This 100-year-old turtle species is so rare that only two are left in the wild

Asian Turtle Program/Youtube

A species that has survived for more than a hundred years is on the verge of extinction. The Yangtze giant softshell turtle, currently considered to be the largest freshwater turtle in the world, has just two surviving members now in the wild. Conservationists have warned that if urgent action isn't taken, this ancient species could very well disappear forever.

What is so unique about the Yangtze giant softshell turtle?
Native to northern Vietnam and southern China, the Yangtze giant softshell turtle is also called Swinhoe’s softshell or the Red River giant softshell turtle. It was once found across the Yangtze River and the Red River Basin. Known for its large size and pig-like snout, the turtle can live for over a century under ideal conditions. Despite its endurance, it is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

These freshwater turtles feed on frogs, snails, fish and aquatic plants. Females can lay up to 80 eggs, but only a few are fertile. The species spends much of its life underwater, surfacing briefly to breathe, which makes it extremely hard to locate in the wild.

How Did the Species Reach the Brink of Extinction?
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), just two turtles are known to live in Vietnam and one in captivity in China, all over 100 years old. The Suzhou Zoo in China once housed a breeding pair, but the female died during artificial insemination in 2019. Another female discovered in the wild in Vietnam also died in 2023. Though there have been unconfirmed reports of another turtle sighting, experts have found no solid evidence.

The species has faced relentless threats from human activity, climate change, and pollution. Water pollution coming from industrial and agricultural waste impacts their hormonal balance that diminishes fertility in their eggs. According to conservationists, pollution may have damaged the reproductive organs of male turtles, resulting in failed breeding attempts.

What Other Threats Do These Turtles Face?
Extreme weather caused by climate change has worsened the situation. Droughts, floods and storms disrupt the turtles’ breeding cycles, as females lay eggs only during dry months under full moonlight. Dam construction, river dredging and land reclamation have destroyed nesting sites, leaving little space for them to survive.

In the past, humans hunted these turtles for their supposed medicinal value and meat. Expanding urban development has also pushed them out of their natural habitats. Boat traffic, fishing and aquaculture have further disturbed the delicate ecosystem they rely on.

Are Conservation Efforts Making Any Progress?
Conservation groups, including the Wildlife Conservation Society, are now working under international legislation to protect the remaining turtles. The Suzhou Zoo continues its breeding programme using artificial insemination, though results have been limited. Conservationists also use DNA tracking to locate any surviving turtles or eggs in the wild.

Local communities in Vietnam are involved in protecting nesting areas and monitoring turtle habitats. Fishermen are cooperating with The Nature Conservancy to reduce accidental harm. Despite repeated challenges, conservationists remain hopeful that a surviving male and female might still be found in the wild, which could give the species a final chance at survival.

If that doesn’t happen soon, the Yangtze giant softshell turtle—an ancient survivor of centuries—may slip quietly into extinction within our lifetime.