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| Monday, May 5, 2008 - TSA Update | |||
| >>> Last Chance for the Yangtze giant softshell
turtle?
With only four specimens of Rafetus swinhoei known to exist worldwide (2 in China and 2 in Vietnam), and only one of these a female, the stakes could not be much higher. An historic effort is now underway in China to move the lone female living at the Changsha Zoo to be paired with a captive male at the Suzhou Zoo for breeding. A collaborative effort between the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the team arrived in China May 1 to begin the process. Led by Dr. Gerald Kuchling (Universithy of Western Australia), the world's leading chelonian reproductive physiologist, the team consists of Paul Calle, DVM (Bronx Zoo), Scott Davis (manager of the largest collection of giant softshell turtles outside of Asia), Nimal Fernando (Ocean Park Hong Kong veterinarian), Alex Grioni (Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden veterinarian), and Mitch Kalmanson who was contracted by the TSA to insure the female during transport and to handle transportation logistics. A PBS Nature film crew will be on hand to document this incredible event for an upcoming special on efforts to breed critically endangered species in captivity. Chinese media attention promises to be intense as well. The plan is for Dr. Kuchling and Lu Shunquing (WCS China) to inspect the recently modified breeding facilities at Suzhou Zoo; then, if approved, the female will undergo an ultrasound exam to determine her reproductive status. A 2007 exam indicated that she would likely ovulate in mid May so the plan is to have her with the male before then. The female will tentatively be driven to Suzhou, a 620 mile trip, on Monday, May 5. The breeding pond at Suzhou Zoo has been fenced down the middle to allow the pair to see and smell each other and gauge their reaction before the introduction occurs. If mating is successful, the male will be removed and the female left alone to nest. "I hate to call this a desperation move, but it really is," Rick Hudson, Co-Chair of the TSA said. "The risks are certainly there, but doing nothing is much riskier." The TSA is growing accustomed to high pressure situations - such is the case when working with critically endangered species - but nothing of this magnitude. The planning that has been involved to get us to this point has been intensive and has produced a remarkable partnership based on the strenghts of both the TSA global network and WCS China. This move has required major financial support - at least $25,000 which could go higher - and the following organizations are recognized for their contributions: Turtle Conservation Fund, Batchelor Foundation, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation and Walter Sedgwick. Should this move go through as planned look for a media storm to follow. And keep your fingers crossed that this goes well. We may not get a second chance. |
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The news from China just keeps getting better, see the communications from Dr. Gerald Kuchling below:
We have a confirmed copulation attempt. Note the shot of the female basking with the male close by in the water!! And there is a good shot of the divided pool with gates and separated basking/nesting areas.
09 May at 16.45: the male attempted to mount the female for the first time, there was a lot of mud stirred up, she got away after about a minute. She then swam into the other ("her") compartment.
After 20 minutes the male surfaced and searched for her and also went into the other ("her") compartment. The female always run away. Then the male gave up and went back into "his" compartment (17.24). And funny enough, the female followed him 30 seconds later. She obviously wants to be chased.
The Rafetus surfaced with the male mounted on the female, holding her with a neck bite. Then they separated. Sometimes they are under water for 20 minutes or so, I hope they do what I hope…
And the good news just keeps coming. I got a call at midnight from Paul Calle and Gerald Kuchling, and they were watching the female up basking, and relaxed, with the male watching nearby in the water, see photos. I learned this AM that the male tried to copulate with the female later in the day and that the mating effort was non-aggressive.
Team Rafetus, at least the non Chinese contingent, is down to one person now - Gerald will remain there until May 16. When he returns we start planning the incubation strategy.
Feeling massive relief
Photos from G. Kuchling
Thanks for looking
Michael
