Mission Chitra chitra 2024

The Asian narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra chitra), one of the world’s largest freshwater turtles, has experienced severe population declines and is now listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. In Thailand, field surveys and discussions with local communities along the Mae Klong River confirmed the species’ continued presence in its historical range after a 20-year gap in published records, while also documenting its habitat and local threats.

Field observations were conducted in the Mae Klong River Basin, one of Thailand’s major river basins, located in the southwestern part of the country. This river system, formed by the confluence of the Khwae Yai and Khwae Noi rivers, is heavily regulated by several dams constructed between 1970 and 1986. These infrastructures, in place for more than 40–50 years, pose numerous challenges to turtle populations, including disruption of their movements, inundation of nesting sites, and alteration of essential habitats such as sandbanks and food resources.

Between 6 and 12 November 2024, approximately 180 km of river and reservoir habitats within the Mae Klong River system were surveyed by boat in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces. In parallel, informal and semi-structured interviews were conducted with local stakeholders (fishers, farmers, academics, and government officials) to document any recent observations of Chitra chitra. Species identification was based on descriptions, the use of photographs, and, when possible, direct evidence. Local communities clearly distinguish Chitra from other softshell turtle species present in the area, thereby enhancing the reliability of the information collected.