Turtle, Pelochelys cantorii , a relatively rare aquatic turtle, is commonly found in the Xekong River in Attapeu and Xekong provinces, according to a press release from the Vientiane office of the World Wildlife Fund.
Villagers in this area were unaware of the endangered status of the turtle because it is still frequently observed throughout this basin and well-known to local people living along the river...more

The species is one of the world's largest turtles, and is said to be on the brink of extinction.

“In Vietnam and Thailand , the turtle is nearly extinct, but we are not sure of its status in Laos and Cambodia ,” said the WWF coordinator on species, habitat and ecosystems, Mr Mark Benuijen yesterday.

He said that although the species can breed at least twice a year and lays many eggs, both animals and humans like to eat the eggs, resulting in the turtle's rarity. “If you remove this hindrance to its reproduction, the species population will likely rebound rapidly,” he added.

The press adds that the rare species of soft-shelled turtle was recently also rediscovered in Cambodia , with the identification of an individual weighing 11kg.

Earlier in 2007, specimens of the turtles were found during the WWF's surveys of the Mekong River in northern Cambodia and attracted global media attention.

“This incredible discovery means that a unique turtle can be saved from disappearing from our planet,” said David Emmett, a Conservation International wildlife biologist from the WWF, at the time of the discovery in Cambodia .

“We thought it might be almost gone, but found it in abundance in this one pristine stretch of the Mekong , making the area the world's most important site for saving this particular species.”

Official sightings of this rare aquatic turtle had not been documented in Cambodia since 2003.

The WWF Aquatic Resources Management to Improve Rural Livelihoods in the Xekong Basin Project (ARL Xekong Basin Project) began using photos of the turtle and another soft-shelled species, the Asiatic Softshell Turtle or Amyda cartilaginea (thought to be more common), in discussions with local fishermen throughout the basin.

The results of these discussions were surprising and very encouraging. It was found that Pelochelys cantorii is well-known throughout the basin, and local communities consider it “almost as common” as Amyda cartilaginea .

The WWF's project team discussed specific sightings with local fishermen, and photographed a recently-captured specimen.

Local fishermen stated that both species are sometimes inadvertently captured on long-line hooks targeting fish.

Most turtle species in Laos are listed as “Managed Wild and Aquatic Species” under National Decree 360/2003 (“Management Regulations for Aquatic animals and Wildlife”) and the hunting of these species is closely regulated by law.

Despite this, both species of soft-shelled turtle, as well as most hard-shelled turtles, are highly threatened by local and international trade. There is a strong market demand for turtles caught by local fishermen.

The ARL Xekong Basin Project plans to continue to pursue issues related to soft-shelled turtles, with the help of local communities and management agencies.

This will include raising awareness among local communities about the unique and fragile nature of these species and the potential for community efforts to identify and protect important soft-shelled turtle habitats.

The project is currently working with 30 communities to manage and protect essential aquatic habitat types across the Xekong river basin in Laos.

WWF Laos is also working with local authorities to clarify institutional responsibility for enforcing regulations related to aquatic resource management, and supporting the Department of Livestock and Fisheries in the development of a legal framework for fisheries and aquatic resources management.

By Vientiane Times
(Latest Update September 14, 2007)

A survey team’s discovery of a small breeding population of Siamese Crocodiles marks the first time that hatchlings of this species have been observed in Lao PDR.

The breeding colony, discovered in Savannakhet Province, southern Lao PDR, is a great contribution to Lao celebrations for the International Day of Biological Diversity (22 May 2005).

The Lao Crocodile Survey us a joint project of the Department of Forestry, Living Aquatic Resources Research Centre (LARReC), National Agriculture and Forestry Resource Institute (NAFRI), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Programme (MWBP)...more info and photos


Survey results have already revealed some exciting findings. Seven crocodile hatchlings were observed in a small swamp in Savannakhet Province, March 2005. Two hatchlings were caught and measured for scientific research, and then released. An old crocodile nest was also found. From March to May 2005, 20 wetlands in central and southern Lao PDR were surveyed. The team confirmed that crocodiles occur in four sites, and local communities reported that crocodiles still occur in another six sites.


The harmless Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is among the world’s most threatened crocodilians, and is ranked as “Critically Endangered” by IUCN - The World Conservation Union. It is now very rare or extinct in Southeast Asia. The current crocodile surveys are the first detailed surveys to be undertaken for the species in Lao PDR.“The Siamese Crocodile is one of four flagship species of the Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Programme, and the Lao survey is making a great contribution to species conservation through the development of science-based approaches,” said Peter-John Meynell, UNDP Team Leader of the MWBP.

Siamese Crocodiles still occur in central and southern Lao PDR, but most populations are now small and fragmented. Some local populations may be extinct, with remaining crocodile populations under threat. “The discovery of a crocodile breeding population in Savannakhet Province is internationally important for conserving this species, especially as no other breeding sites have been confirmed yet. Urgent efforts and funding are needed to protect this site and propagate this species in the future,” said Mark Bezuijen, WCS biologist for the crocodile programme.

The surveys are also raising awareness of the species among local agencies, and forestry staff who accompany surveys are trained in crocodile survey techniques. “Crocodile conservation is a high priority of the Department of Forestry, and the government is now planning conservation activities with local communities in Savannakhet to protect the breeding site. Surveys will continue to help conserve this endangered species,” said Mr. Chanthone Phothitay, LARReC, Government of Lao PDR.

The current Lao surveys will end in June 2005. After June, new funding will be essential to develop a national conservation plan for the species. Conservation actions in the breeding site in other areas such as Savannakhet and Attapeu (where the MWBP Lao demonstration site is located) are needed. Surveys are also currently being undertaken in Viet Nam and conservation initiatives implemented in Cambodia, as part of MWBP’s flagship species conservation action planning for the Mekong region.

Source: mekongwetlands.org