Rafetus swinhoei

Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei), also known as the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, is among the largest freshwater turtles in the world, with some specimens reaching up to 170 kilograms. Classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is now considered the most threatened turtle species on Earth. This alarming situation stems primarily from intensive overfishing, the progressive destruction of its natural habitat, and increasing water pollution.

The R. swinhoei population has experienced a dramatic decline in recent years. Following the death of the only known female in China on April 13, 2019, and the death of the specimen from Dong Mo Lake in northern Vietnam in 2023, only a single male now remains in captivity at Suzhou Zoo in China. This species thus holds the unfortunate distinction of being the rarest turtle on the planet.

Faced with this urgent situation, the organization Turtle Sanctuary has been conducting intensive research missions in northern Vietnam and Laos since 2019, applying a rigorous and standardized methodology. More than 800 structured interviews have been conducted with local fishermen and former Rafetus hunters, enabling the identification of several sites where the species’ presence remains possible. Additionally, through an innovative system of floating camera traps, Turtle Sanctuary has successfully photographed a potential specimen in Minh Quan Lake, located in Yen Bai Province, offering a glimmer of hope for the survival of this exceptional species.