Yangtze Giant Soft-shell Turtle

Recently, two Yangtze giant soft-shell turtles attract great attention both at home and abroad. They are the last two Yangtze giant soft-shell turtles in the world. Yangtze giant soft-shell turtle is the biggest fresh water turtle on the Earth. China has the most various species in the world. Due to the pollution, hunting and uncontrolled development of the natural habitats, 40 percent of the mammals are on the verge of extinction, more than 70 percent of plants are facing with survival crisis.

A giant turtle which lived in an old zoo of Changsha in China has been a rare and precious animal. It didn't catch the attention of the visitors though it has lived here for more than 50 years. It is feed on raw meat and is living in a small swimming pool which is protected with bullet-proof glass and under the supervision of vidicon.

Scientists has proved that this giant turtle which is about 80 years old and weighs about 90 pounds is the last female Yangtze giant soft-shell turtle been discovered by people. There is another male Yangtze giant soft-shell turtle which is more than 100 years old and weighs about 200 pounds living in Suzhou Zoo. Theses two Yangtze giant soft-shell turtles are thought to be the last hope to rescue the biggest fresh water turtle in the world.

Turtle is the symbol of longevity for many people in China. The story of the last two living Yangtze giant soft-shell turtles indicates that the diversity of the wild animals in China is being greatly threatened. A lot of natural habits are destroyed or developed into farmland; in addition, hunting and uncontrolled exploitation and pollution keep destroying the lakes and river system. As a result, the survival of plants and animals are threatened greatly.