Fifteen (15) critically endangered Royal Turtles were released into the Sre Ambel River System in Koh Kong province on Mar. 31.

The release was made by the collaboration between the Fisheries Administration (FiA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Koh Kong provincial administration, Mandai Nature and partner organisations, as well as local authorities.

According to the FiA’s press release, 11 out of 15 released individuals were attached with acoustic transmitters and microchips to detect the survivorship after the release.

The Royal Turtle, also known as the Southern River Terrapin, is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and was believed to be extinct until a small population was rediscovered in the Sre Ambel River in 2000, the same source added.

This release marks over two decades of conservation efforts, including nest protection and community-based conservation with the financial support of the Royal Government of Cambo
dia, Mandai Nature, Turtle Survival Alliance, Allan and Patricia Koval Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and US Forest Service.

So far, 182 Royal turtles have been released.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse