A rare event occurred at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga recently when a bale of critically endangered Arakan forest turtles hatched. The aquarium announced the arrival of seven hatchlings, which is considered a significant victory as it is rare for all eggs to successfully hatch. The turtles, native to Myanmar and Bangladesh, are endangered due to habitat destruction and illegal trafficking in the pet trade and food markets. The population of Arakan forest turtles has declined by 80% over the last 75 years, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The new arrivals in Tennessee represent the largest group of Arakan forest turtles ever to hatch at an AZA-accredited facility, with only six facilities nationwide housing these rare creatures.
The Tennessee Aquarium has successfully hatched Arakan forest turtles in the past, with last year marking the first-ever successful birth of two turtles from six eggs. The population of these turtles within AZA facilities like the Tennessee Aquarium has increased by 27% over the past year. Aquarium herpetology coordinator Bill Hughes emphasized the importance of maintaining a viable captive population of these turtles to prevent extinction in case of further decline in the wild. Hughes expressed hope in producing a surplus of Arakan turtles to distribute to other zoos and aquariums, thereby reducing the risk of endangerment. The turtles, known for their camouflaged appearance in mountainous forests, are set to be available for public viewing at the aquarium soon.
The Arakan forest turtles are unique in their habitat and dietary preferences, living in mountainous evergreen and bamboo forests and subsisting on vegetation, bamboo flowers, and seeds. Their dark brown skin and carapace help them blend seamlessly into the forest floor, allowing for effective camouflage. Active primarily at night, these turtles have been observed burrowing under leaves during the hottest parts of the day. The Turtle Survival Alliance provided insights into the behavior and characteristics of these rare turtles, highlighting their importance in biodiversity conservation efforts. The Tennessee Aquarium’s successful breeding program represents a crucial step in preserving this endangered species and contributing to conservation initiatives.
The Tennessee Aquarium’s dedication to breeding and conserving endangered species such as the Arakan forest turtle showcases the importance of captive breeding programs in safeguarding biodiversity. With the decline of the Arakan forest turtle population in the wild, the success of breeding programs at accredited facilities becomes increasingly vital. By hatching a surplus of turtles and distributing them to other zoos and aquariums, the Tennessee Aquarium aims to create a stable captive population that can serve as a safety net for the species. Through public education and awareness initiatives, visitors to the aquarium can learn about the importance of conservation efforts and the threats faced by endangered species like the Arakan forest turtle.
The arrival of seven new Arakan forest turtle hatchlings at the Tennessee Aquarium marks a significant milestone in the conservation of this critically endangered species. With their unique characteristics and habitat requirements, these turtles serve as ambassadors for biodiversity conservation and the protection of vulnerable ecosystems. The success of breeding programs at zoos and aquariums underscores the role of captive populations in preserving endangered species and preventing extinction. As efforts continue to expand and strengthen captive breeding initiatives for the Arakan forest turtle, the Tennessee Aquarium’s commitment to conservation and education paves the way for a brighter future for these rare and elusive creatures. Visitors to the aquarium will soon have the opportunity to observe and learn about these remarkable turtles, highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving our planet’s diverse wildlife.
