The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) has announced the successful hatching of 169 critically endangered Elongated Tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) as the 2023-2024 breeding season wraps up.
‘These hatchlings mark our most successful breeding season yet, thanks to our team’s dedication to improving husbandry practices year after year. Each of these young tortoises represents hope for the future of this species in Cambodia,’ ACCB said in a news release on Sept. 20.
‘Our assurance population, established through wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, plays a vital role in conserving this species. Captive breeding allows us to head-start these tortoises in a controlled environment before releasing them into protected areas,’ it continued.
Cambodia’s unique climate, with distinct dry and rainy seasons, directly impacts breeding behaviour, underlined the source, recalling that this year, on May 16, a record-breaking 56 tortoises emerged from their nest in just one day following one of the firs
t heavy rains of the season.
A report said that Elongated tortoise is a species of tortoise found in parts of Southeast Asia. Elongated tortoises are omnivores. Their diet primarily includes plant matter such as leaves, fruits, mushrooms, and invertebrates.
Elongated tortoise spends much of their time resting in piles of leaf litter and rarely venture out into direct sunlight, so most of their activity occurs at dawn or dusk. They exhibit an increase in activity during the rainy season.
The Elongated tortoise is classified as critically endangered due to major population decline resulting from habitat loss and collecting for traditional medicines, the pet trade and food.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse