The Asian Tortoise Preservation program is conducting research of tortoises in Dong Mo Lake. These animals belong to the same species as the legendary tortoise of Hoan Kiem Lake.

In recent weeks, the old tortoise has risen to the surface very frequently. It was treated as good news at the beginning, but now scientists worry about his health and the environment in “Returning Sword” Lake.

Researchers have presented many solutions to protect him, including a breeding program that is still controversial.

According to the Asian Tortoise Preservation program, there are only four examples of the Hoan Kiem tortoise (Rafetus swinhoei) in the world, including the one in the Sword Lake and one in the Dong Mo Lake, plus two others in China.

The old tortoise in Hoan Kiem Lake differs from other tortoises because he is also a historical, cultural and spiritual symbol of Hanoi.

The tortoise species has a big size and weight. Scientists have also yet to verify their lifespan. This species was listed to be extremely endangered in the World Red Book 2009.

The threat of extinction became more clear when Chinese experts “joined” their two tortoises in 2008 and 2009 to collect 300 eggs. None of the eggs hatched.

McCormack explained that the Asian Tortoise Preservation’s experts are trying to find out how many are living in Dong Mo Lake in order to breed them and preserve this species. Some reject the proposal, claiming the tortoises in Dong Mo Lake are not related to the legendary tortoise in Hoan Kiem Lake.

The program also protects the living environment of these types of tortoises and added them to the list of animals in need of urgent protection in legal documents.

On March 10, the Cuc Phuong national park inaugurated its information centre on tortoises to serve visitors who want to learn about this rare tortoise species in Vietnam.

PV