Ho Chi Minh City, 19th July 2011 – Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station (CCWRS) of Wildlife At Risk (WAR) received a large number of monitor lizards and turtles. This is the first time WAR has received the biggest individuals since the beginning of 2011.
Thirty-seven of elongated tortoises (Testudo elongata), two orange-headed temple turtles (Heosemys grandis), one yellow-headed temple turtles (Hieremys annandalii) and six bengal monitors (Varanus bengalensis) with the total weight of 51.8 kgs (included 38.1 kgs of turtles and 13.8 kgs of monitors) are the result of a confiscation from an illegal wildlife transport. Currently, this case is being investigated by authorities.
Arcording to Viet Nam Red Book, orange-headed temple turtles are classified as vulnerable (VU), other three species are classified as endangered (EN). These species are being pushed to the brink of extinction in the near future.
Staff from WAR efforts to rescue these forty-six individuals in CCWRS.