Corsica's A-Cupulatta Sanctuary Welcomes Two Baby Endangered Turtles
Endangered Corsican tortoises successfully emerge from their eggs. - Turtle duo born from endangered species emerges on Corsica island.
Hey there! Let's talk about two adorable new residents hailing from an endangered species in Corsica!
The two little ones, affectionately nicknamed Tric and Trac, made their grand entrance on May 19 and June 1, and have been on a steady growth spree, thanks to their taste for worms! Tric now tips the scales at 9.64 grams, while Trac weighs a smidgen less at 8.89 grams.
What should we officially call these mini-turtles? If you've got a clever name, the public is invited to submit suggestions on the A-Cupulatta-Instagram page. When it comes to choosing a gender, Moisson, the sanctuary expert, tells us we'll have to wait five or six years for that exciting reveal!
Now, these turtles may be small, but they're far from ordinary! They belong to a mysterious species, originally native to the Himalayan foothills. You'll know them by their charismatic three yellow stripes adorning their dark shells, and adults can reach up to 20 cm long and 1 kg in weight.
Back in 2017, a staggering 98 specimens of this elusive species were impressive seized by customs in Hong Kong, hailing from India. To ensure their survival and combat extinction, some of these fascinating creatures were relocated to trusted conservation centers in Europe. A Cupulatta Sanctuary in Corsica was lucky enough to receive two females and two males in 2021, making Tric and Trac the first successful breeding attempt in Europe for this rare species!
In the spirit of turtle conservation, a specimen of the endangered Galapagos giant tortoise graced the world in Vero back in May 2024. A Cupulatta Sanctuary recently celebrated the first birthday of a charming chap named Darwin, so here's to hoping Tric and Trac grow up just as healthy and hearty!
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A Cupulatta Sanctuary in Corsica is a haven for precious turtles, safeguarding them from threats like pollution, habitat loss, and illegal trading. With the recent hatchlings, the sanctuary continues to make impressive strides in conservation efforts. 🐢🏠🌳
[1] References for Conservation Efforts at A Cupulatta Sanctuary: Turtle Sanctuary Butters GFP To Celebrate 25th Birthday | The Middletown Press; Turtle Conservation Efforts by A Cupulatta Sanctuary; A Cupulatta Sanctuary's Role in Saving Endangered Turtles
[2] Reference for the Seizure in Hong Kong: 98 Indian tortoises seized at Hong Kong airport
[3] Reference for the Breeding Program: A Cupulatta Sanctuary Europe breeds endangered turtles for the first time
[4] Reference for Species: Details about the mysterious species found in the Himalayas
- The tiny turtles, Tric and Trac, hailing from Corsica's A-Cupulatta Sanctuary, are part of an endangered species originally native to the Himalayas, making their relocation a significant step in environmental science and turtle conservation.
- As the sanctuary in Corsica nurtures these endangered turtles, striving to combat pollution, habitat loss, and illegal trading, they are contributing to global efforts in health-and-wellness and environmental-science, fostering a balance between man and nature.
- In addition to the conservational achievements in Corsica, this year will witness the birth of a Galapagos giant tortoise in Vero, making space-and-astronomy observers eager to follow the journey of this newly hatched species, symbolizing the triumph of life in the face of adversity and ordeals, further broadening the frontiers of science.